On March 23rd, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced new restrictions on certain foreign-manufactured consumer networking devices. Consumer network routers have been added to the FCC Cover List and may now require significantly expanded documentation and review before they are approved for US markets (click here for FCC announcement). We’d like to share some key facts about this change to help our current and potential partners understand how this decision might impact their business:
1. This change only applies to new devices
Any foreign-made routers already authorized by the FCC can still be sold to US consumers. US consumers can continue to use any foreign-made routers that they already own. This decision essentially subjects new foreign-made routers to more-complex FCC authorization procedures that they may not be eligible for.
2. Conditional approval procedures are available for device manufacturers
The FCC has provided guidance for applications to request conditional approval for exemption from this prohibition. The process involves submitting extensive information about your company, your manufacturing and supply chain, and any future plans to move your products’ manufacturing to the USA. However, approval is not guaranteed. To see the FCC’s guidance for conditional approval submissions, click here.
As you review the FCC’s conditional approval procedures, please note that authorization requirements and guidance may expand or evolve over time.
3. Depending on how you use your 8devices components, you may or may not need to certify your device
8devices SoMs are certified by the FCC as client devices. Depending on how you’ve integrated the module and how your end product operates, additional FCC testing or certification of your finished product may still be required. Customers using our modules in access point, router, or other non-client operating modes should expect additional certification obligations to apply.
4. 8devices can help our partners provide documentation
The FCC’s conditional approval process requires manufacturers to submit bills of materials, component country of origin information, and other types of documentation regarding hardware and software product components. If you use 8devices hardware or software in your router, we are aware of these requirements and prepared to assist with any documentation you may need to submit your conditional approval request.
5. 8devices is not responsible for securing conditional approval for your product
While we are prepared to support our clients and partners by providing documentation related to our products where available, the FCC application, submission, and approval process remains the responsibility of the end product manufacturer. We cannot influence or guarantee the outcome of any FCC authorization process that your end product is subject to.
If you have any questions or require assistance navigating these or other relevant regulations, we invite you to reach out to our engineers for a consultation to discuss your compliance strategy.
