Safety tech news ·
Safety tech news, October 6, 2026: the FCC's component rule, a drone import proposal and what comes next
An FCC rule effective October 13 blocks new devices with Covered List chips and ends a pause on covered camera imports for critical infrastructure.
By LIPAI WANG · 5 items · 6 sources
A one-topic edition on US equipment rules, because the FCC's component rule takes effect next Tuesday, October 13. It changes what new camera, sensor and edge AI hardware can be sold in the United States.
FCC rule blocks new devices that contain logic-bearing parts from Covered List companies
An FCC final rule published in the Federal Register on September 11 takes effect on October 13. From that date the FCC will not authorize a new device that contains a logic-bearing hardware component, such as a chip, module or circuit board, made by a company on its Covered List, if the whole device would be barred had that company made it. The list has included video surveillance equipment from Hikvision and Dahua since 2021. The rule applies to new applications only and leaves existing authorizations alone. It also requires Covered List companies to seek full recertification for any change to their equipment, and narrows the "critical infrastructure" definition after a court ruling.
Why it matters for safety and EHS buyers
Cameras and edge AI boxes already installed are not affected, but new models built on covered chips will not get FCC approval. Ask camera and analytics vendors for a parts statement covering the main processor and video modules in any new hardware they quote.
Sources: Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program (final rule, 91 FR 57798) (Federal Register (Federal Communications Commission), September 11, 2026); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program (final rule, 88 FR 7592) (Federal Register (Federal Communications Commission), February 6, 2023)
October 13 also ends a pause on importing covered cameras for critical infrastructure surveillance
Since July 16, 2026 an FCC order has barred the continued import and marketing of previously authorized equipment added to the Covered List in 2024 or earlier, which includes Hikvision and Dahua video surveillance equipment for the covered security purposes. The order suspended the ban for physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure until the FCC defined that term, and said the ban would apply from the effective date of a definition. The September rule adopts that definition and takes effect on October 13. The FCC says equipment that buyers already own can still be used and operated.
Why it matters for safety and EHS buyers
Operators of ports, utilities, plants and other critical infrastructure should expect replacement and expansion purchases of these cameras to dry up in the US. Plan spares and replacements now, and check new quotes against the Covered List.
Sources: Prohibiting Importation and Marketing of Previously Authorized Covered Communications Equipment Added to the Covered List in 2024 or Earlier (91 FR 41023) (Federal Register (Federal Communications Commission), July 6, 2026); Public Notice DA 26-635: prohibition on importation and marketing of previously authorized covered equipment (Federal Communications Commission, June 26, 2026)
Online marketplaces must show FCC IDs, with deadlines in 2027
The same rule extends the FCC's marketing rules to online marketplaces that list radio equipment and also store, pack or ship it, even when a third party is the seller. The FCC says these marketplaces can face enforcement for listing unauthorized devices without proof that they knew. Marketplaces must also show a device's FCC ID at the point of sale. The compliance date is March 1, 2027 for marketplaces that hold or own the device, and June 1, 2027 for those that rely on a seller's statement. Listings from before the rule takes effect, used devices and sellers below the INFORM Consumers Act's high-volume threshold are exempt.
Why it matters for safety and EHS buyers
Many sites buy cameras, gas detector gateways and trackers online. The FCC ID makes it easier to check the equipment authorization database before buying, and to spot devices that should not be on sale.
Source: Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program (final rule, 91 FR 57798) (Federal Register (Federal Communications Commission), September 11, 2026)
FCC staff propose stopping imports of some drones that are already authorized
In December 2025 the FCC added foreign-produced drones and drone critical components to its Covered List, along with the communications and video surveillance equipment named in section 1709 of the FY2025 defense authorization act. In a notice published on August 24, FCC staff proposed to use a 2025 procedure to stop continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized equipment, starting with devices from US-based drone company Anzu, which public reports link to a company named in section 1709. Comments closed on September 23. The FCC has not yet published a decision.
Why it matters for safety and EHS buyers
Drones are widely used for roof, stack and site inspections that keep people away from heights. Fleet owners should list their drone models and check whether spares and replacements could become harder to buy.
Source: Comment Sought on Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Covered UAS and UAS Critical Components and Equipment Listed in Section 1709 of FY2025 NDAA (Federal Register (Federal Communications Commission), August 24, 2026)
Next FCC proposals: parts lists, white-label rules and time limits on approvals
The FCC is already consulting on more changes in the same docket. A further notice of proposed rulemaking published on August 7 asks whether to split the Covered List into company-based and country-of-production entries, address white labelling of covered equipment, require hardware and software bills of materials, and set term limits on equipment authorizations. It also asks about broader bans on authorizing devices that contain Covered List components or software. Comments closed on September 8 and replies on September 21. These are proposals, and none of them is in force.
Why it matters for safety and EHS buyers
If parts lists and white-label rules are adopted, buyers will be able to ask for documents that show where a camera or sensor really comes from. Until then, ask vendors who makes the device and its main chips.
Source: Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program (further notice of proposed rulemaking, 91 FR 51139) (Federal Register (Federal Communications Commission), August 7, 2026)
Summaries are written by us from the linked sources. Check the original release before acting on any item. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Get the free Safety Tech Buyer's Toolkit
A 15-page PDF: the public evidence checklist, a weighted vendor scorecard, 40 RFP questions and pilot acceptance criteria. Subscribe and download it straight away; then one email a month when we publish or update guidance. No vendor promotions. Unsubscribe any time.