Commerce Proposes Import Ban on Chinese Hardware for Advanced Auto Features

The Commerce Department is proposing that no Chinese or Russian software or hardware be imported that enables cars to use GPS or connect to cellphones or other external communication facilitators. Such imports pose security risks, the government believes. Stakeholders have until Oct. 28 to comment on the proposal, which, according to a call with reporters, will be finalized before President Joe Biden leaves office. The prohibition covers telematics control units, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite and Wi-Fi modules and advanced battery management, as well as components that allow driverless operation of a vehicle, said a White House fact sheet Monday. In addition, the proposal covers cars, motorcycles, trucks, including class 8 commercial trucks, RVs and buses, but not agricultural or mining equipment. The bans don't take effect immediately -- the one for software would begin with model year 2027 equipment, and the ban on hardware would begin in model year 2030, or Jan. 1, 2029, for vehicles that lack model years.