FCC Blocks Devices Containing Huawei Subsidiary Chips
Federal regulators denied equipment authorization for two products containing prohibited components from HiSilicon.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Semiconductors
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The FCC has blocked a dashboard camera and a wireless video transmitter from receiving mandatory equipment authorization. These devices were rejected because they contain chips manufactured by HiSilicon, a Huawei subsidiary currently on the agency's Covered List.
Why it matters
The FCC prohibits the use of smart components from companies deemed national security risks in connected electronic equipment. This enforcement action underscores the agency's ongoing commitment to removing potentially hazardous technology from the U.S. market.
The rejected hardware incorporated the Hi3516CV610 system-on-chip, a component designed to support human-face detection algorithms. All telecommunications and connected electronic devices must receive equipment authorization before they can be sold in the U.S.
The players
Federal Communications Commission
The independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
HiSilicon
A semiconductor company and subsidiary of Huawei that designs integrated circuits and system-on-chip solutions for various electronic devices.
Huawei
A multinational technology company that has faced significant U.S. trade and national security restrictions regarding its telecommunications infrastructure and hardware components.
The details
The FCC did not confirm whether the blocked devices had engaged in unauthorized surveillance, but the agency maintains that the presence of such chips poses a national security risk. Manufacturers are required to secure authorization to ensure compliance with sourcing standards that target entities on the FCC Covered List.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: New federal restrictions on component sourcing took effect.
October 2026: The FCC announced this enforcement action.
The Tech Race
This enforcement action aligns with the broader U.S. strategy of decoupling from supply chains that rely on technologies associated with potential national security threats. By targeting specific surveillance-capable chips, the government is forcing a shift toward hardware alternatives that do not originate from entities on the FCC Covered List.
The blocked devices cannot be legally sold in the U.S. market, preventing potential security vulnerabilities from reaching consumer homes. Buyers should remain aware that future restrictions may further limit the availability of connected electronics containing hardware from blacklisted entities.
The takeaway
Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing the hardware supply chain to mitigate security risks in common consumer electronics. Consumers should verify that their smart devices comply with current standards to ensure their data remains secure from potential surveillance-capable components.
Further reading
For additional context on the regulatory landscape for chip manufacturing, visit Semiconductors.
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Should the U.S. block electronic devices containing components from companies identified as national security risks?
