TEC Approval

TEC CERTIFICATION

The Mandatory Testing and Certification for Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) is a regulatory initiative in India designed to ensure that all telecom equipment capable of interfacing with the Indian telecommunications network meets stringent quality, safety, and performance standards. Implemented under the oversight of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this certification process applies comprehensively to devices and systems that can connect to the country’s telecom infrastructure, ranging from basic communication devices to advanced networking equipment. The MTCTE framework is structured to achieve several critical objectives that safeguard both the telecom ecosystem and its users. Firstly, it seeks to guarantee that newly introduced telecom equipment does not compromise or degrade the performance, reliability, or stability of the existing Indian telecom network to which it is connected. This ensures seamless interoperability and maintains the integrity of nationwide communication services. Secondly, the scheme prioritizes the safety of end-users by mandating that certified equipment adheres to established safety protocols, minimizing risks associated with usage. Another key focus of MTCTE is the protection of both users and the broader public from excessive radio frequency (RF) emissions. By enforcing compliance with prescribed RF exposure limits, the certification process mitigates potential health hazards posed by electromagnetic radiation, aligning with national and international safety benchmarks. Additionally, MTCTE ensures that telecom equipment conforms to a wide array of relevant regulatory standards and requirements, both domestic and global. This includes technical specifications, environmental considerations, and operational guidelines, fostering a robust and standardized telecom market in India. Through this certification regime, the Indian government aims to encourage the adoption of high-quality telecom products while fostering innovation and accountability among manufacturers. By mandating rigorous testing and certification, MTCTE not only enhances the reliability of telecom services but also reinforces public trust in the safety and efficacy of equipment deployed across the Indian telecom network.

  • Applicability : Any Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), importer, or dealer seeking to market or import telecommunication equipment in India is required to secure a certificate from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and ensure that the equipment is marked or labeled with the appropriate certification identifier.
  • General Certification Scheme (GCS)Under the General Certification Scheme (GCS), applicants—be they OEMs, importers, or dealers—are required to provide detailed, test-specific evidence of compliance with the parameters outlined in the ERs. This involves submitting comprehensive test reports generated by a designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) in India or a recognized CAB from a country with a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with India. These test reports must address each parameter specified in the ERs, such as performance standards, safety measures, and radio frequency emission limits. The TEC evaluates the submitted test results against the ERs to verify full compliance before issuing the certificate. This rigorous process ensures that telecom equipment meets all stipulated regulatory and technical benchmarks, making GCS suitable for complex or high-risk equipment requiring thorough validation.
  • Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) The Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) offers a more streamlined alternative for certification, designed to expedite the process for certain categories of telecom equipment. Under this scheme, applicants are required to submit a test-wise compliance sheet detailing adherence to the parameters in the ERs, accompanied by a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). The SDoC is a formal statement from the applicant asserting that the equipment meets all applicable standards, based on their own testing or evaluation. Unlike the GCS, the SCS does not mandate submission of detailed test reports from a designated or recognized CAB, reducing the procedural burden. This scheme is typically applicable to lower-risk or well-established equipment categories, allowing faster market entry while still ensuring compliance with essential safety and performance criteria.

WPC-IMPORT LICENSE

In India, any equipment operating on regulated bandwidths and capable of connecting to the Indian telecom network must obtain an Import License from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This requirement applies uniformly to both imported goods and equipment manufactured domestically. The Import License is issued on a model-specific and quantity-specific basis, meaning it is tailored to particular equipment models and the number of units specified in the application. Each license remains valid for a period of six months, after which renewal or a new application is necessary if further imports or sales are planned.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED :

    1. ETA Approval from Telecom: A copy of the Equipment Type Approval issued by the WPC, verifying that the equipment meets the necessary technical specifications and regulatory guidelines for operation on regulated bandwidths in India.
    2. Product Catalogue: A detailed catalogue or brochure outlining the equipment’s features, specifications, and intended use. This document helps authorities assess the equipment’s purpose and compatibility with Indian telecom standards.
    3. RF Test Reports: Comprehensive test reports documenting the equipment’s radio frequency (RF) performance, including compliance with prescribed emission limits and bandwidth regulations. These reports, typically generated by accredited testing labs, demonstrate that the equipment operates safely and within permissible RF parameters.

EQUIPMENT TYPE APPROVAL ( ETA)

Any device functioning on designated frequency bands and able to interface with the Indian telecommunications network requires a single-time authorization from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This Equipment Type Authorization (ETA) is issued individually for each model and applies to both imported products and those produced within India.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED :

  • Product Catalogue
  • RF test report

The Government of India recognized the necessity for a dedicated entity to accelerate the formulation of standards and the establishment of testing infrastructure concurrently with the development of these standards. This need arises because advancements in safety-critical components, vital for enhancing vehicle safety, depend on the availability of published standards and operational testing facilities. To address this, the Ministry of Surface Transport (MOST) established the Automotive Industry Standard Committee (AISC) as a permanent body through order No. RT-11028/11/97-MVL, issued on September 15, 1997. The AISC is tasked with drafting standards, which are subsequently reviewed and endorsed by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) Technical Standing Committee (CTSC), another permanent body. Following approval, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in Pune, serving as the secretariat for the AISC, publishes these standards. To enhance accessibility, ARAI is encouraged to make these documents available on its website. The CMVR lays down regulations mandating that safety-critical automotive components comply with officially notified standards to ensure the safe operation of vehicles. Currently, compliance is verified during the initial certification of a vehicle model by designated test agencies, with manufacturers subsequently responsible for ongoing self-certification. However, there is a growing consensus that stricter oversight is required to strengthen this process. Additionally, the existing CMVR framework does not regulate safety-critical components sold in the aftermarket, highlighting a significant gap in control measures. To address these shortcomings and ensure consistent quality and safety across both original equipment and aftermarket parts, the introduction of a marking scheme for safety-critical components specified under the CMVR has become essential.