TEC Certification in India | Process | Documents

In today's rapidly evolving technological world, compliance with regulatory standards is paramount for ensuring the seamless integration and interoperability of telecommunications equipment.

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) is pivotal in this domain by certifying the conformity of telecom products with established standards in India.

TEC Certification is a crucial regulatory requirement in India for certain telecom equipment entering the market. This certification process involves various steps and requires specific documents to be submitted for approval.

In this blog, we'll explore the details of TEC certification in India, including the process, requirements, and essential documents.

Overview on TEC Certification

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre plays a crucial role in India's telecommunication industry, operating under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) within the Ministry of Communications. As an independent organization, TEC assists DoT in developing and implementing standards and policies to ensure the safe and secure utilization of emerging telecom technologies.

TEC oversees the development of telecom standards in India and conducts technical evaluation and certification of telecom equipment. Through its TEC Certification process, manufacturers can have their products assessed and certified for compliance with Indian telecom standards and regulations, ensuring reliability, safety, and performance.

TEC Certification is a mandatory requirement for manufacturers intending to sell certain telecom equipment in the Indian market, guaranteeing adherence to necessary standards and laws.

While the TEC Certification process was voluntary until 2019, the introduction of the Mandatory Testing Certification of Telecommunication Equipment statute in 2019 has made compliance mandatory, marking a significant shift in ensuring the quality and compliance of telecom equipment in India.

Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) Certification Scheme

The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) Certification Scheme, mandated by the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, underscores the imperative for all telecom equipment destined for sale, import, or utilization in India to undergo mandatory testing and certification.

Operated under the purview of the Telecommunication Engineering Centre, designated Indian Accredited Labs to conduct rigorous testing to ascertain conformity with Essential Requirements (ER) specified for the equipment. Based on the comprehensive test reports provided by these labs, TEC issues a certificate affirming compliance with the requisite standards and regulations.

Encompassing a broad spectrum of telecom products and their variants, the MTCTE scheme ensures that telecom equipment entering the Indian market adheres to stringent quality and safety standards, thus bolstering consumer confidence and regulatory compliance.

Categories of MTCTE Certification Scheme

The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment Certification Scheme includes two distinct categories:

1. General Certification Scheme (GCS): Under this scheme, applicants are required to furnish test-wise compliance, including a summary sheet provided with the test reports, in alignment with the parameters outlined in the Essential Requirements (ERs). These test reports are obtained from designated Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) or recognized CABs of Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) partner countries. The evaluation of test results is conducted to ascertain compliance with the respective ERs.
2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS): The Simplified Certification Scheme entails a streamlined process. Applicants must conduct testing of the product in accordance with the Essential Requirements and submit a test-wise compliance sheet alongside a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), aligning with the parameters stipulated in the ERs. While most rules and procedures applicable under the GCS also apply to the SCS, the key distinction lies in the submission of test reports. Unlike the GCS, applicants under the SCS are not mandated to submit test reports, which are not evaluated by TEC. However, TEC reserves the right to request a copy of the test report from the applicant if deemed necessary.

Why is TEC Certificate Important in India?

TEC Certificate is mandatory for manufacturers of certain products to be sold in India. This certification serves as a crucial validation of safety and compliance for telecom equipment entering the market by:

• Ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards mandated by regulatory authorities.
• Certifying compliance with essential requirements to mitigate potential risks to end-users.
• Guaranteeing conformity with national and international standards to ensure interoperability and compatibility.
• Preventing the degradation of performance in interconnected telecom equipment, thereby maintaining network integrity.
• Providing consumers with assurance of quality and reliability, fostering trust and confidence in the products they purchase.

Responsibilities of Telecommunication Engineering Centre

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre undertakes a variety of responsibilities, which include:

• Formulating and issuing standards pertinent to telecommunications equipment and services to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Collaborating with multilateral organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to stay abreast of global developments and standards in the telecommunications field.
• Partnering with the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to contribute to policy planning initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of the telecommunications sector.
• Conducting testing and certification of telecommunication products to ascertain compliance with specified standards and regulations, and subsequently issuing certificates as proof of compliance.
• Providing technical support to the DoT in various capacities to facilitate the smooth operation and advancement of telecommunications infrastructure and services.

List of Products Requiring TEC Certificate

The list of products requiring a TEC Certificate covers a wide range of telecom equipment and devices. These products must undergo mandatory testing and certification to ensure compliance with Indian regulatory standards and to guarantee their safety, performance, and interoperability with Indian networks.

The TEC certification is essential for manufacturers and importers intending to sell or import such telecom equipment into the Indian market. This list includes:

• Group 3 Fax Machine
• Modem
• Point of Sale (POS) Devices
• Cordless Telephone
• PON Family of Broadband Equipment
• Media Converter
• IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity

And many more.

Process of TEC Certification

The process of TEC Certification involves several steps to ensure that telecom equipment meets the necessary standards and regulatory requirements for sale or import into the Indian market. Here's an overview of the process:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary documentation and application forms as per TEC's requirements.

Step 2: Submit the application along with the required documents.

Step 3: Once the application is submitted, the equipment undergoes testing at TEC-approved laboratories. These tests assess various parameters such as electromagnetic compatibility, safety, and performance.

Step 4: After testing, TEC evaluates the test reports and compliance of the equipment with relevant standards and regulations.

Step 5: If the equipment meets all requirements, TEC issues the certification.

Essential Documents for TEC Certificate

The essential documents required for obtaining a TEC Certificate include:

• Application Form
• Test Reports from TEC-approved Laboratories
• Technical Documents
• Authorization Letter
• Compliance Declaration
• Manufacturing Process Details
• Sample Equipment

Conclusion

Navigating the TEC Certification process in India is a critical step for manufacturers seeking to legally sell their telecom products in the Indian market. From understanding the intricacies of the certification process to ensuring the submission of essential documents, obtaining a TEC certificate requires meticulous attention to detail and compliance with stringent standards and regulations.

At Brand Liaison, a compliance consultancy, we understand the complexities involved in obtaining TEC certification and are committed to assisting manufacturers in this journey. Our expertise and streamlined processes enable us to facilitate the TEC certification process efficiently and quickly, ensuring that your products meet all necessary requirements for sale in the Indian market.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you obtain your TEC certificate and unlock access to the vast opportunities in the Indian telecommunications sector.

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