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- TEC Certification is mandatory for telecom products sold or imported in India under the MTCTE framework.
- It ensures that all telecom equipment complies with safety, security, and EMI/EMC standards set by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre.
- This guide explains TEC Approval, mandatory testing, and certification requirements for telecom equipment manufacturers and importers.
Introduction to TEC Certification
In today’s fast-changing telecom industry, failing to comply with the national standards is not just a regulatory concern but also an economic concern. Of all approvals, TEC certification remains the most important for a manufacturer or importer of telecom equipment whose products are to be sold in the Indian territory. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre, under the Department of Telecommunications, issues a TEC certification, which ensures that telecom equipment meets basic requirements about safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and technical specifications.
We at Diligence Certification ease the oftentimes challenging procedure of getting TEC certification for businesses so they can get faster compliance and market access. This blog is a complete one about everything and anything you need to know about TEC certification: different modes of voluntary testing certification, mandatory testing, and certification of telecom equipment (MTCTE), products covered under different phases, documentation requirements, and how Diligence Certification can assist you.
In India, TEC certification is required for all telecom equipment that is manufactured, imported, sold, or used. This certification assures that the equipment meets essential requirements (ERs) regarding safety, EMC, and other technical parameters; without TEC certification, telecom products cannot legally be sold or connected to public networks in India.
For manufacturers, importers, and traders striving to make their mark on the Indian telecom scene, TEC certification is a critical opening through which they need to pass. Much in the way we assist all types of companies in getting their TEC certification with a minimum hiccup, Diligence Certification is your partner in an oftentimes confusing compliance maze.
Types of Voluntary Testing Certification
Apart from mandatory certification, TEC provides voluntary testing certification for telecom products for quality assurance and standardization. The authority has four main types of voluntary certifications:
1. Type Approval
This is granted when the product conforms to the Generic Requirements (GRs) laid down by TEC. It ensures that the product meets the minimum standards for quality and performance.
2. Interface Approval
Interface Approval certifies that the telecom equipment conforms to the Interface Requirements (IRs) to interoperate with other network equipment.
3. Certificate of Approval (CoA)
If the product is not covered under any existing GR or IR, then the manufacturer may apply for a Certificate of Approval (CoA) under its own specifications, which are then evaluated by TEC.
4. Technology Approval
This is an approval for prototype telecommunication products developed by R&D institutions to ensure they meet technical standards so that they can be taken up for mass production.
Obtaining voluntary TEC certification under any of the above-mentioned categories can help manufacturers prove the quality of their products, despite this being not legally binding.
Products Under TEC Approval
A wide range of telecom products requires TEC certification to ensure safety, interoperability, and technical compliance. Some common products under TEC certification include:
- Routers
- Switches
- Optical Transport Equipment
- Network Interface Devices
- PON Equipment (OLTs, ONUs)
- Feedback Devices
- Base Stations
- Smart Meters
- Tracking Devices
At Diligence Certification, we help businesses identify whether their product falls under the scope of TEC certification and guide them through the approval process.
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE)
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) was established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. According to this issue, before any telecom equipment could be sold or used in India, it had to be mandatorily tested and certified.
The testing shall be carried out in laboratories designated by the TEC or recognized Conformance Assessment Bodies (CABs). Certification will be granted only to products that conform to the Essential Requirements (ERs) prescribed by TEC.
Without the TEC-issue certification under MTCTE, telecom products cannot be connected to public telecom networks in India. Diligence Certification helps your products meet these requirements and assists you in obtaining the certification in the quickest possible manner.
Products Covered Under MTCTE Phases
The implementation of MTCTE is phased, covering different product categories in each phase. Here’s a breakdown:
Phase I (Effective October 1, 2019)
| Product Name | Product Variant Name | Category of Product GCS/SCS |
| 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | 2-Line Feature Phone | SCS |
| 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Clip Phone | SCS |
| 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Coin Box Telephone | SCS |
| 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Coin Box Telephone-Table Top Interface | SCS |
| 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Electronic Telephone Equipment | SCS |
| G3 Fax Machine | FAX machine with handset | SCS |
| G3 Fax Machine | FAX machine without a handset | SCS |
| Modem | V.90 or V.92 or V.21 to V.34 | SCS |
| Cordless Telephone | Cordless Telephone | SCS |
Phase II (Effective October 1, 2020)
| Product Name | Product Variant Name | Category of Product GCS/SCS |
| PON Family of Broadband Equipment | PON OLT | SCS |
| PON Family of Broadband Equipment | PON ONT | SCS |
| PON Family of Broadband Equipment | PON OLT | SCS |
| Feedback Device | Feedback Device | SCS |
| Transmission Terminal Equipment1 | Multiplexing Equipment | SCS |
| Transmission Terminal Equipment1 | SDH Equipment | SCS |
Phase III (Effective July 1, 2023)
| Product Name | Product Variant Name | Category of Product GCS/SCSCategory of Product GCS/SCS |
| Equipments Operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Band | PTP PMP Wireless Access Equipment 2.4 or 5 GHz | SCS |
| Equipments Operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Band | Wifi Access Points and CPE | SCS |
| Equipments Operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Band | WLAN Controller Equipment | SCS |
| IoT Gateway | IoT Gateway | GCS |
| Tracking Device | Asset Tracking Device | SCS |
| Tracking Device | Human Tracking Device | SCS |
| Tracking Device | Pet Tracking Device | SCS |
| Tracking Device | Vehicle Tracking Device | SCS |
| Smart Electricity Meter | Smart Electricity Meter | SCS |
Phase IV (Effective July 1, 2023)
| Product Name | Product Variant Name | Category of Product GCS/SCS |
| LAN Switch | L2 LAN Switch | SCS |
| LAN Switch | L3 LAN Switch | SCS |
| LAN Switch | MPLS TP CEN Switch | SCS |
| LAN Switch | L2 Unmanaged Switch | SCS |
| Router | BNG or BRAS Router | SCS |
| Router | Cloud Control Capable Router | SCS |
| Router | IPV4 Router | SCS |
| Router | IPV6 Router | SCS |
| IP Security Equipment | MPLS Router | SCS |
Phase V (Effective July 1, 2024)
| Product Name | Product Variant Name | Category of Product GCS/SCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | BTS with Multi Standard Radio | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Active Antenna System-OTA | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Base Station 5G NR Type 1C | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Base Station 5G NR Type 1H | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Base Station 5G NR Type 1H | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Base Station 5G NR Type 1O | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Base Station 5G NR Type 2O | GCS |
| Base station for cellular network for 5G | Hybrid Active Antenna System | GCS |
| 5G Core | AMF | SCS |
Each phase brings new product categories under mandatory compliance. If your product is covered under any phase, TEC certification is compulsory to sell in India.
If you want the complete list of products covered by MTCTE in different Phases with the Mandatory date of certification of the product under MTCTE, Click Here.
How to Get TEC Certification in India
Obtaining TEC certification involves several steps that can be daunting without professional assistance. At Diligence Certification, we guide clients through the entire process to avoid delays and rejections.
Here’s the step-by-step process for obtaining TEC certification:
- Registration: Create an account on the TEC’s MTCTE portal.
- Document Preparation: Compile necessary documents such as technical specs, user manuals, authorization letters, and test reports.
- Testing: Submit product samples for testing at a TEC-designated lab or a recognized CAB.
- Application Submission: Upload the application along with test reports on the MTCTE portal.
- Evaluation: TEC evaluates the application, test results, and compliance with Essential Requirements.
- Certification: On approval, TEC issues the certificate authorizing sale or use of the equipment.
Working with Diligence Certification reduces your burden by streamlining each step and ensuring full compliance.
Documents Required for Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipment
Applicants must submit specific documents to obtain TEC certification under MTCTE. These include:
- Technical specifications and product manuals
- Test reports from TEC-approved labs or CABs
- Business registration or manufacturing license
- Authorization letter (if applicable)
- Declaration of conformity
- Photographs of the product
Submitting accurate and complete documentation is crucial to avoid delays. At Diligence Certification, we review your documents and provide end-to-end support for compliance.
How Diligence Certification Helps You Obtain TEC Certification
Navigating the process of TEC certification can be complex and time-consuming, especially for businesses unfamiliar with Indian regulatory frameworks. That’s where Diligence Certification steps in.
We provide comprehensive consulting and compliance services, including:
- Identifying product applicability under TEC certification
- Assisting in technical document preparation
- Coordinating with TEC-approved laboratories for testing
- Handling online application submissions
- Addressing queries or objections raised by TEC
- Facilitating post-certification compliance support
By partnering with Diligence Certification, manufacturers and importers gain a trusted compliance ally who ensures that their telecom products achieve certification without unnecessary delays or costs.
Why TEC Certification Matters
Obtaining TEC certification not only fulfills legal obligations but also provides a competitive edge by assuring customers, network operators, and government agencies of product quality and safety. Certified products are more likely to gain faster market acceptance and avoid penalties for non-compliance.
Diligence Certification’s expert team helps businesses leverage this advantage by expediting certification timelines while maintaining full compliance.
How One Startup Gained Market Lead with Early TEC Compliance
An IoT startup from Bengaluru manufacturing smart meters saw a delay in government utility contracts due to TEC non-compliance. With help from Diligence Certification, they obtained TEC certification within 45 days—beating 7 competitors who failed the initial round. Their TEC-compliant smart meters are now approved for deployment in 3 states.
Conclusion
In India’s highly regulated telecom sector, TEC certification is indispensable for selling, importing, or using telecom equipment. Whether it’s routers, switches, base stations, or 5G components, each product must meet essential safety and technical standards.
By choosing Diligence Certification, you ensure that your TEC certification process is managed by experienced compliance professionals who understand the intricacies of Indian telecom regulations.
Contact Diligence Certification today to get started with your TEC certification and ensure seamless market entry for your telecom products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TEC Certification?
TEC Certification is mandatory approval of telecom equipment in India's MTCTE framework to guarantee safety and network compliance.
How long is a TEC Certificate valid?
A TEC certificate is generally valid for 5 years unless withdrawn prematurely due to non-compliance.
Can foreign manufacturers apply for TEC certification?
Yes, but they have to appoint an Indian Authorized Representative (AIR) who will apply on their behalf.
Are products that are already BIS or CE certified required to have TEC?
Yes. BIS and CE cannot take the place of TEC approval, as it is telecom compliance specific.
Is it permissible for me to utilize foreign test reports to use for TEC?
No. Test reports from only TEC-recognized Indian labs are accepted under MTCTE.
Is TEC approval necessary for Wi-Fi products?
Yes, all Wi-Fi modules and access devices must be TEC tested under MTCTE phases.
What are Essential Requirements (ERs)?
ERs are technical specifications for a product, covering safety, EMI/EMC, security and environmental requirements and are product specific by TEC.
What happens if I sell a product without TEC certification?
Your product will be confiscated at the border, and you may get fined or banned from importing products.
What does Diligence Certification do for you?
We handle everything from documentation, laboratory coordination, setting up the portal and issuance of certificates.
What authority issues TEC Certification?
TEC Certification is issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
