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Chinese smartphones face new hurdle for sales in the US

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Why This Matters

The FCC's proposed ban on recognizing foreign testing labs, particularly targeting Chinese certification bodies, could significantly impact Chinese smartphone manufacturers' ability to sell in the US market. This move underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions influencing tech regulations and supply chains, potentially limiting consumer access to certain devices. The decision may lead to increased certification costs and delays for manufacturers seeking US market entry, affecting both industry dynamics and consumer choices.

Key Takeaways

Tushar Mehta / Android Authority OnePlus 15 (left) and Nord 6 (right)

TL;DR The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new ban on non-US labs for certifying electronics.

The federal agency says it might bar devices certified by “bad labs” from being sold in the US.

While it hasn’t specifically targeted Chinese testing labs, the FCC has been pushing to limit the sale of devices with Chinese links in the US.

The agency will vote on the matter later this month.

The US government may soon expand its crackdown on electronic devices made outside of the US. In line with this effort, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), on the instructions of US President Donald Trump, will soon decide whether electronics tested in “foreign countries that have not signed agreements to recognize American test labs and certification bodies” should be banned in the US.

The FCC recently announced that it would vote to stop recognizing foreign laboratories from testing devices to be sold and used in the US. The Commission has reasoned that 75% of all the devices sold in the US are tested in countries that refuse to “commit to reciprocal treatment of U.S.-based labs.” While the agency did not explicitly name any country, Reuters suggests the move specifically targets devices certified by Chinese labs. While it does not immediately ban or restrict the sales of products by Chinese companies, it does complicate the process of becoming eligible for selling in the US.

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The vote, planned to take place on April 30, will cover devices including mobile phones, computers, and cameras, according to the report. The announcement comes just weeks after the FCC banned the sale of Wi-Fi routers made outside the US.

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