The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a reminder to the ICT industry: For any company involved in the design, manufacturing, or certification of communications equipment, this is a red alert that demands your attention.
On October 14, 2025, the FCC released a National Security Advisory to reiterate that any equipment or service on its Covered List poses an “unacceptable risk” to the United States. This isn’t new, but the advisory’s firm tone signals a renewed and serious focus on enforcement.
The Hidden Danger
Here’s where it gets tricky, especially for those of us in the testing and certification world. The FCC’s ban doesn’t just apply to the big names on the list; it extends to all of their subsidiaries and affiliates.
The FCC’s advisory includes extensive appendices listing these associated entities. This creates a complex web that manufacturers must navigate to ensure they are not inadvertently linked to a banned company.
What This Means for Your FCC Certification
For a product to receive FCC authorization, the manufacturer must attest that their equipment is not on the Covered List. This declaration has now become a major point of scrutiny for Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs).
- Extreme Due Diligence Required: You can no longer simply check if your company’s name is on the list. You must now conduct thorough due diligence on your entire corporate structure, including parent companies, sister companies, and subsidiaries, to prove you are not an affiliate of a blacklisted entity.
- Supply Chain Risk: The components and software you integrate into your products are also under the microscope.
- Prepare for Deeper Scrutiny: Expect TCBs to ask more questions and require more detailed documentation regarding your company’s ownership and affiliations.
In this heightened security environment, navigating the FCC’s requirements is more complex now. The FCC is serious about securing the nation’s communications infrastructure, and the responsibility is on manufacturers to prove they are not a risk. Before testing and certification, your first step should be a deep dive into your corporate family tree.
