FCC Covered List Targets Foreign-Produced Power Inverters and Advanced Robotic Devices

Key Notes:

• Effective July 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List now includes foreign-produced power inverters and foreign-produced advanced robotic devices. These equipment categories are now prohibited from receiving new FCC equipment authorizations.
• The term “foreign-produced” refers to any article that does not qualify as a “domestic end product,” as that term is defined in 48 CFR § 25.101(a). This is a reference to the Buy American requirements, which include substantial transformation and domestic content requirements.
• A Conditional Approval process allows foreign producers to apply for a waiver to this prohibition.
• A separate waiver by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) (through Jan. 1, 2029) permits authorization holders to undertake routine software/firmware updates to previously authorized devices.

On July 28, 2026, the FCC announced the addition of foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotic devices to the FCC Covered List. This is only the second time that the FCC Covered List has been used for a broad designation rather than naming specific entities and devices. In December 2025, the FCC added foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components to its Covered List.

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