As expected, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved new rules that it says will support the integrity and security of electronic device testing laboratories and services.
In late April, the Commission voted to enact a rulemaking detailed in a draft Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will ban recognition of testing labs, testing certification bodies, and laboratory accreditation bodies located in or operating within countries that do not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or reciprocal trade agreement in effect with the U.S.
Specifically, the new rules will:
- Require all test labs and telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs) to provide the Commission with the names of all foreign employees involved in testing and certification activities;
- Update post-market surveillance and enforcement procedures and establish confidential communications channels to report potential violations or national security concerns;
- Develop a consolidated list of prohibited testing labs to facilitate more efficient applicant screening; and
- Provide an expedited review process for devices tested by “Trusted Test Labs,” that is, labs based in the U.S. or in a country with an MRA or comparable trade agreement in effect.
The new regulations detailed in the Second Report and Order will take effect as of June 1, 2026.
Read the FCC’s Second Report and Order implementing their updated regulations regarding testing labs and certification bodies.
