What does the FCC China lab ban mean for robot makers?

The FCC voted (April 30, 2026) to ban labs in China and Hong Kong from conducting FCC equipment-authorization testing — including SGS Shenzhen, Bureau Veritas China, TÜV SÜD Shenzhen, and CTTL, among others. Existing FCC grants remain valid; the ban applies only to new test reports submitted after the rule takes effect (currently in the 60–90 day public comment window with a 2-year transition if finalized). For manufacturers: switch new-product testing to US labs (Bay Area Compliance, Intertek USA, UL), Taiwan labs (SGS Taiwan, TÜV Rheinland Taiwan), or EU labs with FCC recognition. Expect ~30% higher lab fees and 4–8 extra weeks of lead time. CE testing, CB-scheme reports, and prior FCC grants are unaffected. If you have products mid-development in a Chinese lab, finish if possible before the cutoff — otherwise relocate testing now.