On September 24, 2018, the FCC issued its Enforcement Advisory No. 2018-03 to address the huge influx of non-compliant two-way VHF and UHF radios pouring into the U.S. market. In this advisory, the FCC points out that any two-way VHF/UHF radio must be FCC compliant in order for it to be imported, advertised, or sold in the United States; furthermore, the Commission also specifically points out that “Operator’s must also comply with FCC rules.”
There is probably no accurate estimate of just how many non-compliant radios have been marketed and sold in the United States — except to say that the number has to be astronomical. Many users might be shocked to look at the labeling of their radio(s) to discover that there is no FCC type or ID number on the device (many manufacturers put such labeling on the back of the radio in an area which can only be seen by removing the battery.)
AFCRAS.ORG and its officers strongly encourage all Amateur Radio licensees and operators to take a look at their equipment and determine whether or not it is clearly FCC compliant; moreover, licensees/users should make certain that they adhere to FCC rules and only operate in compliance therewith. Doing so is not only in keeping with being good members of the Amateur Radio community (as well as good ambassadors thereof), it’s also a matter of compliance with Federal law.
Instead of restating everything the FCC had to say in this Advisory, we are making available a PDF copy of FCC Enforcement Advisory 2018-03, which you can (and should) open or download and read for yourself.