The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on June 26, 2026, it will expand its import ban on telecommunications and surveillance equipment from major Chinese companies, citing national security risks [1, 2]. The ban targets equipment from Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua, covering devices used for public safety, government security, critical infrastructure surveillance, and other national security functions [1, 2].

Unlike the 2022 ban that applied only to new models introduced after late 2022, the 2026 expansion covers older models as well [1, 2]. "The expanded ban will cover older models, including those used for public safety, government facility security, critical infrastructure physical security surveillance and other national security purposes," the FCC said [2]. The FCC emphasized it will still allow American users to continue operating Chinese-made equipment they already own [3].

The expanded ban is scheduled to take effect in early July 2026 [1, 2]. Earlier FCC actions have also targeted Chinese drones and consumer routers. In December 2025, the agency banned imports of all new models of Chinese drones, though it did not extend the ban to older models [1, 2]. A March 2026 ban targeted new models of Chinese consumer routers but similarly exempted older devices [1, 2].

The FCC's October 2025 vote to block new approvals of devices with parts from the listed Chinese companies was unanimous at 3-0 [1, 4]. That ruling also authorized barring some previously approved equipment [1, 4]. Hikvision has challenged the FCC's authority, filing a lawsuit in December 2025 alleging the agency overstepped its powers [1, 4].

The FCC is also considering prohibiting US telecommunications carriers from interconnecting with Chinese telecom firms, which would effectively ban Chinese telecom companies from operating data centers in the US [1, 4].

The Chinese Embassy in Washington and named companies have not responded yet to requests for comment on the expanded ban [1, 2].

The FCC stated, "This action is necessary to protect national security by mitigating risks to the US communications sector" [1]. The expanded ban will take effect in early July 2026.