Millions of Chinese Electronics Delisted from U.S. Marketplaces - Could the UK Be Next?

13th October 2025

Major U.S. online retailers have begun removing millions of listings for Chinese made electronics in response to mounting national security concerns.

The move prompted by new regulatory action from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), could signal a broader shift in how Western countries including the UK approach Chinese consumer tech.

What's happening in the U.S.?

The FCC has ordered online platforms to remove a sweeping array of Chinese-made devices deemed to pose security or surveillance risks. The products include smartwatches, home security cameras, network routers, and other connected devices from companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Dahua, and Hytera — all of which appear on the FCC’s "Covered List" of high-risk vendors.

Under new rules, U.S. platforms are barred from selling or importing devices made by, or containing components from, these companies unless they meet rigorous new certification standards — many of which previously passed FCC checks but are now under review.

The result? Millions of listings have vanished from Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, and eBay in recent weeks.

Why it matters

U.S. officials cite growing concerns over how Chinese-made electronics may collect and transmit data, potentially feeding back into Chinese state-controlled systems or violating American cybersecurity standards. The move aligns with a broader push to reduce foreign influence over critical infrastructure and consumer data pipelines.

The FCC is expected to vote on even stricter rules later this month, including potential revocation of previously authorized devices and bans on products containing even small components from blacklisted firms.

Could the UK be next?

While the UK has not enacted a ban of this scope, it is no stranger to Chinese tech controversies. The government began phasing out Huawei from UK 5G infrastructure in 2020 after U.S. pressure. More recently, Hikvision and Dahua — two of the world’s largest surveillance equipment makers — have come under fire from MPs and human rights groups for supplying technology used in mass surveillance campaigns in China.

In 2022, the UK restricted new Chinese surveillance tech installations in government buildings. However, these moves largely applied to public procurement, not consumer electronics.

Still, experts suggest that the UK's regulatory position may shift, especially as public awareness — and geopolitical pressure — builds.

“As the U.S. ramps up enforcement, platforms like Amazon UK and eBay UK may start proactively removing listings to avoid future liability,” says a trade analyst familiar with cross-border compliance.

Which Chinese brands are still active in the UK?

Many well-known Chinese tech brands continue to sell devices in the UK without restriction. These include:

Xiaomi (smartphones, smartwatches, cameras)

Lenovo / Motorola (laptops, phones)

Honor, OnePlus, Vivo (smartphones and accessories)

ZTE (budget devices)

Huawei (non-5G electronics, some consumer products)

Even beyond electronics, Chinese carmakers like MG, BYD, Ora, and NIO are aggressively expanding into the UK market with electric vehicles packed with connected software — which may eventually fall under data security regulations.

What’s next for UK consumers and sellers?

While a blanket ban isn’t imminent UK retailers and distributors may face growing pressure to audit their supply chains and vet imported electronics. Consumers may also see:

Fewer listings of Chinese-brand electronics on major platforms

Reduced support or updates for previously purchased products

Increased prices for alternative, compliant devices

Stricter data transparency labels or compliance warnings

The UK may also follow the U.S. in evaluating whether Chinese government-affiliated testing labs can continue to certify goods for UK sale.

The U.S. is taking a hard line on Chinese electronics and it’s sending shockwaves across global markets.

While the UK hasn’t yet followed suit with sweeping consumer bans the writing may be on the wall. For now consumers and sellers should keep a close eye on regulatory developments because what’s disappearing from U.S. shelves today may vanish from UK stores tomorrow.