TECH

FCC Proposal Threatens Chinese Labs’ Dominance in U.S. Electronics Testing

Published: Oct. 13, 2026 6:49 p.m. GMT+8

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Photo: VCG

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is scheduled to vote Oct. 29 on a proposal that could end recognition of testing credentials from laboratories on the Chinese mainland, affecting facilities that handled testing for more than 80% of FCC certification applications last year.

If adopted, the rule would take effect Dec. 1, 2028, and bar the FCC from recognizing labs in jurisdictions without Mutual Recognition Agreements or comparable reciprocal arrangements with the U.S.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

FCC to vote Oct. 29 on ending recognition of Chinese mainland labs for device testing.
Rule would take effect Dec. 1, 2028; mainland lacks mutual recognition with U.S.
Over 82% of FCC applications last year involved these labs; rule adds ~$79.3M yearly costs.

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What Happened When

Oct. 29, 2026：: FCC is scheduled to vote on a proposal that could end recognition of testing credentials from laboratories on the Chinese mainland.

Dec. 1, 2028：: If the rule is adopted, it would take effect, barring FCC from recognizing labs in jurisdictions without Mutual Recognition Agreements or comparable reciprocal arrangements with the U.S.

AI generated, for reference only