WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) – The Federal Communications Commission will vote on May 22 to finalize a rule that will bar Chinese labs deemed a risk to U.S. national security from testing electronic devices like smartphones, cameras and computers for use in the United States.
All electronics used in the United States must go through the FCC’s equipment authorization process before they can be imported.
“We’re addressing another potential loophole in our national security process by ensuring that only trustworthy labs can participate in our process,” FCC Chair Brendan Carr said in an interview.
The FCC in November 2022 banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE, as well as telecom and video surveillance equipment from Hytera Communications Corp (002583.SZ), opens new tab, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology (002415.SZ), opens new tab and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co (002236.SZ), opens new tab. FCC staff estimate that roughly 75% of all electronics are tested at labs located inside China.
“If you have an untrustworthy lab that is supposed to be making sure that Huawei or ZTE equipment isn’t sneaking into the country, that’s potentially a problem,” Carr said.
The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.