The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a new decision banning the testing of electronic devices to be marketed in the United States in China-based laboratories. This decision aims to ensure that critical certification processes such as radio emissions and network compatibility are no longer carried out at facilities in China.

About 75 percent of devices sold in the United States today rely on laboratories in China for testing results. The FCC states that this move has been long awaited because the United States sees China as a security threat.

New era in the certification process

The FCC initiated a 30- to 60-day public opinion process to receive comments from industry representatives and consumers regarding the ban. The board retains the authority to make changes to the ban based on feedback.

In addition, the FCC introduced a separate proposal that would ban testing in all countries that do not have a mutual recognition agreement (MRA). Since there is no MRA between the US and China, this step directly affects all testing activities in China.

If the proposal is accepted, already certified devices are not expected to be affected. The devices will be able to remain in the US market for two years without requiring re-certification.

This means existing iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy models will not need to be retested before being withdrawn from the market. However, the process will change considerably for smartphones to be produced in the future.

A difficult period begins for manufacturers

Future devices will need to be shipped to other countries with FCC-approved laboratories. This obligation brings about a logistics process that is both costly and time-consuming for manufacturers.

The FCC sees this step as part of its technological security measures. It becomes mandatory for manufacturers to comply with new certification rules before introducing their devices to the US market.

How do you think this new regulation will affect smartphone prices and release dates?