TECH

U.S. Moves to Block Chinese Labs From Certifying Electronics

Published: May. 4, 2026 3:19 p.m. GMT+8

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The proposal stipulates that testing labs and certification bodies in countries that lack either an MRA with the U.S. or a comparable reciprocal trade agreement will lose Federal Communications Commission recognition. Photo: VCG

The U.S. has proposed new rules that would bar testing laboratories in countries lacking mutual recognition agreements (MRAs), including China, from certifying electronic equipment for the U.S. market.

If implemented, the measure could cut off more than 150 testing facilities on the Chinese mainland from certifying electronics exports, raising costs for many manufacturers with U.S. operations while escalating technological tensions between Washington and Beijing.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

US proposes FCC rules barring labs in non-MRA countries like China from certifying electronics, affecting 155 mainland facilities.
Accreditation to phase out in 2 years, increasing manufacturer costs and tensions.
China condemns move; follows July 2025 rules revoking 15 Chinese labs.

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Who’s Who

Omdia: Omdia is a consultancy firm. Yang Guang, its chief analyst of telecom strategy, stated that global regulators authorize third-party labs for efficiency, allowing U.S.-bound products to be tested abroad. Loss of FCC authorization for Chinese labs would force manufacturers to seek alternatives, raising time and costs.

AI generated, for reference only