FCC to Ban All Chinese Labs from Testing and Certifying Electronics for US Market
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously approved a proposal to ban all Chinese laboratories from testing and certifying electronic devices, such as smartphones, cameras, and computers, intended for the U.S. market. The FCC has set a two-year transition period to gradually revoke the accreditation of Chinese laboratories.
The FCC revealed in a statement that approximately 75% of U.S. electronic products are currently tested in China. After the proposal takes effect, the FCC will no longer recognize laboratories and testing institutions from countries "that have not signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement or other equivalent reciprocal trade agreement" with the United States.
At the same time, the FCC plans to establish a "green channel" for laboratories located in the United States or countries with reciprocal agreements with the U.S., simplifying the approval process for "trusted laboratories."
The FCC Chairman stated that the U.S. should not allow foreign competitors or entities on sanction lists to test and certify electronic devices.
In May of last year, the FCC tightened certification for testing institutions in China, Russia, and other countries. To date, the FCC has revoked the accreditation of 23 overseas laboratories.
Analysts point out that this ban will directly impact a large number of international technology companies that rely on Chinese testing institutions. Due to China's mature testing infrastructure and economies of scale, many electronic device manufacturers choose to conduct certification in China.
Once the ban is implemented, relevant companies will have to readjust their certification processes and turn to laboratories in the United States or other countries.