Parts you need; risk you don't.
New robot models now need more than 65% U.S. parts by cost to get FCC approval. A typical robot scores 27%. Swap its joints for U.S. ones and it's 73%.
Will your robot clear 65%?
This is the 27% robot. Press "Example, U.S. joints" to see the swap, or enter your own parts. Nothing leaves this page.
| Component | Cost (USD) | Made in | Remove |
|---|
Count each part at what you paid plus freight and duty; your own parts at cost. Unknown origin counts as imported. The example uses round numbers. Not legal advice; full rules.
How the 65% math works
- One level down. A component is whatever goes directly into the robot. Each one is U.S.-made or not as a whole. You don't trace the chips on a board.
- Component cost, not price. Bought parts at what you paid plus freight and duty. Your own parts at cost plus overhead, no profit. Leave out final assembly and test.
- Off-the-shelf parts still count, and unknown origin counts as imported. Get each supplier's country of manufacture in writing.
- Who's covered: mobile robots over 4.4 lb that sense, connect and run their own navigation, such as humanoids, quadrupeds and AMRs. Cars, medical devices and fixed arms are out. Drones fall under a separate listing. Models authorized before July 28, 2026 keep selling.
The FCC uses the Buy American test in 48 CFR 25.101(a). This explains the rule; it isn't legal advice. The full guide.
Robots and drones
Robots
New humanoids, quadrupeds and AMRs need the 65% test from July 28, 2026. In a legged robot the joints are most of the cost.
2 joints listed, both ours so far Robot parts →Drones
Foreign-made drones went on the FCC Covered List in December 2025, and so did their motors, flight controllers, batteries, radios and cameras.
None listed yet Drone parts →Make robot or drone parts outside China?
List by December 31, 2026 and all of 2027 is free. No fees, no contract, nothing to pay to leave.