# FCC Restricts Chinese Data-Center Components

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented and is expanding regulatory restrictions targeting imports of Chinese-made optical transceivers used in AI data centers and foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotics devices. These actions, driven by national security and supply chain resilience concerns, prohibit new models of these foreign components from receiving FCC equipment authorization required for import, marketing, or sale in the U.S. unless granted Conditional Approval by the Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The restrictions became effective for power inverters on July 28, 2026, with Conditional Approval applications due by January 1, 2028. This regulatory environment significantly impacts government and commercial procurement strategies for data center infrastructure, renewable energy equipment, and robotics, emphasizing the need for compliance with domestic content and cybersecurity requirements.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals must adjust sourcing strategies away from Chinese optical transceivers and foreign-made power inverters to comply with FCC import bans and authorization requirements.
- Government contractors and vendors in AI infrastructure, renewable energy, and robotics sectors should evaluate supply chain risks and consider alternative U.S. suppliers such as Coherent and Lumentum, despite potential capacity constraints.
- Contractual provisions should address FCC authorization risks and compliance timelines, including the January 1, 2028 deadline for Conditional Approval applications.
- Organizations involved in procurement should monitor FCC Covered List updates and coordinate with DoD and DHS for possible Conditional Approvals to maintain operational continuity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Cybersecurity
**Published:** August 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- White House

### Vendors
- Zhongji Innolight (China-based optical transceiver maker)
- Coherent (Alternative U.S. supplier)
- Lumentum (Alternative U.S. supplier)

### Key Quotes
> Applicants must submit Conditional Approval applications for both foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotics devices by January 1, 2028, to be evaluated.
> — John F. Korba, Of Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP

> Companies may still request Conditional Approvals that would except the devices from the Covered List and allow the devices in question to receive new FCC equipment authorizations.
> — John T. Dunlap, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP

> The United States should focus on building better technology and more infrastructure rather than banning Chinese AI.
> — Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta

### Sources
- [U.S. weighs restricting China-made optical transceivers used in AI data centers](https://www.digitaltoday.co.kr/en/view/89415/us-considers-phasing-out-china-made-optical-transceivers-for-ai-data-centers) - 디지털투데이
- [FCC Takes Aim at Chinese Data-Center Supply Chain - Washington Trade & Tariff Letter](https://www.wttlonline.com/stories/fcc-takes-aim-at-chinese-data-center-supply-chain,15503) - wttlonline.com
- [FCC Takes Aim at Chinese Data-Center Supply Chain - The Export Practitioner](https://www.exportprac.com/stories/fcc-takes-aim-at-chinese-data-center-supply-chain,15503) - The Export Practitioner