FCC 22-84's equipment-authorization restrictions became effective, as published at 88 FR 7592.
US · Federal Communications Commission
FCC Covered List: foreign-produced advanced robotic devices
The FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List on July 28, 2026. The category includes humanoids, quadrupeds and autonomous mobile robots meeting the determination's criteria. The restriction operates through FCC equipment authorization, with exceptions described in the FCC's official FAQ.
Records last verified Oct 13, 2026 · Send a correction
- Type
- Regulation
- Status
- In Force
- Effective date
- Jul 28, 2026
Definition
Mobile ground devices operating away from a human operator or supervisor on commands or sensor data, with combined device and applicable ground/docking-station weight over 4.4 lb. They must contain an environmental sensor, wired or wireless connectivity capable of at least 200 kbps in either direction, and local or remote software controlling the specified movement, perception, data collection or command functions. Foreign-produced means not qualifying as a domestic end product under 48 CFR 25.101(a); the FAQ specifies US manufacture and domestic component cost exceeding 65% for 2024–2028 deliveries and 75% from 2029, including COTS components.
Scope
Covered models without pre-listing FCC authorization cannot obtain new authorization through certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity while covered. This generally prevents their US importation, marketing and sale. Producer nationality is irrelevant; this production-based listing does not itself designate the manufacturer as a covered entity.
Exemptions
- The definition excludes connected vehicles under 15 CFR 791.301 regardless of gross weight, rail-only vehicles, uncrewed aircraft/systems, unmanned underwater vehicles, specified FDA-classified medical devices, and fixed non-mobile industrial or medical robots.
- DoW conditional approval exempts approved devices or classes. Annex A requires applications by January 1, 2028, supply-chain disclosures, a US manufacturing/onshoring plan, and quarterly progress updates; extension requests include progress made. Submission does not guarantee approval.
- The FCC FAQ says this listing does not prohibit continued import, marketing or sale of previously FCC-authorized models, or consumer use of lawfully purchased devices. These models can remain covered equipment; prior authorization is distinct from removal from the Covered List.
- The FAQ permits small-batch imports solely for development/testing without marketing or sale, imports solely for re-export without US marketing or sale, and importation/marketing/sale exclusively to the federal government or its agencies.
- DA 26-789 permits Class I and II software/firmware changes mitigating consumer harm for covered devices authorized before July 28, 2026, through at least January 1, 2029; other FCC requirements still apply. The FAQ permits repairs of already-authorized devices consumers possess and replacement with identical parts.
Timeline
The interagency body sent the FCC the national-security determinations; robotics conditional-approval guidance is dated this day.
DA 26-786 added the foreign-produced advanced robotic device category to the Covered List.
DA 26-789 issued the limited software/firmware permissive-change waiver.
The official robotics table records conditional approval for Husqvarna AB 305v IQ, 310v IQ, 420v IQ and 440v IQ platforms.
DA 26-996 recorded conditional approval for ANSCER AR250, AR650 and AR1250 platforms, subject to continuing onshoring-plan compliance and updated vetting.
The FCC FAQ's displayed update date; it explains definitions, authorization restrictions and exceptions.
The official robotics table records conditional approval for Matic Robots model 4MA0001 and charging station 4DK0008.
Application deadline stated in Annex A; this is not a verified blanket expiry date for individual approvals.
Explicitly listed robots and companies
Only entities named in the instrument or an official notice are shown. Manufacturer headquarters do not establish applicability.
No individual catalog robot or company is explicitly listed in this record. This does not establish unrestricted market access.
What it means for buyers
This listing blocks new FCC authorizations for covered models and generally prevents their US import, marketing and sale. The FCC FAQ allows continued import and sale of previously authorized models and continued use of lawfully purchased devices. Conditional approvals apply only to the officially approved devices or classes and remain subject to their conditions.
General information, not legal advice.
Check the official instrument and seek advice for your product, jurisdiction and transaction.
Evidence
Sources
- [s1] DA 26-786: Addition of Foreign-Produced Power Inverters and Advanced Robotic Devices ↗
Federal Communications Commission · official · published Jul 28, 2026 · accessed Oct 13, 2026
- [s2] FCC advanced robotic devices and power inverters FAQ (updated October 2, 2026) ↗
Federal Communications Commission · official · published Oct 2, 2026 · accessed Oct 13, 2026
- [s3] Annex A: Guidance on Submissions for Conditional Approval for Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices ↗
Federal Communications Commission · official · published Jul 27, 2026 · accessed Oct 13, 2026
- [s4] FCC 22-84 equipment authorization final rule, 88 FR 7592–7626 ↗
Federal Register / US Government Publishing Office · official · published Feb 6, 2023 · accessed Oct 13, 2026
- [s5] DA 26-996 — conditional approvals for ANSCER robotic platforms ↗
Federal Communications Commission · official · published Sep 18, 2026 · accessed Oct 13, 2026
- [s6] DA 26-789 — waiver for certain Class I and II software/firmware changes ↗
Federal Communications Commission · official · published Jul 28, 2026 · accessed Oct 13, 2026
- [s7] FCC Covered List and current conditional-approval tables ↗
Federal Communications Commission · official · accessed Oct 13, 2026