Understanding how new FCC restrictions affect ISP-grade equipment and consumer routing platforms.
The FCC has expanded its Covered List to include foreign-made consumer routers, effectively restricting approval and import of new devices in this category.
This action does not impact currently deployed equipment, but it introduces long-term considerations for supply chain availability, especially for providers relying on cost-effective edge hardware such as MikroTik hAP and hEX platforms.
What the FCC Import Ban Does
The FCC is not banning routers already in use. Instead, it is:
- Blocking new equipment authorizations
- Restricting the import of new foreign-made consumer routers
- Expanding enforcement through the Covered List
Without FCC approval, new devices cannot legally be imported or sold in the U.S.
What Is Not Affected
- Existing deployed routers
- The current inventory is already in distribution
- Previously approved hardware models
Your current network remains fully operational and compliant.
Impact on ISP-Grade MikroTik Equipment (CCR / CRS)
Core MikroTik platforms such as CCR (Cloud Core Routers) and CRS switching systems are not the primary targets of this FCC action.
- Classified as enterprise or ISP infrastructure
- Not considered consumer-grade routers
- No immediate deployment or compliance impact
However, long-term policy expansion could bring additional scrutiny to foreign-manufactured infrastructure platforms.
Impact on Consumer and CPE Devices (hAP / hEX)
Consumer and subscriber-edge devices are where the impact becomes operationally significant.
- hAP and hEX devices may fall into consumer router categories
- New models may face approval or import restrictions -- Only for new consumer routers.
- Future availability may become limited -- Only for new consumer routers.
WISPs relying on these platforms for customer deployments should monitor supply closely, however, there is no expected availability issues with WISP or ISP platform routers. Specifically CCRs, CRS, etc, should be excluded from this action.
Operational Impact for ISPs and WISPs
Short-Term:
- No immediate disruption
- Normal operations continue
Mid-Term:
- Supply tightening
- Increased hardware costs
Long-Term:
- Potential vendor diversification
- Mixed hardware environments
Recommended Actions
- Maintain inventory of critical CPE hardware
- Monitor FCC Covered List updates
- Evaluate alternative vendor options for edge devices
- Avoid over-dependence on new, unproven hardware models
Final Thoughts
The FCC router import restriction is a forward-looking policy targeting future supply chains rather than existing deployments. For MikroTik users, core infrastructure remains unaffected today, but consumer and subscriber-edge devices represent the primary area of risk moving forward.
References
- FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Made Consumer Routers, Prohibiting Approval of New Models
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-420034A1.pdf - FAQs on Recent Updates to FCC Covered List Regarding Routers Produced in Foreign Countries
https://www.fcc.gov/faqs-recent-updates-fcc-covered-list-regarding-routers-produced-foreign-countries - US regulator bans imports of new foreign-made routers, citing security concerns
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/fcc-banning-imports-new-chinese-made-routers-citing-security-concerns-2026-03-23/ - The US government just banned consumer routers made outside the US
https://www.theverge.com/news/899172/fcc-foreign-router-ban - National Security Determination on the Threat Posed by Foreign-Produced Routers
https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/NSD-Routers0326.pdf
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