In December 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a significant update to its Covered List under the Secure Equipment Act of 2021, directly affecting the FCC Equipment Authorization process for certain wireless products.
What Changed
The FCC added two specific categories to the Covered List:
- All foreign-produced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS / drones)
- Foreign-produced “critical components” used within UAS
Because FCC authorization is generally required before wireless products can be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States, this effectively blocks new market entry for covered items unless an exemption applies.
What Counts as “UAS Critical Components”
The FCC defined UAS critical components broadly. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Radio and data transmission modules
- Communications systems
- Flight controllers
- Ground control stations and controllers
- Navigation systems (e.g., GNSS/INS)
- Sensors and cameras
- Batteries and battery-management systems
- Motors and propulsion systems
If these components are produced outside the United States and are part of a UAS, they are now treated as covered equipment for purposes of FCC authorization.
Scope Clarification
This recent update is targeted and does not apply to all foreign-made electronics or RF modules. The December 2025 expansion specifically addresses:
- Complete foreign-produced UAS platforms, and
- Critical components when used within UAS
General consumer or office wireless products (such as laptops, Wi-Fi peripherals, or Bluetooth devices) are not automatically covered unless they fall within these defined categories or are separately designated on the Covered List.
Regulatory Impact
Products on the Covered List:
- Cannot receive new FCC equipment authorizations
- Cannot be legally imported or marketed in the U.S. if authorization is required
- May still be used by end users if already in the field, unless further FCC action is taken
Official FCC Source Documents
You can review the FCC’s original determinations and rulemaking documents here:
- FCC Covered List (official page):
https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist - FCC Public Notice – Addition of Foreign-Produced UAS and Critical Components (December 22, 2025):
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-416839A1.pdf
Need Help Assessing Impact?
If you have questions about how this FCC update may affect your product line, component sourcing, or certification strategy, or if you need help determining whether a product may fall within the Covered List scope, contact Nexus for more details. Our team can help evaluate regulatory exposure and guide next steps for U.S. market compliance.