Effective February 6, 2023, the FCC has enforced its prohibition on the authorization of “covered” equipment, as outlined in the “Report and Order, Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 22-84)” initially published in November 2022. This amendment revises key articles within the Equipment Authorization Program (FCC Certification).
The highlights of this decision’s implementation include:
- Prohibition on “covered” equipment obtaining authorization through certification or SDoC procedures.
- Requirement for equipment certification applicants to affirm that their equipment is not “covered.”
- Elimination of exemptions for “covered” equipment from authorization requirements.
- Mandatory designation of a U.S. agent for service of process by each equipment certification applicant.
Since the publication of the “List Of Communications Equipment And Services That Pose A Threat To National Security” in 2021, the FCC has aimed to keep stakeholders informed about new requirements and procedures in Equipment Authorization and National Security. The updated Equipment Authorization Approval Guide contains specific guidance on procedures related to the implemented prohibition.
This enforcement impacts type approval processes, necessitating the designation of a local representative for affected equipment types and brands in the US market. While specific brands and OEMs are banned from the market, no changes affect spectrum allocation, standards, or imports. All telecom devices under FCC certification, particularly video surveillance equipment, fall under the purview of this amendment.