U.S. Retailers Remove Millions of Banned Chinese Electronics Amid National Security Crackdown
WASHINGTON, Oct 10 (Reuters) – Major U.S. online retailers have removed millions of listings for Chinese electronics that are either banned or unauthorized, following a crackdown led by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency confirmed on Friday.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said in an interview that the products pulled from online platforms include home security cameras, smartwatches, and other electronic devices from companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Dahua Technology, and Hangzhou Hikvision. These firms have been previously cited by the U.S. government as posing national security risks.
The removed items were either explicitly barred under U.S. law or had not received proper FCC authorization for sale in the country.
“This is part of a broader effort to ensure that prohibited electronics, especially those that could be used for surveillance or data interference, do not make it into American homes or networks,” Carr said. “We’re going to keep our efforts up.”
Carr noted that the online retail platforms involved have begun implementing new safeguards to block such listings in the future, following engagement and oversight from the FCC.
National Security Concerns Drive Action
The FCC issued a new national security notice this week, warning U.S. companies about specific categories of prohibited electronics, particularly video surveillance equipment. Carr emphasized the dangers posed by some of these devices, stating they could be exploited by the Chinese government to “surveil Americans, disrupt communications networks, and otherwise threaten U.S. national security.”
In recent years, the United States has escalated efforts to restrict the influence and access of Chinese technology firms in the domestic market, citing concerns over espionage, data privacy, and the integrity of critical infrastructure. The latest move represents another front in a growing U.S.-China tech conflict that spans industries such as telecommunications, semiconductors, and connected consumer devices.
FCC Plans Tougher Rules
Earlier this week, the FCC announced its intention to tighten rules on the sale of telecommunications equipment from Chinese firms deemed national security threats. A vote on the proposed measures is scheduled for October 28.
Under the proposed rules, the FCC would not only bar the future authorization of devices containing components from companies on its “Covered List”—a blacklist of entities deemed security threats—but also gain the authority to revoke authorization for previously approved devices in certain cases.
Companies currently on the Covered List include Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile, China Telecom, and others. In March, the FCC expanded its investigations to include nine Chinese companies, such as Hytera Communications, Pacific Networks (ComNet), Dahua, and China Unicom Americas.
The FCC has also taken actions beyond product bans. Last month, it launched proceedings to revoke recognition of seven testing laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government, citing concerns over the reliability and neutrality of their certifications for devices entering the U.S. market.
Beijing’s Response Unclear
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the FCC’s latest actions.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials continue to argue that these steps are necessary to protect sensitive information, communication systems, and the personal privacy of American citizens.
“The stakes are too high to allow unauthorized or high-risk devices to remain unchecked in our commercial ecosystem,” Carr said.
As the U.S. strengthens its regulatory barriers against Chinese tech, companies and consumers alike may see further changes in what products are available for sale online. The FCC has made it clear that its scrutiny of electronic imports and foreign-linked tech firms will only intensify moving forward.
