FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Produced Power Inverters and Advanced Robotic Devices (DA 26-786)

Scope and Impact on Certification

Released on July 28, 2026, Public Notice DA 26-786 announces the expansion of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) "Covered List" to include foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotic devices. Pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and 47 CFR § 2.903(a), equipment identified on this list is prohibited from receiving FCC equipment authorization. This regulation impacts manufacturers by preventing the certification and subsequent importation or sale of these devices within the United States unless specific exemptions are met.

Technical Parameters and Designated Equipment

The regulation identifies specific technical criteria for the newly covered equipment categories, emphasizing their networked capabilities and potential for remote exploitation:

• Power Inverters: Defined as bi-directional power devices or systems that convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). To be included on the Covered List, these devices must contain components that enable remote communication, control, sensing, or monitoring through radio technologies such as Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, or similar wireless connections.
• Advanced Robotic Devices: Defined as mechanical mobile devices (including autonomous mobile robots, humanoids, and quadrupeds) that meet the following technical specifications:
  • Capable of locomotion, obstacle avoidance, and navigation on the ground.
  • Operates at a distance from a human operator based on remote commands or sensor data.
  • Has a combined weight (including ground/docking stations) of at least 4.4 lbs.
  • Contains sensors for perceiving the environment (e.g., LiDAR, acoustic, thermal).
  • Features network connectivity (wired or wireless, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite) with transmission speeds of at least 200 kbps in either direction.
  • Includes software or AI/machine-learning models for autonomous navigation or remote command-and-control.

Exemptions and Restrictions

The regulation identifies specific exemptions where foreign-produced devices may be excluded from the Covered List:

• Conditional Approvals: Devices that have been granted a "Conditional Approval" by the Department of War (DoW) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are exempt. Entities must follow specific guidance documents to request an evaluation for these exemptions.
• Domestic End Products: The term "foreign-produced" refers to any article that does not qualify as a "domestic end product" as defined in 48 CFR § 25.101(a).
• Excluded Robotic Categories: The restriction does not apply to "connected vehicles," rail-only vehicles, uncrewed aircraft (regulated under 47 CFR § 88.5), unmanned underwater vehicles without human occupants, medical/surgical robotic systems, or fixed stationary industrial robots (e.g., SCARA or Cartesian robots).

Equipment Authorization and Testing Procedures

Manufacturers seeking equipment authorization for any radio frequency device must comply with 47 CFR § 2.911(d)(5)(i). This requires applicants to provide a formal certification that the equipment for which authorization is sought is not "covered" equipment produced by entities or locations identified on the FCC’s Covered List. If a device falls under the definitions of power inverters or advanced robotic devices as outlined in this notice and does not have a Conditional Approval, it will be denied equipment authorization.

Labeling Requirements

While this specific notice does not introduce new physical labeling designs, it reinforces the requirement for manufacturers to accurately certify the status of their equipment during the authorization process. Failure to provide truthful certification regarding a device's "covered" status can lead to the revocation of existing authorizations and further enforcement action.

Modification of Existing Regulations

This Public Notice directly modifies the FCC Covered List, maintained pursuant to 47 CFR §§ 1.50002(a) and 1.50003. It supplements previous versions of the list, such as the update on March 18, 2026, by adding new categories of equipment based on national security determinations. The notice also clarifies that these updates implicate several existing rules regarding equipment authorization, including 47 CFR §§ 2.903, 2.906, 2.907, 2.911, 2.929, 2.932, 2.938, 2.1033, and 2.1043.