# FCC Proposes Device Lab Onshoring Rules

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed rules that would limit recognized device testing, certification, and accreditation to U.S. laboratories or laboratories in economies that provide reciprocal recognition. The FCC has scheduled a vote on the proposal for October 29, 2026; if adopted, the requirements are proposed to begin December 1, 2028. Electronics manufacturers, testing laboratories, and government buyers relying on FCC-related device approvals could face changes to testing locations and supplier arrangements, particularly where testing depends on China or Hong Kong.

- Companies can map laboratory locations, recognition status, ownership, and supplier-arranged testing to identify exposure to the proposed restrictions.
- Manufacturers and procurement teams can assess alternative lab capacity, transition costs, and product schedules ahead of the proposed December 1, 2028 start date.
- Because the rules remain a proposal pending the FCC vote, organizations should distinguish proposed requirements from adopted requirements when making sourcing and compliance decisions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

### Sources
- [FCC Moves to Require Onshoring or Reciprocal Recognition of Device Test Labs - Exiger](https://www.exiger.com/perspectives/fcc-moves-to-require-onshoring-or-reciprocal-recognition-of-device-test-labs) - Exiger
- [Chairman Carr Proposes Device Test Lab Onshoring, Reciprocity Rules | Federal Communications Commission](https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-carr-proposes-device-test-lab-onshoring-reciprocity-rules) - FCC