Cheap Import Two Way Radios – BEWARE!

Be careful buying VHF and UHF radios from the overseas manufacturers. Most manufacturers of inexpensive portable and mobile radio equipment have not submitted their radios to the proper Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification process (Part 90/Part95). Importing these radios is not allowed and their use is strictly forbidden in the private land mobile radio services.

These radios are not legal to use in the United States as two way radios in the personal, commercial and public safety land mobile services. These include the business service, GMRS, FRS, MURS, police, fire, ambulance, etc. Use in the amateur radio service (Part 97) would be allowed but the importation of them without certification of any kind is questionable. All radios sold commercially in the United States need to be certified to comply with FCC rules.

A list of some overseas radio manufacturers that don’t comply with FCC rules:

Jingtong
Quansheng
Linton
Kington
KYD
Kensung
Wouxun
Abell
Feidaxin
Puxing
Weierwei
 

Many of the auctions selling these radios sell the radios for a very low price BUT charge huge shipping charges since they are shipped from overseas. The reason they can sell the radios so cheap is because they are of inferior construction and technical quality. Many violate the technical specifications that the FCC mandates. This could cause interference to legitimate radio users and someone's life could be at risk if you interfere with the local police or fire departments.

In addition to violating federal laws when using these radios, these radios could be confiscated by customs when they are shipped to this country. So, any radio you’ve purchased may never make it to your doorstep. And if it does arrive, you will risk large fines and possible prison time if you use it.

Here is a recent FCC action against an eBay merchant who was selling non-certified KYD brand radios:

http://www.fcc.gov/eb/FieldNotices/2003/DOC-268422A1.html

Bottom line: Cheap radios aren’t worth the trouble. Don’t risk fines or prison to save a few bucks.