European router manufacturers demand strict controls for imported network devices

The manufacturers warn that routers and home network gateways carry a large share of European internet traffic. According to a study cited by the companies, only seven percent of European internet traffic runs over mobile networks, while 93 percent is handled via routers and home network gateways. This makes these devices a central node for data flow in households and businesses.

Why routers are in the spotlight

Despite this significance, the five companies criticize the fact that the EU has so far not enacted security requirements for routers and network devices comparable to the 5G regulations. They point to the EU's already existing 5G security regulation, which aims, among other things, to reduce components from Chinese manufacturers in the core networks. The German "Ampel" coalition had also required 5G mobile network operators to stop installing components from the two Chinese manufacturers Huawei and ZTE in the core networks from 2026 onwards.

The fear of espionage and possible sabotage by Chinese state authorities is fueled by the possibility of remotely updating and maintaining telecommunications devices over the network. These update and maintenance pathways could be misused as a gateway. Chinese manufacturers control just under 40 percent of the European router and home network gateway market, which the manufacturers assess as a strategic dependency.

In a statement, the association declared: „Router und Netzwerkgeräte müssen von der Politik ebenso stringent geschützt werden wie 5G-Netze". The companies accuse policymakers of keeping the EU markets for routers and network devices open to non-European products, thereby creating strategic dependencies and security risks.

The three core demands in detail

SAFENet's first core demand aims at greater transparency. Manufacturers and internet providers should disclose where hardware, firmware, and updates are actually manufactured or developed – including for white-label and provider products. This would allow consumers to understand which components are installed in the devices and where the software is maintained.

The second core demand is directed at the public sector. Authorities, operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), and publicly funded institutions should rely on trustworthy European network technology. In addition, SAFENet calls for exchange incentives and programs for high-risk hardware to facilitate the switch away from devices classified as insecure.

Political context: 5G regulation as a model

The third core demand concerns the recognition of routers and network technology as a priority sector in the debate on digital sovereignty and security. SAFENet is calling for a "Router and Network Technology Security Toolbox" analogous to the EU Toolbox for 5G Security, with uniform risk assessment and high-risk classification. „Priorität und Risikobewertung: Router und Netzwerktechnologie müssen in der aktuellen Diskussion um mehr Souveränität und Sicherheit des digitalen Ökosystems als prioritärer Sektor anerkannt werden. Europa braucht - analog zur EU Toolbox for 5G Security - eine „Router and Network Technology-Security-Toolbox" mit einheitlicher Risikobewertung und Hochrisiko-Einstufung", the announcement states.

SAFENet's overarching goal is a digital Europe that is self-determined, resilient, and fit for the future. With its demands, the alliance aims to increase pressure on EU legislators to regulate routers and network devices as strictly in the future as 5G mobile networks. Further information is published by the association on its website at www.safe-net.tech. Press contact is SAFENet, Unter den Linden 32-34, 10117 Berlin, media@safe-net.tech, +49 152 24154875.