BIS bans Chinese and Russian technology in connected vehicles
The US Bureau of Industry and Security (‘BIS’) has announced a final rule prohibiting certain connected vehicle technologies from China and Russia, citing national security risks from potential data collection and remote manipulation capabilities, according to a 14 January announcement.
‘BIS and its Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) have found that certain technologies originating from the PRC or Russia present an undue and unacceptable risk to U.S. national security,’ the announcement said.
‘Cars today aren’t just steel on wheels – they’re computers. They have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other technologies that are connected to the internet,’ said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. ‘Through this rule, the Commerce Department is taking a necessary step to safeguard U.S. national security.’
In the United States, the rule prohibits the import and sale of Vehicle Connectivity System (‘VCS’) hardware and software and Automated Driving System (‘ADS’) software with a ‘sufficient nexus’ to China or Russia. The VCS includes ‘telematics control units, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi modules,’ while ADS covers components enabling autonomous driving.
‘Malicious access to these critical supply chains could allow our foreign adversaries to extract sensitive data, including personal information about vehicle drivers or owners, and remotely manipulate vehicles,’ BIS said.
The restrictions will be phased in, with software-related prohibitions taking effect for Model Year 2027 and hardware-related prohibitions for Model Year 2030. The rule currently applies only to passenger vehicles under 10,001 pounds, with commercial vehicle regulations for trucks and buses to follow.
‘This final rule reflects significant stakeholder feedback and protects our national security while reducing unintended impacts,’ said OICTS Executive Director Elizabeth Cannon. The rule takes effect 17 March of this year.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun charged that ‘the US under the pretext of so-called national security made the decision without any factual basis to prohibit Chinese connected vehicle hardware and software systems.’
‘We urge the US to stop its wrongdoings of overstretching the concept of national security, and stop going after Chinese companies,’ he told reporters. ‘China will take necessary measures to firmly defend its lawful rights and interests.’
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/lxjzh/202501/t20250115_11534995.html
