FCC Proposes New Regulations to Enhance National Security in Equipment Authorization

FCC's New Regulatory Proposal

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing robust new regulations to safeguard national security by tightening controls on its equipment authorization program.

This program, which certifies wireless devices for sale or importation into the United States, ensures compliance with FCC standards, including those essential to national security.

The proposed rules aim to permanently bar entities listed on the FCC's Covered List from any participation in the equipment authorization process. This initiative is designed to empower the FCC and its national security partners with the necessary tools to secure the program against potential threats.

Key Provisions

• Establishing a 10% ownership or control threshold for laboratories or Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs) linked to entities on the Covered List.
• A 5% threshold for mandatory reporting.

Regulatory Impact

• Top Priority: Yes
• Type of Certificate: No
• Spectrum Bands: No
• Import Changes HS Codes: Yes
• Standard Changes: Yes
• Product Changes: Yes
• Label Changes: No

Link to Source - https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-national-security-protections-equipment-program