Trump administration bans imports of new foreign-made routers over security risks

The Trump administration has implemented a sweeping ban on imports of new foreign-made consumer routers.

“After pressure from regulatory committees about fears of Chinese spies and botnets, the FCC has placed a ban on all new foreign-made consumer routers”

AppleInsider

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries to its Covered List.

Ars Technica

This prohibits new models from receiving FCC equipment authorization required for importation, marketing, or sale in the United States.

The determination followed a White House-convened review that concluded such devices "pose unacceptable risks to national security or safety and security of U.S. persons."

The ban highlights both supply chain vulnerabilities and severe cybersecurity risks threatening critical infrastructure.

China is estimated to control at least 60% of the U.S. market for home routers.

The FCC emphasized malicious actors have exploited security gaps in foreign-made routers for attacks, espionage, and intellectual property theft.

The FCC cited involvement in major cyberattacks like Volt and Salt Typhoon.

The FCC's router ban will significantly impact U.S. consumers and the tech market.

Consumers can continue using previously purchased routers and retailers may still sell previously approved models.

Associated Press News

Once existing stock is depleted, consumers may face limited selection and higher prices.

American companies will need to establish domestic manufacturing or seek special approval for new products.

TechRepublic noted the move "could reshape the US tech supply chain and impact pricing and availability."

ConsumerAffairs explained that "any new models of foreign-made routers will be barred from entering the U.S. market unless they receive special clearance."

Virtually all routers are manufactured overseas, including those from U.S.-based companies.

Most of the router market will be affected by the new restrictions.

The router ban has triggered varied responses from tech companies.

“Trump administration bans import of new foreign-made routers, citing supply chain and security risks Trump administration bans import of new foreign-made routers, citing supply chain and security risks WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has banned imports of new, foreign-made routers citing supply chain vulnerability and cybersecurity risks”

Associated Press News

Representative John Moolenaar praised the FCC order for protecting against China's cyberattacks.

Netgear commended the administration's action toward a safer digital future.

TP-Link has become a focal point in the controversy.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TP-Link for allegedly allowing Beijing access to American consumers' devices.

TP-Link defended itself, stating the Chinese government had no ownership or control.

TP-Link described Netgear's concerns as a "smear campaign" protecting market share.

AppleInsider noted TP-Link offers affordable routers and the ban could benefit Netgear.

The router ban represents part of a broader Trump administration strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

President Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy emphasized independence from outside powers for core components.

Digital Trends

This principle is directly reflected in the FCC's router restrictions.

The action follows a similar FCC determination in December 2025 banning Chinese drones.

This indicates a pattern of targeting foreign-produced communications equipment.

The FCC's Covered List is governed by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

This requires the Commission to update the list only at direction of national security authorities.

Equipment on the Covered List is prohibited from getting FCC equipment authorization.

The ban includes exemptions for routers granted "Conditional Approval" by DoD or DHS.

TechRepublic observed this reflects "a growing war over cybersecurity and national control."