Does the FCC’s new router ruling affect what I’m installing, or only what comes next?
The short answer is that this is narrower than some of the early headlines made it sound, but it still matters for residential network design and product selection. On March 23, 2026, the FCC updated its Covered List to include routers produced in a foreign country, except routers that receive Conditional Approval by DoW or DHS. Because equipment on the Covered List cannot receive new FCC equipment authorization in the ordinary course, new covered models now face a much tighter path to being imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.
On March 23, 2026, the FCC added routers produced in a foreign country to its Covered List, except routers granted Conditional Approval by DoW or DHS. Once equipment is on that list, it cannot move through the standard FCC equipment authorization path. In practical terms, that blocks new covered models from entering the U.S. market the way they could before, unless they clear that separate approval process.
For integrators, this a forward-looking issue. The biggest effect is on fu ture covered models, future approvals, and future product planning.
This ruling did not prohibit the continued use of routers that were already lawfully purchased or previously authorized. The FCC’s fact sheet says the update does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of existing device models the FCC had already authorized before the March 23 change.
For the client sitting in a finished home, nothing changes overnight. For the integrator choosing what to specify next, quite a bit does.
Router Scope Screening Guide
Built and marketed as consumer or prosumer products for home use.
Products intended mainly for home use are in the frame.
Products that can be set up by the end user without a professional.
Production location is part of the FCC's framework.
Modem/router combos from an ISP can qualify if they meet the definition.
These models cannot move through the standard FCC equipment authorization path unless they receive conditional approval.