The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to detain shipments of Bitmain’s latest mining hardware. The shipment includes the Antminer S21 and T21 models. Other manufacturers like MicroBT and Canaan remain unaffected.
Investigation Focuses on Sophgo Chip in Bitmain’s ASIC Miners
According to Blockspace Media’s November 25 report, the FCC’s actions may relate to an investigation into the Sophgo CV1835 chip used in these ASIC miners. The chip may have ties to Huawei, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2019.
Ongoing Shipment Delays Cause Uncertainty for U.S. Miners
The detentions have continued for months, affecting major U.S. ports like San Francisco and Detroit. Mining companies report delays and lack of communication from CBP. Some companies have paid significant storage fees during the delay, with one firm accumulating over $200,000 in charges for 200 detained units.
Lack of Clarity Raises Speculation Over FCC’s Investigation
The long detentions have raised suspicions. Sources state that CBP usually resolves holds within 30 days. However, the extended delays are unusual. No official confirmation links the detentions to Huawei or restricted components, but the industry is speculating.
Costly Impact on Miners Amid Ongoing Delays
The delay continues to increase costs for affected companies. They face substantial storage fees and have struggled to get updates on their shipments. Some insiders believe the detained units are under inspection for restricted components. Bitmain sources parts from multiple suppliers, so not all units may contain the Sophgo chip.
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