Federal Register #2026-09821

FCC Proposes Rule to Restrict Recognition of Foreign Telecom Test Labs and Certification Bodies

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule to restrict recognition of foreign telecommunications test labs and certification bodies. - Proposal would end recognition of test laboratories, Testing Certification Bodies (TCBs), and laboratory accreditation bodies located in countries without a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or trade agreement with the U.S. - Only U.S.-based or reciprocal country labs and certification bodies would be recognized for equipment authorization - Aims to enhance national security and protect intellectual property in telecommunications equipment testing and certification - Seeks input on modernizing FCC data analytics and equipment authorization databases - No specific OEMs, vendors, or products are named; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement - No products or services are being directly requested or purchased

Description

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposes to cease recognition of test labs, Testing Certification Bodies (TCBs), and laboratory accreditation bodies in countries without Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) or trade agreements with the U.S. The proposal aims to enhance national security and protect intellectual property by restricting equipment authorization testing to U.S. or reciprocal countries. The FCC also seeks comments on modernizing data analytics capabilities and improving the equipment authorization process. Comments are due by June 15, 2026, with reply comments due by July 14, 2026.

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