The United States has announced a ban on new consumer internet routers manufactured abroad, citing rising national security risks and potential espionage threats. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirmed the move, which places foreign-made routers alongside drones, which were banned last year over similar concerns.
The ban applies only to new devices entering the US market. Existing routers will not be affected, but any foreign-made router will now require explicit government approval before it can be imported, sold, or marketed domestically. The FCC said the measure reflects the growing risk that internet routers—central to home and business networks—can serve as entry points for cyberattacks.
“Malicious actors have exploited security gaps in foreign-made routers to attack American households, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate intellectual property theft,” the FCC said in a statement. The agency cited several incidents between 2024 and 2025, including operations known as Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon, in which compromised networking equipment was reportedly used to target US infrastructure. US authorities have linked these attacks to actors associated with the Chinese government.
Under the new rules, manufacturers producing routers outside the US must apply for conditional approval, disclosing any foreign ownership or influence and providing plans to shift production to the United States. Limited exemptions may be granted if devices are cleared by national security agencies, such as the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security.
The ban affects all routers built overseas, including products designed by US companies but manufactured abroad. This could reshape global electronics supply chains, as the majority of consumer routers are currently produced in China and Taiwan. Popular brands such as TP-Link and even US companies like Netgear, which manufacture overseas, may need to adjust their operations to comply.
One exception is SpaceX’s Starlink router, which the company says is made in Texas. Analysts say the move reflects a broader push by the US to secure supply chains for technology deemed critical to national infrastructure. The decision is part of an ongoing effort to encourage domestic production in sectors related to communications, defense, and data security.
Experts warn the policy could accelerate a global technology decoupling, as governments prioritize security over cost efficiency. While the immediate impact on consumers and businesses may be limited, longer-term effects could include changes to pricing, availability, and innovation in networking equipment.
The FCC’s action underscores the US government’s view that digital infrastructure is now a strategic asset. The origin of devices such as routers is no longer a minor detail but a central concern in the country’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and reduce reliance on potentially vulnerable foreign technology.
