The Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) Certification is a mandatory regulatory requirement for specific telecom and ICT equipment to be sold or imported in India. Issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, TEC certification ensures that telecom equipment complies with India’s safety, security, and interoperability standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we detail every requirement, process, and compliance aspect related to TEC certification, enabling businesses to navigate the process efficiently and without costly delays.
What is TEC Certification?
TEC Certification is an official approval issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Center that verifies the conformity of telecom and network equipment with prescribed Indian technical standards. It is a part of the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework.
Without this certification, telecom products cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, or used in India. This regulation ensures that only high-quality, secure, and reliable devices are integrated into the Indian telecom infrastructure.
Why is TEC Certification Important?
The TEC certification process serves multiple purposes:
- Ensures Equipment Quality – Meets Indian telecom performance benchmarks.
- Protects Network Security – Prevents integration of insecure or compromised devices.
- Reduces Network Interference – Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) norms.
- Mandatory Legal Compliance – Required by Indian telecom laws before marketing products.
- Boosts Consumer Confidence – Demonstrates product reliability and safety.
Failure to obtain TEC certification can result in seizure of goods, penalties, or business suspension.
Scope of TEC Certification
The TEC certification covers a wide range of equipment under the MTCTE scheme, including but not limited to:
- Mobile devices and handsets
- Routers, switches, and modems
- Transmission terminals
- Smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices
- Optical fiber equipment
- Base stations and telecom switches
- Satellite communication equipment
The updated TEC product list is regularly published on the official TEC website.
Types of TEC Certification
There are two primary types of TEC certification:
1. Mandatory Testing and Certification (MTCTE)
- Compulsory for all specified telecom equipment before import or sale in India.
- Includes safety, EMC, environmental, and technical standard testing.
2. Voluntary Certification
- For products not yet under the MTCTE mandatory list.
- Often obtained to enhance credibility and market acceptance.
TEC Certification Requirements
To obtain TEC certification, manufacturers or importers must fulfill several documentation, testing, and compliance requirements.
1. Applicant Eligibility
- Indian Manufacturers – Must have a valid manufacturing license.
- Foreign Manufacturers – Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply on their behalf.
2. Documentation Requirements
The application must include:
- Company registration documents
- Manufacturing license or authorization
- Technical specifications and datasheets of the product
- Bill of materials (BOM)
- Circuit diagrams and design details
- Test reports from TEC-approved labs
- Declaration of conformity (DoC)
- Copy of brand/trademark registration
- Import-export code (for importers)
3. Product Testing
- Testing must be conducted only in TEC-designated labs.
- Equipment is tested for EMC, safety, environmental impact, and performance standards.
- Reports are valid for a limited duration and must be updated for renewals.
4. Compliance with Indian Standards
- Products must conform to Indian Telegraph Rules and other applicable TEC Essential Requirements (ERs).
- Devices must meet IP protection, safety voltage limits, RF performance, and EMI/EMC norms.
TEC Certification Process
The TEC certification process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Determine Product Category
Check whether your product falls under the MTCTE mandatory list or requires voluntary certification.
Step 2: Appoint Authorized Indian Representative (if applicable)
Foreign manufacturers must appoint a legal representative in India to handle the process.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather all technical documents, test reports, and compliance declarations.
Step 4: Product Testing
Submit the product to a TEC-designated laboratory for mandatory tests.
Step 5: Application Submission
Apply online via the TEC portal, upload documents, and pay applicable fees.
Step 6: Evaluation & Approval
TEC reviews documentation, verifies test results, and issues the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
TEC Certification Validity and Renewal
- TEC certification is generally valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
- Renewal requires updated test reports, documents, and fee payment before expiry.
- Products with significant design changes must undergo fresh testing and certification.
TEC Certification Fees
The fees for TEC certification depend on factors such as:
- Product category
- Number of test parameters
- Laboratory testing charges
- Application processing fees
On average, costs include:
- Testing fees: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 (depending on complexity)
- Application fees: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
Challenges in Obtaining TEC Certification
Common obstacles include:
- Lengthy testing timelines due to limited lab availability
- Incomplete documentation leading to delays
- Changes in TEC regulations requiring re-submission
- High compliance costs for multi-component equipment
Engaging with experienced compliance consultants can significantly reduce processing time and ensure smooth certification.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling or importing telecom equipment without TEC certification can result in:
- Heavy fines under Indian Telegraph Act
- Seizure of goods at ports or warehouses
- Cancellation of import licenses
- Permanent blacklisting of brands in extreme cases
Tips for Faster TEC Approval
- Plan ahead – Initiate testing early to avoid delays.
- Use accredited labs – Only TEC-approved labs are accepted.
- Maintain technical accuracy – Ensure all datasheets and diagrams match the actual product.
- Engage with local compliance experts – Particularly important for foreign manufacturers.
Conclusion
Obtaining TEC certification is not just a legal obligation but a key step in ensuring that telecom equipment entering the Indian market meets the country’s stringent quality and safety standards. By following the prescribed procedures, maintaining proper documentation, and engaging with accredited testing laboratories, manufacturers and importers can secure certification efficiently and avoid costly delays or penalties.