The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reminding retailers that two-way VHF/UHF radios are not exempt from FCC regulations and must be authorized by the Commission prior to their being imported, advertised or sold in the U.S.
In an Enforcement Advisory issued earlier this week, the Commission notes a marked increase in the number of retailers and websites advertising and selling low-cost, two-way VHF/UHF radios. According to the FCC, many of these radios have not been approved for importation or sale in the U.S. and are not compliant with one or more of the applicable technical requirements intended to minimize interference with authorized spectrum users.
The single exception to the Commission’s VHF/UHF requirements is for those devices that operate solely on frequencies identified for the exclusive use of licensed amateur radio service operators. Two-way VHF/UHF radios that operate on both amateur frequencies and other frequency bands must hold FCC equipment certification prior to their importation, marketing or sale.
Under the Communications Act, violations of the FCC’s marketing rules are subject to daily monetary fines of as much as $19,639 per day, up to $147,290 for an ongoing violation.
Read the complete text of the Commission’s Enforcement Advisory regarding two-way VHF/UHF radios.
