TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING CENTRE (TEC)

INTRODUCTION

TEC: Starting from the early 2000s, the telecommunications sector has experienced rapid liberalization and advancement. Entities within the telecommunications industry transmit data globally in various formats, including text, voice, audio, and video. The telecommunications sector primarily comprises three fundamental subcategories: telecom equipment, telecom services, and wireless communication.

In the 1830s, the telecommunication industry began with the invention of the first mechanical gadget, the Telegraph. Over time, the sector has advanced significantly with technological progress. To sustain this advancement, the Indian government initiated the TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING CENTRE in 1991. This department is responsible for developing standards for the telecommunications sector, ensuring the establishment of a world-class network, and facilitating seamless connectivity across individual networks.

Telecom equipment dealers are mandated to obtain a TEC certificate for importing, manufacturing, and selling such equipment. This certificate is issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre subsequent to the telecom equipment undergoing testing as part of the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme.

Upon completion of the TEC Registration process, you will be allocated a distinct registration number. This number acts as a unique identifier for your equipment. You can prominently showcase this certification on your product to provide customers with assurance regarding its authenticity and compliance.

WHAT IS TEC APPROVAL

TEC, which stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre, aids the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Government of India in formulating and executing various standards and policies to ensure the safe and secure adoption of emerging technologies in telecommunications. TEC India has issued specifications for maintaining the quality of telecom equipment. These specifications encompass Generic Requirements (GRs), Interface Requirements (IRs), and Service Requirements (SR).

TYPES OF VOLUNTARY TESTING CERTIFICATION

TEC India is responsible for granting various approvals, such as Interface Approvals, Certificate of Approvals, Service Approvals, and Type Approvals. The certification process depends on the nature of the products and interface-related technical standards. Certification is granted based on compliance with testing parameters and adherence to the conditions specified in the Technical standards.

1. Type Approval -Type Approval involves the testing and certification of a telecom product to ensure compliance with TEC's Test Schedule & Test Procedure (TSTP) based on the Standard for Products/Equipment (commonly referred to as the product's Generic Requirement (GR)). Testing is conducted either on-site at the OEMs premises or in a laboratory setting. Additionally, reports from ILAC signatory accredited labs for EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing, etc. are also accepted.

2. Interface Approval -Interface Approval entails the testing and certification of a telecom product to ensure alignment with TEC's Test Schedule & Test Procedure (TSTP) in accordance with the Standard for Products/Equipment (often referred to as the product's Interface Requirement (IR)). Testing can be conducted either on-site at the OEMs premises or in a laboratory environment. Additionally, reports from ILAC signatory accredited labs for EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing, etc. are also considered. Interface Approval may be mandated as a compulsory certification by license requirements, Government agencies, or service providers.

3. Certificate of Approval -Certificate of Approval (CoA) refers to the process of testing and certifying a telecom product based on the manufacturer's specifications. This certificate is issued only when TEC lacks a Generic or Interface Requirement for the product. Testing can occur either on-site at the OEMs premises or in a laboratory setting. Moreover, reports from ILAC signatory accredited labs for EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing, etc. are also recognized.

4. Technology Approval - The testing and certification of a prototype of a telecom product developed by C-DoT or other R&D organizations is referred to as technology approval. This approval is granted based on the product's corresponding standard, formerly referred to as the Generic Requirement (GR) provided by TEC. Testing can be conducted either on-site at the OEMs premises or in a laboratory environment. Additionally, reports from ILAC signatory accredited labs for EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing, etc. are also considered.

MANDATORY TESTING AND CERTIFICATION OF TELECOM EQUIPMENT (MTCTE)

In accordance with the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, every telecom equipment is required to undergo mandatory testing and certification before being sold, imported, or used in India. The testing is conducted to ensure conformity to Essential Requirements (ER) for the equipment by Indian Accredited Labs designated by TEC. Based on their test reports, a TEC certificate is issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre.

PRODUCTS COVERED UNDER Phase I of MTCTE: +

PRODUCTS COVERED UNDER Phase II of MTCTE: +

PRODUCTS COVERED UNDER Phase III of MTCTE: +

PRODUCTS COVERED UNDER Phase IV of MTCTE: +

PRODUCTS COVERED UNDER Phase V of MTCTE: +

Please review the comprehensive inventory of items encompassed by MTCTE across various Phases, including the obligatory certification date for each product under MTCTE. Click here

Exempted Product List

The Department of Telecommunication's Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) released a notification on 08/01/2024, declaring the exemption of certain products from the compulsory TEC Certification roster. A wide-ranging exemption from presenting test reports for designated test parameters/interfaces linked to diverse Essential Requirements (ERs) under MTCTE has been prolonged until June 30, 2024, or until further communication. Verify the list of exempted products. Click here

• Wire Telephone Equipment

• Private Automobile Branch Exchange

• G3 Fax Machine

• Cordless Telephone

• ISDN Customer Premises Equipment

• Modem

REQUIREMENTS

1. An Authorized Signatory designated by an Authorized Indian Company.

2. If the OEM is foreign: The Foreign OEM must designate an Indian Company as its Representative for the MTCTE certification process. This requires a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the foreign OEM and the Indian Representative.

3. If the Manufacturer is Indian: Indian-based Manufacturers must furnish their legal documents for registration on the portal.

4. Products with Valid Test reports from Indian laboratories accredited by TEC.

5. Details regarding Brand or Trademark.

6. Company Registration.

HOW TO GET TEC CERTIFICATION IN INDIA?

Process of TEC Certification:Testing and Certification Requirements for Telecommunication Equipment

1. Online portal generation on MTCTE portal:Applicants must register on the MTCTE portal to obtain login credentials.

2. Application submission with all relevant documents:Users are encouraged to register online and complete all necessary information, along with uploading relevant documents, on the MTCTE portal. Once submitted, the documents cannot be altered.

3. Scrutiny of application:The TEC will review the documents provided, and any deficiencies will be notified to the applicant. Upon rectifying the deficiencies, the applicant's registration will be approved, enabling them to proceed with submitting applications for testing and certification.

4. Application submission for testing/certification:The applicant is required to choose the product for certification, including variant specifications, and provide details regarding available interfaces and associated models if applicable. Additionally, they must upload the Bill of Materials (BoM) and equipment datasheet onto the portal. The applicant must also furnish the manufacturing location(s) of the Telecom/ICT Equipment undergoing certification along with relevant contact information for each location.

5. Payment of fee:Upon submitting the application, the applicant will receive information regarding the applicable certification scheme, Essential Requirements (ER), and the corresponding fee. It is mandatory for the applicant to proceed with the payment of the testing fee.

6. Testing of product:On the MTCTE portal's testing section, applicants have the flexibility to choose a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) according to their preference. It's imperative that the Telecom/ICT equipment undergo testing at a designated or acknowledged CAB from a partner country within the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

7. Submission of test report:The applicant is required to have their product tested at the chosen CAB and subsequently upload the test report. Alongside the test results, a summary of the test reports must be submitted. Additionally, the applicant needs to upload the test reports and acknowledge an online declaration affirming the accuracy of the uploaded documents and reports.

8. Scrutiny of test report: Upon review of the submitted test results, a certificate will be issued if the equipment is deemed compliant.

9. Grant of certificate: TEC will issue the certificate upon satisfaction with all test reports and equipment meeting the specified standard.

DOCUMENT REQUIRED FOR MANDATORY TESTING

1. Incorporation documents of the company

2. Authorization Letter from the company (Indian OEM and AIR for Foreign OEM) for MTCTE-related tasks.

3. Signature of either Director or Company Secretary on the company's Articles of Association (AoA).

4. Signature of either Director or Company Secretary on the company's Memorandum of Association (MoA) as per regulations.

5. Recent Shareholding pattern indicating board members/shareholders.

6. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between foreign OEM and Indian representative (AIR) for product sales and support in India.

7. Authorization of AIR for MTCTE-related duties.

Note:The authorized Indian representative seeking TEC certification must adhere to the TEC procedure for mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment.

Timeline

The certification process typically lasts for 60 days, though this duration may vary depending on factors such as the product category and required tests.

TEC Registration Certificate Cost for Equipment

Acquiring a TEC Certificate for various equipment is straightforward, requiring payment of the requisite fee to obtain the certification.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS