FCC Rule Takes Effect: Huawei and ZTE Chips Block Devices From U.S. Authorization

FCC Report and Order 26-50 took effect, barring any radio-frequency device with chips, wireless modules or programmable sub-assemblies from Huawei, ZTE and three other Covered List entities from U.S. equipment authorization. The rule closes the "component part loophole" for new applications, and amending a pending filing to add such a chip voids grandfathering.

• Rule applies to all new FCC authorization applications from September 11, 2026
• Covers baseband processors, Wi-Fi and cellular chipsets, TPMs, SoCs and optical transceivers
• Passive components without programmable logic are explicitly excluded
• Amending a pending application to add a Huawei or ZTE chip makes it a new, barred filing