FCC Adds Foreign Power Inverters, Advanced Robotics to National Security Covered List
Importers, marketers, and procurers of foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotics devices must adhere to new FCC rules barring new models from the US market, with conditional approval applications due by January 1, 2028.
On July 28, 2026, the FCC added foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotics devices to its Covered List, barring new models of these products from FCC authorization for US import, marketing, or sale, based on an interagency national security determination citing supply chain and critical infrastructure cybersecurity risks. Previously authorized existing models remain eligible for FCC certification or Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, with no retroactive restrictions. Companies seeking to bring new foreign-produced models to the US may apply for conditional approval from the Department of War and Department of Homeland Security by January 1, 2028, with submissions requiring disclosures of corporate structure, supply chain practices, and US onshoring plans. Renewable energy project developers and robotics purchasers should update procurement agreements to require vendors to secure and maintain required FCC authorizations for all covered products.