The FCC voted unanimously Thursday to advance a proposal that would ban Chinese labs from testing smartphones, computers, cameras, and other electronics for the U.S. market.
The move targets national security risks posed by China, the country where roughly three-quarters of U.S. electronics are currently tested, according to the FCC. Devices must pass FCC authorization tests for radio emissions, network compatibility, and other regulatory requirements before they can be sold in the United States.
Under the proposal, testing labs in China would be barred from conducting these evaluations. Labs in the U.S. or allied countries would receive a streamlined approval process instead.
Thursday’s vote moves the agency closer to finalizing the rule. The FCC will next publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, followed by a 30- to 60-day public comment period.
Major smartphone makers including Apple, Samsung, and Google, along with other manufacturers, testing labs, industry groups, and foreign governments, will have the opportunity to submit feedback, objections, and alternative suggestions during the comment window.