Major US online retailers have taken down several million listings for prohibited Chinese-made electronics following enforcement efforts by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), agency chair Brendan Carr told Reuters.
Carr said the removed items included home security cameras, smartwatches, and other devices from companies such as Huawei, Hangzhou Hikvision, ZTE, and Dahua Technology.
These products were either on the U.S. government’s list of barred equipment or lacked FCC authorization.
“Companies are putting new processes in place to prevent future prohibited items as a result of FCC oversight,” Carr said in an interview, adding, “We’re going to keep our efforts up.”
The FCC recently issued a new national security notice reminding companies of restrictions on certain video surveillance and telecommunications equipment.
Carr warned that such devices could be used by China to “surveil Americans, disrupt communications networks and otherwise threaten US national security.”
The move comes amid broader US efforts to limit Chinese technology imports tied to national security risks. Earlier this week, the FCC announced plans to vote on October 28 on new measures that would tighten restrictions on telecommunications equipment produced by companies deemed threats to US security.
The proposal would also empower the FCC to block the sale of previously approved equipment containing components from entities on the government’s “Covered List,” which already includes Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile, and China Telecom.
In March, the FCC said it was investigating nine Chinese firms on the list, including Hytera Communications, Pacifica Networks/ComNet, and China Unicom (Americas).
Last month, the agency also moved to revoke recognition from seven testing labs owned or controlled by the Chinese government, citing ongoing national security concerns.
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