TP-Link pledges US router assembly to bypass FCC import ban

TP-Link announced plans to assemble its Wi-Fi 8 home networking products in the United States, aiming to secure approval from the Trump administration to sell these devices to American consumers. The company stated that domestic assembly of this product line could begin as early as 2027, contingent upon receiving necessary regulatory clearances from federal authorities.

According to Ars Technica, TP-Link signed a Letter of Intent with US-based manufacturer Keytronic to support this initiative. Keytronic agreed to become a primary domestic manufacturing partner for the networking company. The assembly operations are scheduled to take place in Corinth, Mississippi, marking a significant shift in TP-Link’s production strategy for the US market.

Regulatory hurdles and manufacturing shifts

TP-Link currently faces a Federal Communications Commission ban that prevents the sale of consumer-grade routers produced wholly or partly in other countries. While the FCC has granted exemptions to several prominent router manufacturers, TP-Link has struggled to obtain similar clearance. The agency has been urging router makers to move more of their operations to the US, but specific guidelines remain unclear.

Steve Kovsky, a TP-Link corporate affairs officer, told PCMag that there are no published guidelines specifying the required percentage of US manufacturing to qualify for an exemption. He noted that many components are simply not available from domestic sources, describing this as an industry-wide challenge rather than a problem unique to TP-Link.

Company background and supply chain

Founded in China in 1996, TP-Link moved its headquarters to California in October 2024. The company asserts that it is an independent US entity not owned or controlled by any foreign government. TP-Link states that its systems devices sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam.

Despite the Vietnam assembly, reports indicate that most components used in these routers are imported from China. The new US assembly plan will still require the importation of parts, but TP-Link hopes that investing in domestic manufacturing will help gain favor with the Trump administration. Previous TP-Link routers that were already approved for import and sale remain available to customers.

What should you do?

Security professionals and IT managers should monitor FCC announcements regarding TP-Link’s application status. Organizations relying on TP-Link hardware should verify the origin of their current devices to ensure compliance with existing import regulations. Watch for updates on whether the FCC will grant an exemption or enforce the ban strictly.

What to do and how to stay safe: TP-Link

• Monitor official FCC communications for updates on TP-Link’s application and any changes to the foreign router ban.
• Verify the manufacturing origin of existing TP-Link devices in your network to ensure they were approved before the current restrictions.
• Review vendor contracts to understand potential supply chain disruptions if TP-Link’s new routers are delayed or rejected.
• Evaluate alternative router vendors that have already received FCC exemptions to maintain network infrastructure continuity.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When will TP-Link start assembling routers in the US?

TP-Link expects domestic assembly to begin as early as 2027, pending US regulatory approval.

Why can't TP-Link sell its new Wi-Fi 8 routers in the US?

The FCC has banned consumer-grade routers produced wholly or partly in other countries, and TP-Link has not yet received an exemption.

Where will TP-Link assemble its routers in the US?

Assembly will take place in Corinth, Mississippi, through a partnership with Keytronic.