The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has prohibited all Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices, including computers and smartphones, intended for the United States market.
Starting in December 2028, the FCC will only permit laboratories located within the United States or in reciprocal economies to conduct the testing required for US certification. Chinese facilities currently test and certify more than 80 per cent of the electronics destined for the US.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the move aligns with US President Donald Trump’s “broader effort to restore balance and fairness with respect to America’s dealings with foreign nations.”
Carr suggested that these laboratories might use a “privileged position” to allow “insecure gear into the US market, disrupt communications networks or even steal intellectual property.”
China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed “strong dissatisfaction” and warned that Beijing would take necessary measures to safeguard its interests. The Ministry of Commerce claimed the decision violates the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.
Beijing stated that the move seriously harms the interests of China and other trading partners while undermining the stability of China-US economic and trade relations. The Ministry of Commerce further alleged that the US uses administrative means to intervene in market choices and forcibly pushes testing backshoring, which raises costs for enterprises and prolongs product delivery cycles.
China's Ministry of Commerce argued that these actions will ultimately harm US consumers and companies, and it urged the United States to respect market rules and immediately revoke the measures. The Ministry of Commerce noted that China’s door to resolving issues through consultations is always open.
