Agency: Federal Communications Commission
Action: Final rule
Title: Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program
Summary: The FCC issued this final rule to strengthen its equipment authorization process by expanding prohibitions on communications equipment that pose national security risks. Specifically, the rule now clarifies that modular transmitters produced by entities on the FCC’s Covered List, and devices that include those modular transmitters, may no longer be authorized for importation, sale, or marketing in the United States. It also establishes procedures to limit previously granted authorizations for such covered equipment to prevent their continued import and use. By clarifying terms such as what it means for equipment to be “produced by” a covered entity and closing loopholes related to component parts, the FCC aims to better secure supply chains against geopolitical threats. This update could affect manufacturers, importers, testing bodies, and other stakeholders in the communications equipment market, particularly those involved in certification or supply chain compliance.
Dates: Effective December 26, 2025
Link to Docket: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-21001
Agency: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Action: Direct final rule
Title: Safety Standard for Bassinets and Cradles
Summary: The CPSC issued a direct final rule updating the mandatory consumer product safety standard for bassinets and cradles by incorporating the latest ASTM voluntary standard (ASTM F2194-25) by reference. This action reflects revisions intended to improve infant safety, such as adding new performance requirements for structural stability, updated definitions (e.g., for aftermarket mattresses), and enhanced warning/instruction requirements, after reviewing public comments and industry revisions. Because the rule updates the CFR reference to align with the latest voluntary standard under existing statutory procedures, no new compliance obligations beyond those in the revised voluntary standard are introduced, but manufacturers and importers of bassinets and cradles should prepare for the updated requirements to become mandatory.
Dates: Effective February 21, 2026
Link to Docket: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-22697
Agency: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Action: Final rule
Title: Safety Standard for Toys: Requirements for Water Beads
Summary: The CPSC issued a final mandatory safety standard specifically for water bead toys and toys that contain water beads under its authority in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The rule responds to data showing ingestion, aspiration, and choking hazards associated with water beads that can expand inside a child’s body. It sets new performance, labeling, and
hazard-mitigation requirements, including limits on how large water beads may expand, restrictions on potentially harmful chemicals like acrylamide, and prominently worded warning labels tailored to the specific risks posed by these toys. This goes beyond the existing general toy standard (ASTM F963) by targeting water bead hazards more directly. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of toys with water beads should review the new criteria now and plan for compliance by the rule’s effective date to avoid product liability and enforcement issues.
Dates: Effective March 12, 2026
Link to Docket: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-22643