New FCC Rules Take Effect; Devices Containing Huawei or ZTE Logic Hardware Components Cannot Receive U.S. Equipment Authorization
FCC Order No. 26-50 prohibits radiofrequency devices containing logic-bearing hardware components produced by entities on the Covered List, including Huawei and ZTE, from receiving new U.S. equipment authorizations. Pending applications may proceed under the previous rules, but adding, replacing, or modifying such components triggers the new rules. Passive components are outside the scope of the restrictions, while software, firmware, and mandatory bills of materials remain under consideration. The article’s body says the rules take effect “today,” while its Q&A says they apply to new applications filed on or after October 13, 2026, leaving the effective-date descriptions inconsistent.
Why selected:The rules extend authorization reviews to chip sourcing, making component traceability beyond the finished-product brand and changes to pending applications important factors in determining access to the U.S. market.