FCC Equipment Authorization Program – National Security & Trusted Test Labs

Current understanding

To be populated as evidence accumulates.

Evidence log

• 2026-09-11 — Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program: FCC final rule closes the component-part loophole by refusing authorization for devices containing logic-bearing hardware from Covered List entities, requires full recertification (not permissive changes) for any equipment modifications by listed entities, and mandates that online marketplaces display the FCC ID at point of sale. (novelty: 3)
• 2025-02-20 — DEFENSE Act: DEFENSE Act (introduced) contemplates a federally curated authorized-equipment list for state/local counter-UAS operations, a parallel security-driven equipment-vetting regime distinct from FCC equipment authorization but relevant to how counter-drone RF gear is approved for deployment. (novelty: 3)
• 2024-04-30 — Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024: cross-connection with spectrum-national-security-act: Both frame communications policy around national-security screening—one for spectrum allocation decisions, the other for equipment authorization. (novelty: 3)
• 2026-07-14 — Blocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026: House companion HR9687 to the Blocking CCP Spy Tech Act was referred to House Energy and Commerce and Armed Services, indicating bicameral legislative interest that could reinforce the FCC’s prohibited-entity screening and Covered List frameworks underpinning equipment authorization. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-05-20 — Blocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026: Blocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026 (S4586) was introduced and referred to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, signaling continued congressional interest in restricting CCP-linked technology that could complement the FCC’s prohibited-entity screening and Covered List frameworks used in equipment authorization. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-07-27 — Review of Submarine Cable Landing License Rules and Procedures To Assess Evolving National Security, Law Enforcement, Foreign Policy, and Trade Policy Risks: cross-connection with submarine-cable-landing-licenses: Parallel FCC efforts embedding national-security conditions and trusted-supplier considerations into telecom equipment and infrastructure licensing. (novelty: 3)
• 2026-05-08 — Protecting Against National Security Threats in Domestic Telecommunications Service: FCC NPRM proposes to extend Covered List consequences beyond equipment authorization by barring listed entities from blanket section 214 domestic interstate service authority, aligning the domestic-service regime with the prohibited-entity screening used in equipment certification. (novelty: 3)
• 2026-05-15 — Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program: FCC final rule (May 2026) formalizes fast-track review for Trusted Test Labs, updates post-market surveillance, establishes confidential reporting channels for national security concerns, consolidates the prohibited-entity screening list, and aligns publicly traded applicant ownership reporting timelines with SEC requirements. (novelty: 3)

Open questions

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