Are robot vacuums banned in the US?
What the FCC’s July 2026 rule changes for people buying a robot vacuum, and what it doesn’t.
No. Robot vacuums the FCC had already authorized can still be sold, and the one you own keeps working. What changed on July 28, 2026 is that new foreign-made models can’t get FCC authorization unless they receive a Conditional Approval.
What the FCC did
On July 28, 2026 the FCC added “foreign-produced advanced robotic devices” to its Covered List, citing national security, cybersecurity and supply-chain risks. The FCC has confirmed that robot vacuums are covered, and so are robot lawn mowers and pool robots.
A device counts when it can move and find its way around, has sensors, connects to a network (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth included) and runs control software, and when it weighs more than 4.4 lb together with its dock.
What still works
- Models the FCC authorized before the rule can still be imported, advertised and sold.
- Robots people already own keep working.
- Repairs with identical parts are allowed.
- Makers can keep sending software and firmware updates to authorized models until at least January 1, 2029.
What “foreign-produced” means
The rule looks at where a robot is made, not at the brand’s home country. To count as domestic, a robot has to be built in the US with more than 65% of its component cost from the US, rising to 75% from 2029. Most robot vacuums sold in the US are made in China or Southeast Asia, including those from US brands.
The way around it: Conditional Approval
A maker can apply for a Conditional Approval, which the FCC says is granted by the Department of War. By early October 2026, approvals had gone to Husqvarna (September 9), ANSCER (September 18) and the Matic floor cleaner (October 2). Matic, which assembles its robots in California, is the only floor-cleaning robot on that list. We found no approval for Roborock, Ecovacs or Dreame, though that doesn’t prove none has applied.
What it means if you’re buying now
- Today’s models are fine to buy, and the FCC allows their software updates until at least January 1, 2029.
- New models may reach the US late, or not at all.
- To check a model, look up its FCC ID in the FCC’s equipment authorization search. Some products are authorized by a supplier’s declaration and have no FCC ID; for those, ask the seller for the compliance information.
What we do
We list only robots on sale in the US before July 28, 2026, so each was FCC-authorized before the rule:
| Robot | On sale in the US since |
|---|---|
| Roborock Saros 20 | March 23, 2026 |
| eufy Omni S2 | Late March 2026 |
| Narwal Freo Z10 Turbo | May 2026 |
| Dreame D30 Ultra | February 2026 |
| Roborock QV 35A | May 2025 |