Regulatory Compliance News

Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program

The FCC has introduced a significant rule aimed at bolstering the integrity and security of its Equipment Authorization Program, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring that radiofrequency-emitting devices comply with U.S. technical and national security standards. Under this new rule, the Commission now explicitly prohibits any Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs), test laboratories, or laboratory accreditation bodies from being owned by, controlled by, or subject to the direction of so-called “prohibited entities,” including those listed on the FCC's Covered List, the Department of Treasury’s NS-CMIC list, or the Department of Commerce’s foreign adversaries list. This restriction extends to situations where such entities hold 10 percent or more equity or voting interest, and the rule also bars the reliance on any certifications or testing performed by these disallowed parties—even under the supplier’s declaration of conformity (SDoC) procedure GovInfo+1.

To reinforce compliance, the FCC has implemented enhanced certification and reporting obligations. Recognized TCBs, test labs, and accreditation bodies must certify to the FCC within 30 days of the rule’s effective date—and again upon any future request for recognition—that they are free from prohibited-entity ties. Additionally, they must disclose within 90 days, and at each recognition request, any entity holding 5 percent or more of their equity or voting interests. Failure to submit truthful certifications or disclosures, or any indication of ownership or control by prohibited entities, will result in denial or withdrawal of recognition. The Commission also refined its procedures for withdrawing recognition to ensure swift and clear enforcement GovInfo+1Federal Register.

By enacting these measures, the FCC strengthens its defenses against potential vulnerabilities in the communications equipment supply chain, reinforcing trust in the entities involved in device testing and certification as part of its broader strategy to safeguard national security GovInfoWiley.