RoutersNews
Which router brands have FCC conditional approval? Where things stood in mid-September
A quick status check on the FCC's foreign-made router rule: who has conditional approval, and what it means for what you can buy.
This is a short status update, based on our reporting in our large-house router guide and press reports as of mid-September 2026.
- eero and Netgear were approved in April 2026.
- ASUS was approved in early September.
- TP-Link had not been approved as of mid-September reporting.
What it means for buyers
On March 23, 2026, the FCC added consumer routers produced in foreign countries to its Covered List, which blocks new models from receiving FCC authorization. Models already authorized can still be sold, and routers you own are unaffected. The FCC has waived its firmware-update cutoff for existing models until January 1, 2029.
If you’re buying a mesh system, our mesh guide for large houses notes which models are affected. We’ll update this post when any company’s status changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to replace my router?
No. Routers you already own are unaffected, and models authorized before the rule can still be sold.
What is a conditional approval?
It allows a company to get new models authorized while meeting conditions set by the FCC. The status of each company can change, so check before you buy a brand-new model.
Where can I read the details?
Our large-house router guide explains the rule and how it affects buying decisions.
