Comprehensive Guide to TEC Certification in India: Everything You Need to Know

What is the definition of TEC Certification?

TEC Certification is a mandatory approval that is necessary for the legal sale and use of telecommunication and electronic products in the Indian market. It is administered by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. This certification guarantees that products meet Indian standards for safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and essential requirements.

TEC Certification, which was implemented under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regime, is essential for the preservation of quality and security standards in the telecom ecosystem of India.

Who is required to obtain TEC certification?

Before launching or distributing their products in India, manufacturers, importers, and brand proprietors of telecommunications and electronic products that fall within the notified product categories are required to obtain TEC Certification. This regulation is applicable to both domestic and foreign entities.

Category of Products Certified by TEC

The list of products that necessitate mandatory certification is routinely updated by the TEC. The following are some of the principal categories as of the most recent notification:

Smartphones and tablets comprise mobile devices.

Routers and modems

Base Station Controllers

Optical Fiber Equipment

Switches for networks

SIM-capable smart watches

Equipment for IP Security

IoT devices that include SIM or communication modules

Each product category is categorized as either Essential Requirements (ERs) or General Certification Scheme (GCS) and must adhere to the corresponding classification.

TEC Certification Process

1. Product Categorization

The initial stage is to determine whether your product is included in the mandatory list provided by TEC. This information can be confirmed by consulting with an authorized testing/certification consultant or visiting the official TEC website.

2. Registration on the MTCTE Portal

Applicants are required to register on the official MTCTE portal (https://mtcte.tec.gov.in). This platform is utilized to manage the entire certification lifecycle, select testing labs, and transmit documents.

3. Submission of Test Samples

Manufacturers are obligated to submit product samples to TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) for Type Approval testing after the application has been submitted.

4. Evaluation and Testing

The product undergoes thorough testing against the Essential Requirements (ERs) by the authorized TEC CAB, which includes:

EMI/EMC Compliance

Tests for Safety (IS 13252)

Technical Requirements

Security Features

5. Uploading Documentation

You are required to submit a comprehensive collection of documents for evaluation, which should include:

Product Datasheets

Diagrams of Circuits

Bill of Materials (BoM)

Technical Construction File (TCF)

Test Reports

OEM Authorization Letter (if applicable)

6. Awarding of Certificates

A Certificate of Conformance is issued by TEC upon successful testing and verification, and it is valid for a period of five years, unless otherwise specified. The product is currently prepared for legal distribution in the Indian market.

Key Documents Necessary for TEC Certification

The following documentation is required to be submitted in order to obtain your TEC Certificate:

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Agreement (for foreign manufacturers)

Technical Construction File (TCF)

Manuals for Users

ISO Certificate of the Manufacturer

Product Labels and Images

OEM Agreement (if applicable)

Certificate of Incorporation or Factory License

Certificate from the Indian Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) (if applicable

Validity and Timeframe

Testing Period: The duration of testing is typically 3–4 weeks, contingent upon the availability of test laboratories and the complexity of the task.

Certificate Processing: The certification process may require 1–2 weeks following the successful submission of the test.

Certificate Validity: Typically, certificates are valid for five years, with the option to renew them.

The cost of TEC certification is as follows:

The complete cost is contingent upon:

Product category

Number of models/variants

Costs associated with laboratory testing

Professional consulting services are available upon request.

TEC certification can cost an average of INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 or more per model, which includes testing, application, and documentation fees.

Schemes for TEC Certification

There are two primary certification programs:

1. General Certification Scheme (GCS)

Test results from TEC-designated laboratories are the basis for product certification under this program. This scheme encompasses the majority of telecommunications apparatus.

2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS)

In the event that a declaration of conformity is insufficient, the apparatus is subject to random testing. Primarily employed for non-critical telecom apparatus.

Requirements for TEC Labeling

The TEC Mark, which encompasses the following, must be present on all certified products:

TEC Certification Number

Model Number

Information Regarding the Manufacturer

Penalties or the revocation of the certificate may be imposed for noncompliance with labeling guidelines.

Penalties for Noncompliance

The sale or import of telecom equipment in India without a valid TEC certificate is a criminal offense. Consequences encompass:

Excessive Penalties

The confiscation of goods

Product Recall

Excluded from Subsequent Certification

Advantages of TEC Certification Market Access: Facilitates the legal sale of telecommunications apparatus in India.

Consumer Trust: Guarantees the safety and dependability of the product.

Eligibility to participate in public tenders for government projects.

Brand Value: Enhances the credibility and perception of the brand.

Methods for Designating an Indian Representative for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers are required to designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will serve as the local liaison for:

Application submission

Collaborating with the Technology Education Center (TEC

Addressing inquiries regarding certification after completion

The AIR must be:

An Indian national or a registered Indian company

Legally obligated by a notarized and apostilled agreement

Criteria for TEC Certification and BIS Certification TEC Certification BIS Certification Governing Body Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Focus Area Telecom/ICT Equipment Electrical/Electronic Safety Prerequisite? Yes, for telecommunications products. Indeed, for products that have been notified under the Common Reliable System (CRS) Test Labs CABs Designated by the TEC Labs Recognized by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Note: The functionality of certain products may necessitate both TEC and BIS certifications.

Recent Developments in TEC Certification (2025)

TEC has expanded the product catalog under MTCTE Phase V to include a greater number of IoT and M2M devices.

Critical communication products are now required to comply with cybersecurity regulations.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, remote testing options and the acceptance of test reports from specific international laboratories are available.

In conclusion,

TEC Certification is not merely a regulatory formality; it is a gateway to the rapidly expanding telecom and digital infrastructure market in India. You exhibit your dedication to technological compatibility, safety, and quality by guaranteeing that your products adhere to TEC's stringent standards.

It is imperative for market entry and long-term credibility in India, regardless of whether you are a domestic manufacturer or a global electronics behemoth, to obtain TEC certification.