What You Need to Know About the Foreign-Made Router Ban in the US
The FCC has banned the sale of new consumer-grade Wi-Fi routers manufactured outside the United States due to national security concerns, though existing routers are unaffected. Manufacturers can apply for exemptions through a Conditional Approval process involving the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. The ban aims to strengthen cybersecurity in home networks and encourages onshoring of router production.
- ▪The ban applies only to new consumer routers made outside the US and does not affect devices already in use or on the market.
- ▪Routers from major brands like Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, Eero, and Google Nest are impacted because most are manufactured overseas.
- ▪Manufacturers must submit detailed information about ownership, component origin, and US manufacturing plans to seek Conditional Approval.
- ▪Foreign-made components in US-assembled routers do not automatically make the device 'covered' under the ban.
- ▪No manufacturers have received Conditional Approval yet, but the FCC expects timely decisions as the process unfolds.
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Simon HillGearMar 24, 2026 2:59 PMEverything You Need to Know About the Foreign-Made Router Ban in the USThe FCC just banned the sale of new consumer-grade Wi-Fi routers manufactured outside the US. Here’s what it means for you.Photograph: Future Publishing/Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyThe Federal Communications Commission has banned new consumer internet routers manufactured outside the US, citing national security concerns. The ban doesn’t affect any routers already in American homes or currently on sale in the US, but all new routers aimed at the consumer market will need to be approved.While the headline is that foreign-made consumer routers are banned, manufacturers can apply for exemptions.
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