India’s telecommunication industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. With the increasing demand for secure, reliable, and efficient communication infrastructure, the Government of India has made it mandatory for certain telecom equipment to comply with technical standards. This is regulated through TEC Certification, administered by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), which is a part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). TEC Certification in India is mandatory for telecom equipment, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance under the MTCTE framework by the DoT.
In this article, we’ll cover the purpose, process, and importance of TEC Certification in India, especially under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework.
What is TEC Certification?
TEC Certification is the official approval granted to telecom and network equipment that confirms compliance with Indian regulatory, technical, and safety standards. This certification is mandatory for manufacturers and importers who want to sell or use their telecom products in India.
It ensures that the equipment:
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Does not harm the existing telecom network
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Meets technical and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards
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Is safe for both users and the environment
What is MTCTE?
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) is a regulatory framework established by TEC. Under this scheme, telecom equipment must be tested in Indian labs accredited by TEC before being certified for use.
The MTCTE framework covers various telecom and ICT products, such as:
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Routers and modems
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Mobile devices
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Transmission equipment
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IoT gateways
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Network switches and hubs
Why is TEC Certification Important?
Here are some of the key reasons why TEC Certification is crucial:
1. Legal Compliance
It is mandatory under Indian law for certain telecom products. Non-compliance may result in penalties, seizure, or bans.
2. Market Entry
TEC Certification is essential for manufacturers and importers to access the Indian telecom market.
3. Quality Assurance
Certification confirms that the equipment meets quality and safety standards, reducing the risk of malfunction or security threats.
4. Promotes Trust
It builds customer confidence by ensuring the reliability of the telecom products being used.
Categories of TEC Certification
The certification process under MTCTE is divided into two schemes:
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Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS): For simpler devices with low risk.
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General Certification Scheme (GCS): For complex telecom equipment requiring detailed testing and evaluation.
The TEC Certification Process in India
Here is the step-by-step process to obtain TEC Certification:
1. Register on the MTCTE Portal
Visit https://www.mtcte.tec.gov.in and create an account.
2. Identify Product Category
Check if your product is listed under the notified equipment categories and determine whether it falls under SCS or GCS.
3. Submit Application
Fill out the online form with technical specifications and company details.
4. Testing at Accredited Labs
Submit your product to a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for mandatory testing.
5. Upload Test Reports
Once testing is complete, upload the reports along with supporting documents to the MTCTE portal.
6. Evaluation by TEC
TEC reviews the submission. If all requirements are met, a certificate is issued.
Required Documents
To complete your TEC certification, you will need:
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Product technical details
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Test reports from an accredited lab
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Company PAN, GST, and business registration
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Authorization letter (for agents or consultants)
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User manual or brochure
Duration and Validity
TEC Certification generally takes 4 to 6 weeks if all documents and test results are in order. The certification is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless there is a major change in the product.
Role of TEC Consultants in India
Navigating the TEC certification process can be complex, especially for foreign manufacturers or first-time applicants. This is where TEC consultants come in. They provide:
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Application and documentation support
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Coordination with testing labs
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Compliance advisory services
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Representation before TEC authorities
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Post-certification updates and renewals
Hiring a TEC consultant can help save time, avoid errors, and ensure smooth certification.
Recent Developments
As of 2024–2025, TEC has made several improvements to simplify and strengthen the certification process:
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Extended validity of certificates
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More product categories included under MTCTE
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Online tracking and updates
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Ease of testing access through a wider network of labs
These changes aim to encourage local manufacturing and ensure a higher standard of telecom products in India.
Conclusion
TEC Certification in India is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and compliance in the telecom industry. With the rapid expansion of technologies like 5G, IoT, and smart devices, the need for standardized, reliable telecom infrastructure is more important than ever.
Whether you are a manufacturer or an importer, understanding and complying with TEC norms is crucial for successful entry into the Indian telecom market. Partnering with experienced TEC consultants can make the process smoother and more efficient.
