US Enforces Ban on Foreign-Made Consumer Internet Routers

Tue Mar 24 2026 04:58:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In response to national security threats, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the import of new foreign-made consumer internet routers, elevating cybersecurity measures against potential espionage and attacks.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new ban on all foreign-made consumer internet routers due to escalating national security concerns. This regulation, which equates routers to previously banned foreign drones, is aimed at preventing malicious cyberattacks that have previously targeted American infrastructure. Existing routers can still be used, but new models will require FCC approval. Companies wishing to sell foreign-made routers must undergo stringent scrutiny and provide plans for US-based manufacturing.

The US has banned new foreign-made consumer internet routers over national security concerns.

In an update on Monday to a list of equipment seen as not secure enough for use, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added all consumer-grade routers made outside the US.

This action puts routers—widely used to connect devices in homes and businesses—on par with foreign-made drones, which were prohibited at the end of last year.

According to the FCC, malicious actors have exploited security gaps in foreign-made routers to attack American households, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate intellectual property theft.

While people will still be able to use foreign-made routers they already own, the ban applies to all new device models.\

The ban stems from growing concern over the last year that routers were points of easy access for malicious actors. Popular brands such as TP-Link, made in China, became the focus of political anxiety in response to cyberattacks.

Moving forward, any new router manufactured outside the US will require FCC approval before it can be imported, marketed, or sold domestically. Companies must apply for conditional approval, disclosing information about foreign investors and plans to shift manufacturing to the US.

Some routers may be exempted by the Department of Defense or Homeland Security, though specific models have not yet been identified.

The FCC's decision is supported by concerns regarding national security risks, including cybersecurity attacks that could disrupt critical infrastructure. The agency noted that vulnerabilities in routers were linked to multiple cyberattacks targeting the US between 2024 and 2025.

The FCC's ban extends even to routers designed in the US but built overseas, affecting many popular brands in the marketplace. One exception is the Starlink WiFi router, reportedly manufactured in Texas by Elon Musk's SpaceX.