**Bitcoin Mining Hardware Seized: FCC Crackdown Shakes the Industry**

Increased Scrutiny of Bitcoin Mining Equipment

Recent activities by officials in the United States suggest an increasing regulatory emphasis on the hardware used for bitcoin mining. Acting under instructions from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. authorities have directed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to stop bitcoin mining hardware at several important ports of entry nationwide.

Extent of Confiscations

Internal reports and documentation indicate that the CBP has expanded its confiscation efforts to include hardware from leading manufacturers such as MicroBT and Canaan. Previously, comparable actions were aimed at other mining units due to issues related to parts that didn’t meet regulations.

An official statement from the CBP clarified that the confiscated items are “subject to seizure and forfeiture” in accordance with U.S. law (19 USC 1595a(c)(2)(A)). These laws specifically address problems related to radio frequency equipment and communication devices that either lack FCC approval or do not adhere to established standards.

Effects on the Industry

The increasing severity of these enforcement measures has caused concern among those working in the industry. Taras Kulyk, the CEO and co-founder of Synteq Digital, noted that many Asian ASIC manufacturers are encountering substantial obstacles at customs. Reports suggest that seizures are now occurring at a wider range of ports, not just major hubs like Detroit and San Francisco, leading some businesses to seek legal advice to challenge the seizures.

Wider Consequences

This regulatory crackdown seems to be part of a larger plan to strengthen domestic production within the technology industry. Considering the vital role of silicon-based components in bitcoin mining activities, these developments pose a significant challenge for both major manufacturers and miners active in the market.