FCC Limits Device Test Labs to U.S. and Reciprocal Countries

New federal rules restrict recognition of electronic device testing labs to those in the United States or in countries with reciprocal agreements.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Consumer Electronics

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a shielded navy test chamber with cream absorber wedges and a single crimson antenna cone, evoking federal device-testing oversight. — The Federal Communications Commission adopted final rules limiting recognition of device testing labs to those in the United States or in countries granting reciprocal recognition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted final rules that limit recognition of labs testing electronic devices to those located in the United States or in countries granting U.S. labs reciprocal recognition. Electronic devices must be tested at an FCC-recognized lab before they can be used or marketed in the U.S.

Why it matters

The rules change the regulatory regime that governs how consumer electronics sold in the United States are tested for compliance. They also codify similar restrictions on telecommunications certification bodies and laboratory accreditation bodies, reflecting existing practice.

Under the new rules, FCC recognition of test labs is restricted to facilities located in the U.S. or in countries granting U.S. labs reciprocal recognition, with the restriction taking effect December 1, 2028. Restrictions for telecommunications certification bodies and laboratory accreditation bodies follow a similar structure.

The players

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC is the U.S. federal agency that regulates interstate and international communications and oversees equipment authorization for electronic devices.

The details

The FCC adopted the final rules, which alter its regulatory regime for testing electronic devices used by U.S. consumers. The rules also codify restrictions on telecommunications certification bodies and laboratory accreditation bodies that mirror the test lab limits.

November 5, 2026: FCC adopts final rules restricting device test lab recognition.
December 1, 2028: Lab recognition restrictions take effect.

Tech Race

The rules extend the FCC's equipment authorization framework, which requires electronic devices to be tested at FCC-recognized labs before they can be sold in the United States. By narrowing recognition to U.S. labs and reciprocal-country labs, the change tightens how that long-standing authorization process is administered.

Consumers buying electronic devices in the United States will continue to rely on products tested at FCC-recognized labs, which after December 1, 2028 must be located in the U.S. or in reciprocal-recognition countries. Manufacturers will need to route device testing accordingly before that date.

The takeaway

Manufacturers selling electronics in the United States should plan testing arrangements well before December 1, 2028, when lab recognition limits take effect. Consumers can expect the FCC testing requirement to remain the gatekeeper for devices sold domestically.