Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program
Key claim: The FCC proposes to stop recognizing test labs, Testing Certification Bodies, and laboratory accreditation bodies located in non-MRA or non-trade-agreement countries to protect national security and intellectual property in the equipment authorization program.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Federal Communications Commission) The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) issues a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to cease recognition of test labs, Testing Certification Bodies (TCBs), and laboratory accreditation bodies in non-MRA or trade agreement participants (i.e., non-Reciprocal Territories). The Commission also seeks comment on modernizing data analytics capabilities, and explores additional measures to protect intellectual property and national security.
Why this matters
Equipment authorization is a de facto import gate for virtually all radio-frequency devices sold in the U.S., so restricting which foreign test labs and TCBs the FCC will recognize functions as a trade-adjacent conformity-assessment barrier tied to MRA and trade-agreement status. Importers and manufacturers currently relying on labs in non-MRA jurisdictions (notably China) would need to relocate testing, potentially raising compliance costs, lengthening time-to-market, and feeding into consumer electronics prices. The proposal also signals a broader U.S. trend of using conformity-assessment recognition as a national-security and IP-protection lever alongside tariffs and export controls.