ImageOnline marketplace eBay has imposed new restrictions on listings of radio transmitting equipment in response to new FCC rules that took effect this week, but responded to ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® that its new policy will not apply to gear that operates exclusively on amateur radio frequencies. The FCC’s rules are intended to use its equipment authorization program to protect against “national security threats to the communications supply chain” and cover a wide variety of products.
In its Third Report and Order issued on July 23, 2026, the Commission makes clear that online marketplaces share in the legal responsibility to assure that unauthorized RF devices are not offered for sale on their platforms. The rules took effect on October 13. Moving forward, equipment subject to FCC authorization must have its FCC ID number submitted to the marketplace and posted with its listing. There are exemptions for posts already online, “small sellers,” and used equipment, but initial messages to sellers from eBay suggested that an FCC ID would be required in order to post a listing for any equipment that transmits RF energy.
In response to a request from ARRL for a clarification relating to amateur radio equipment that does not require FCC authorization, an eBay spokesperson provided the following statement:
eBay allows the sale of devices capable of operating only on frequencies that the FCC has allocated for use by Amateur Radio Service licensees. As these devices do not require FCC equipment authorization, FCC IDs will not be required for these listings as an amateur licensee may use his or her license to operate such radios.
However, two-way VHF/UHF radio equipment capable of operating outside of the amateur frequency bands cannot be imported, advertised, sold, or operated within the United States, including on eBay, without an FCC equipment certification.
If eBay inadvertently takes action against listings for devices that don’t require FCC IDs and are otherwise authorized, the affected seller should inform eBay and we will assess whether to remove restrictions from the listing.
It should be emphasized that the FCC did not change its underlying equipment authorization rules. Amateur radio equipment, except for commercial HF amplifiers, continues to not require FCC authorization.