The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a fresh move to tighten restrictions on Chinese technology, seeking to ban the import of certain equipment already approved for use in the United States. The action marks a continuation of Washington’s broader crackdown on Chinese made telecom and surveillance devices over national security concerns.
The regulator had earlier placed companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Dahua and Hytera on its “Covered List,” identifying them as potential risks. In 2022, the agency stopped approving new models from these firms, and it is now considering extending the restriction to previously authorised devices still being imported into the country.
According to the FCC, the proposal is aimed at protecting the U.S. communications sector by limiting exposure to equipment that could pose security threats. While the new plan would not affect devices already purchased and in use, it could quickly halt further imports once finalised, preventing a surge in last minute shipments before the rule takes effect.
The move follows a series of similar actions by the agency, including recent bans on Chinese drones and consumer internet routers, as well as restrictions on testing labs linked to the Chinese government. Legal battles have also emerged, with Hikvision challenging the policy in court, though a U.S. appeals court in 2025 upheld earlier FCC restrictions, reinforcing the government’s stance on tightening control over foreign technology in critical infrastructure.