TEC Certification in India

In India’s rapidly growing telecommunications and electronics sector, ensuring that devices meet the national safety and quality standards is vital. One of the most essential certifications in this domain is TEC Certification, issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It ensures that telecom equipment and devices comply with India’s technical and safety requirements before they are introduced in the Indian market.

This article offers an in-depth look at TEC Certification in India, its scope, mandatory requirements, procedures, and the importance of working with experienced consultants.

What is TEC Certification?

TEC Certification is the official approval granted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre to telecom and networking products that comply with Indian standards and technical regulations. It is mandatory for both domestic manufacturers and foreign companies planning to sell or import specific telecom equipment into India.

TEC certification helps ensure that such products are safe, reliable, do not interfere with public telecom networks, and are compatible with other systems.

Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE)

To streamline telecom equipment approval in India, the government launched the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework under TEC in 2017. Under this scheme:

• All telecom products notified under MTCTE must be tested and certified before being sold or used in India.

• Testing must be conducted at Indian laboratories designated by TEC.

• Certification must be obtained by an Indian Registered Entity (manufacturer or authorized representative).

The MTCTE scheme is implemented in a phased manner, covering different categories of telecom and network equipment.

Why TEC Certification is Important

1. Regulatory Compliance
   Without TEC certification, the import, sale, or usage of notified telecom equipment in India is illegal and can lead to product bans or penalties.

2. Ensures Product Safety
   Testing verifies that the product meets safety standards and does not harm the network or users.

3. Market Access
   TEC certification is a gateway for manufacturers and importers to legally access and sell products in the Indian market.

4. Builds Brand Trust
   Certified products gain higher consumer trust and better acceptance in public and private sector procurement.

5. Support for Digital India Initiatives
   Certification encourages the use of high-quality telecom infrastructure aligned with national goals for digital growth and connectivity.

Products Covered Under TEC Certification

The scope of TEC certification is wide and constantly evolving. Some major product categories currently covered include:

• Mobile handsets and smartphones

• Smartwatches and wearables with SIM capability

• Wi-Fi routers, access points, and modems

• Network switches and firewalls

• IP phones and VoIP devices

• Optical fibre cables

• Smart meters and IoT devices

• Base stations and repeaters

• Satellite communication devices

• Set-top boxes and broadcast equipment

Manufacturers are advised to regularly check TEC’s official list of notified products to determine applicability.

TEC Certification Process in India

The certification process under MTCTE involves several key steps:

1. Registration on the TEC Portal

Applicants must register on the TEC Certification Portal using their official company details.

2. Choose the Certification Scheme

TEC offers two types of schemes:

• General Certification Scheme (GCS) – for high and medium-risk products.

• Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) – for low-risk products.

The applicable scheme is based on the product’s category and risk level.

3. Testing at TEC-Approved Lab

Products must be tested at TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) within India. Only Indian labs are permitted under MTCTE.

4. Submission of Documents

Required documents include:

• Test reports from TEC lab

• Product specifications and technical details

• User manual

• Company KYC and authorization

• Declaration of conformity

5. Fee Payment

Applicants must pay the applicable certification fee online through the TEC portal.

6. Evaluation and Grant of Certificate

TEC evaluates the application and test results. If everything meets requirements, certification is granted, usually within 4–6 weeks.

7. Labelling

Once certified, the product must carry the TEC logo and certification number before being sold in India.

Common Challenges in TEC Certification

• Lack of clarity on applicable Indian standards

• Limited availability of approved testing labs

• Delays due to documentation errors or missing information

• Coordination issues for foreign manufacturers

• Changes in regulations and technical updates

These challenges can delay product launches and lead to compliance issues.

Role of TEC Certification Consultants

Hiring a professional TEC Certification Consultant in India can simplify the process and eliminate common pitfalls. A consultant provides:

• Eligibility check and documentation guidance

• End-to-end application management

• Coordination with labs and TEC officials

• Handling of technical clarifications

• Labeling, renewal, and modification assistance

With a consultant’s help, businesses can speed up the certification process and reduce compliance risks.

Who Needs TEC Certification?

TEC certification is essential for:

• Telecom equipment manufacturers

• Smart device producers and IoT developers

• Importers and traders of telecom products

• E-commerce businesses selling communication devices

• OEMs and ODMs manufacturing for Indian brands

Any product connecting to public telecom networks or transmitting data over the airwaves may fall under TEC’s regulatory scope.

Conclusion

As India continues to expand its digital infrastructure and telecom capabilities, the importance of TEC Certification is growing. It not only ensures safety and quality but also aligns with the country’s vision for a secure and robust telecom network.

Manufacturers and importers must be proactive in securing TEC certification for their telecom equipment. By partnering with expert TEC consultants and staying updated with regulatory changes, businesses can ensure smooth market access and long-term compliance in India.

Need Expert Support?
Indiaxis provides complete assistance for TEC Certification in India, including product evaluation, testing support, documentation, and approval management.
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