On Sep. 11, 2026, FCC published its final rule in the federal register, closing gaps in its equipment authorization, modification, and marketing rules.
Final rule only covers 47 CFR 1 and 47 CFR 2; rules are effective October 13, 2026.
Prohibits authorization of devices that incorporate logic-bearing hardware components produced by an entity identified on the Commission's Covered List.
Requires full certification for any modification or permissive change to equipment by Covered List entities.
Clarifies marketing rules and requires online marketplaces to display a device's FCC ID at the online point of sale.
Revises the definition of critical infrastructure and corrects administrative rule errors.
On Dec. 4, FCC sought comment on modular transmitters, certification
Follows FCC Nov. 2025 prohibited modular transmitters as security risk, see #277450.
Proposal
Seeks comment on modular transmitters and component parts in regards to covered equipment, on definition of critical infrastructure, on certification, and on marketing.
Addresses the partial court remand of the decision in its November 2022 EA Security R&O by proposing a definition of critical infrastructure as used on the Covered List.
FCC also seeks comment on whether any modification to an authorized device by an entity identified on the Covered List should require a new application for certification.
Clarifies the scope of activities that constitute marketing of equipment and further clarifies the measures to strengthen enforcement of such marketing prohibitions.
Consultation
Comments are due on or before Jan. 5, 2026; reply comments due by Feb. 2, 2026.
Aug. 2026 FCC Strengthening the Program
On Aug. 7, 2026, FCC published a proposed rule and request for comment in the federal register on measures to strengthen the equipment authorization program.
Additional measures cover expansion, bifurcation of the covered list, disclosure requirements, certification requirements, pre-authorization, revocation, waivers, more.
Comments are due on or before Sep. 8, 2026, reply comments due by Sep. 21, 2026.
Follows Jul 23, 2026 FCC adoption of report and order re dangerous gear.
Sep. 2026 FCC Final Rule
On Sep. 11, 2026, FCC published its final rule in the federal register, closing gaps in its equipment authorization, modification, and marketing rules.
Final rule only covers 47 CFR 1 and 47 CFR 2; rules are effective October 13, 2026.
Prohibits authorization of devices that incorporate logic-bearing hardware components produced by an entity identified on the Commission's Covered List.
Requires full certification for any modification or permissive change to equipment by Covered List entities.
Clarifies marketing rules and requires online marketplaces to display a device's FCC ID at the online point of sale.
Revises the definition of critical infrastructure and corrects administrative rule errors.
