The FCC has decided to ban all testing of electronic devices destined for the US market in Chinese laboratories. Devices sold in the US must pass FCC certifications verifying radio emissions and network compatibility—requirements that have historically been met through testing at manufacturers' R&D facilities in China. This marks a significant shift in how smartphones and other electronics will obtain certification for the American market.

Approximately 75% of all devices sold in the US currently rely on testing results from Chinese labs, according to the FCC. The decision follows years of the US designating China as a security threat. A 30-60 day public comment period will follow the FCC's decision, during which the agency can still make modifications to the ban. The FCC also proposed extending this restriction to any country lacking a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the US—China and the US do not have such an agreement.

Already certified devices can remain on shelves for two years before requiring re-certification, meaning current iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxy devices won't need immediate recertification. Manufacturers will need to ship devices from China to other countries for FCC-approved testing, adding significant cost and delay to the supply chain.