Chris Testa mapped every FCC‑accredited test lab, uncovering 591 facilities across 28 nations. The FCC is set to vote on April 30 to bar all labs in mainland China and Hong Kong, plus five others lacking a Mutual Recognition Agreement. That move would eliminate 131 labs, roughly one‑fifth of the global pool, reshaping where hardware manufacturers can certify products.

China and Hong Kong host 126 of those labs, many operated by Western conglomerates such as Intertek, SGS, and A2LA‑accredited UL. While the ban targets Chinese facilities, the parent companies keep US and European sites intact, leaving manufacturers to ship prototypes farther for testing. Taiwan, with 98 labs, becomes the largest non‑US market, offering a nearby alternative for firms tied to Shenzhen factories.

Out of 591 labs, 67 also serve as Telecommunication Certification Bodies, allowing a single‑step test‑and‑certify workflow that can shave one to two weeks off time‑to‑market. With only 460 labs remaining after the vote, engineers should prioritize active accreditation—most labs (414) are confirmed—and verify scope documents before committing. The ban will funnel volume toward verified, nearby facilities, tightening the certification supply chain.