China Formally Opposes US FCC Proposal to Ban Chinese Labs From Testing Electronic Devices

China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued a formal protest on April 9 against a US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal that would prohibit Chinese-based testing laboratories from certifying electronic devices for sale in the US market. The FCC proposal, advanced under the guise of national security, would require all electronics sold in the US to be certified by non-Chinese testing labs — effectively cutting off Chinese electronics testing and certification services that currently handle a significant portion of global consumer electronics approvals. China's statement characterized the move as the US 'overstretching the concept of national security' to create non-tariff barriers against Chinese companies, arguing it would harm US businesses and consumers relying on cost-efficient testing services. The FCC action is part of a broader pattern of US agencies progressively restricting Chinese companies from participating in US market infrastructure — following restrictions on Huawei network equipment, ZTE, Hikvision surveillance systems, and DJI drones. From a strategic perspective, the FCC proposal would affect not just Chinese testing labs but also the timeline for bringing new Chinese electronics to the US market, adding months and costs to certifications for any Chinese company seeking US sales.