US Customs mistakenly seize Bitcoin miners as radio frequency devices

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities may have mistakenly seized thousands of Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) miners under the impression that they were illegally imported radio frequency devices.

The seizures began around September 2024 at the request of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which reportedly believed the miners emitted radio frequencies, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

Ethan Vera, COO of Luxor Technology, stated that Bitcoin mining machines are not designed to transmit or receive radio signals, dismissing the FCC's concerns as unfounded.

The confusion may have arisen from the requirement for devices with radio frequency capabilities to be disclosed via an FCC 740 form, which Bitcoin miners do not need.

The seizures were also linked to concerns over Chinese-made components, particularly chips from Sophgo, a company restricted due to ties with Huawei.

However, many Bitcoin miners imported into the U.S. come from Southeast Asia, not China, which could mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.

In recent weeks, U.S. authorities have begun releasing thousands of seized Chinese-made mining equipment, signaling a shift in enforcement strategies.

This development comes as the Trump administration continues to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, which could impact the demand and pricing of Bitcoin mining equipment.

"Thousands of units have been released," Taras Kulyk noted, CEO of Synteq Digital, though some remain held.

Kulyk also suggested that certain CBP officials had a negative stance toward Bitcoin mining, aiming to create challenges for the industry.  

The release of these miners reflects broader shifts in U.S. crypto policies, including President Trump's recent establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which positions the U.S. as a leader in digital asset management.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $88,199.11.