U.S. Bans Use of All Foreign-Made Internet Routers, Including China’s TP-Link

The United States has prohibited the use of all foreign-made internet routers, including popular Chinese brand TP-Link, citing national security concerns. The move was announced on Tuesday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

On Monday, the FCC updated its list of devices deemed “not secure for use,” adding foreign routers to the list. The ban applies to all routers manufactured outside the United States. Authorities said the measure is aimed at preventing cyberattacks, espionage, and intellectual property theft targeting U.S. networks.

The FCC clarified that the ban does not affect users who already own foreign-made routers. However, from now on, no new foreign routers can be purchased or used without prior approval from the FCC.

The agency cited concerns that attackers could easily exploit router vulnerabilities to infiltrate networks, disrupt services, or steal sensitive data. Following a series of cyberattacks last year, routers—particularly the widely sold TP-Link models on platforms like Amazon—have become a focus of U.S. cybersecurity concerns.

Under the new rules, any foreign-made router must receive FCC approval before import, sale, or distribution in the United States. Manufacturers must disclose the identities of all investors and influential stakeholders and submit detailed plans to move production to the U.S. if required.

Some foreign routers may be exempt from the ban with approval from the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security, though no specific models have yet been named.

The FCC cited potential risks including disruption of U.S. supply chains and cyber threats to public safety and infrastructure. Investigations attribute three cyberattacks between 2024 and 2025—known as Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon—to routers manufactured overseas, with China implicated. Most of the world’s internet routers are produced in China and Taiwan.

Even if a router is designed in the U.S., it falls under the ban if manufactured abroad. Among U.S. brands, Netgear is popular but produced outside the country. Only Starlink claims its routers are made domestically in Texas.