TP-Link targets early 2027 for US router assembly following FCC import ban
The networking giant signed a letter of intent with Key Tronic to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi, aiming to comply with new federal security rules.
Key points
- TP-Link plans to begin domestic router assembly in Mississippi by early 2027.
- The Federal Communications Commission banned imports of foreign-made consumer routers as security risks.
- The company will still rely on overseas suppliers for many internal components.
TP-Link has signed a letter of intent to assemble its routers in the United States, with production potentially starting in early 2027. The company announced the move after the Federal Communications Commission banned the import of consumer routers manufactured outside the country, citing national security concerns.
The networking manufacturer partnered with contract electronics manufacturer Key Tronic for the initiative. Pending regulatory approval, TP-Link states that assembly operations will launch at a production line in Mississippi. Wi-Fi 8 routers are expected to be among the first devices assembled under this new domestic arrangement.
Context behind the manufacturing shift
The Federal Communications Commission designated all consumer routers made outside the US as security risks in March. The agency subsequently banned the import of these foreign-made units for domestic sale. Retailers were permitted to sell inventory that was already on shelves at the time of the ban.
The FCC notice outlined that companies could apply for waivers to continue selling imported units. However, approval was conditional on the manufacturer demonstrating plans to move at least some manufacturing operations to the United States. Several companies have received these waivers, but TP-Link does not currently hold one.
TP-Link described the agreement as part of a long-term effort to accelerate US investment in high-tech manufacturing. The company stated the goal is to create jobs while designing and assembling next-generation products for American consumers on American soil.
Supply chain limitations remain
Despite the move to assemble final products domestically, TP-Link clarified that it will continue to source many components from outside the United States. Steve Kovsky, the company’s corporate affairs officer, told PC Mag that many necessary parts are simply not available from domestic sources.
Kovsky emphasized that this supply chain constraint is not unique to TP-Link. He noted that it is a broader issue for all manufacturers attempting to onshore their production lines. The lack of local component availability limits the extent to which the final product can be considered entirely domestically sourced.
What should you do?
Security professionals and IT managers should monitor FCC updates regarding waiver approvals and compliance deadlines. Organizations relying on TP-Link hardware should verify the manufacturing origin of current inventory before the import ban fully takes effect for new shipments.
What to do and how to stay safe: TP-Link
- Review current network inventory to identify routers manufactured outside the United States.
- Monitor Federal Communications Commission announcements for updates on waiver approvals and compliance timelines.
- Verify the country of origin for any new router purchases to ensure they meet domestic assembly requirements.
- Consult with hardware vendors to understand their specific supply chain and assembly plans for US-bound devices.
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 states that domestic assembly could begin as soon as early 2027, pending regulatory approval.
Why did the FCC ban imported consumer routers?
The Federal Communications Commission designated foreign-made consumer routers as security risks, leading to the import ban.
Will TP-Link routers be made entirely in the US?
No, the company stated it will still source many components from outside the US because domestic sources are unavailable.
