A large number of IoT gateways, routers, and communication modules power India’s digital transformation. These telecom and ICT devices form the backbone of the country’s connected infrastructure. To ascertain that these devices are safe, interoperable, and able to access the public network, the Indian government, TEC certification requirements.

These certification requirements of the TEC should be understood by manufacturers and importers, and startups also who want to enter the Indian telecom market.

This manual leads a reader through the documents, procedures, and best practices of getting TEC approval, and gives brief answers to the most common questions.

What is TEC Certification?

Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC), the body under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, is the appointed body in the process of certifying telecom products.

This type of certification is regulated under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) regulations in that all telecom equipment, manufactured in India or imported into India, must be tested and certified before sale, import, or use in India.

Why is TEC Certification Required?

TEC certification is required to:

• Ensure all telecom equipment meets Indian Essential Requirements (ERs) for safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and interoperability.
• Prevent substandard or insecure devices from entering the Indian network.
• Comply with the Indian Telegraph Amendment Regulations (2017), which make TEC certification mandatory for a growing list of telecom and ICT products.

Which Products Require TEC Certification?

A wide range of products fall under the TEC certification mandate, including but not limited to:

• IoT gateways and modules
• Routers, modems, and switches
• Cordless and executive phone systems
• DSL, ISDN, and G3 fax devices
• Communication equipment with wireless or microwave interfaces
• Customer premises equipment (CPE) for public networks

Products with Wi-Fi or other wireless communication also need WPC certification, and some may require BIS certification in addition to TEC approval.

TEC Certification Requirements: The Complete Checklist

A successful TEC application depends on meticulous preparation. Here’s the definitive TEC certification requirements checklist:

1. Company and Applicant Documentation

• Company Registration Certificate: Proof of legal entity (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, GST registration).
• Articles of Association (AoA) and Memorandum of Association (MoA): Duly signed by a Director or Company Secretary.
• Shareholding Pattern: Latest available, indicating board members/shareholders.
• Authorization Letter: Issued by the company, authorizing an employee (for Indian OEMs) or the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR, for foreign OEMs) to handle MTCTE responsibilities.
• MoU (for foreign OEMs): Between the foreign manufacturer and the Indian AIR, authorizing the AIR for all MTCTE-related responsibilities.

2. Product Documentation

• Specifications: This is a detailed documentation of the product, its variations, and interfaces.
• Bill of Materials (BoM): Full list of materials and parts employed in the equipment.
• User Manual/Installation Guide: The instructions to set up, work, and follow safe guidelines.
• Product Photographs: Clear images of the device, labeling, and marking locations.
• Label Artwork: Proposed TEC logo and marking details (must include “INDIA, ER number, Model No., and Country of Origin” on the product).

3. Testing and Compliance Documents

• Test Reports: A Conformity Assessment Body of TEC designation, or NABL-accredited. The reports should prove that all essential requirements (ERs) have been met for the product category
• Summary of Test Results: Key findings and compliance statements.
• Online Undertaking: Declaration of the correctness and completeness of submitted documents and test results.

4. Application and Fee-Related Documents

• Online Application Form: Submitted via the MTCTE portal 
• Payment Receipts: Administrative and test report evaluation fees, as prescribed for the equipment category.

5. For Foreign Manufacturers

• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Documentation: All foreign applicants will be required to nominate an AIR who is a local representative of TEC in the country in which the foreign application is made, and as such, the AIR assumes responsibility about compliance, communication, and post-certification requirements.
• MoU and Authorization Letter: As described above.

6. Additional/Optional Documents

• Previous Certification Records: If renewing or updating an existing TEC certificate.
• Correspondence Records: Whenever there is a query or clarification to be issued to TEC in the course of an application.

Certification Process TEC Certification Process: Step-by-Step

Getting familiar with the process is as significant as the accomplishment of the appropriate documents. This is the way to go through the TEC approval process.

Step 1: Registration on the MTCTE Portal

• Register your company and product details on the official MTCTE portal.
• Upload company documents, AIR details (if applicable), and contact information.

Step 2: Application Submission

• Complete the online application form, pick the product category, and attach all necessary documents, the product datasheet, BoM, and the user manual.
• Identify where the manufacturing may be taking place and give contact information.

Step 3: Payment of Fees

• The portal will display the applicable administrative and test report evaluation fees.
• Pay the fees online and upload the payment receipts.

Step 4: Product Testing

• Select a designated or recognized CAB for testing.
• Submit product samples for testing as per the Essential Requirements (ERs) for your product category.
• Obtain test reports confirming compliance.

Step 5: Upload Test Reports

• Upload the test reports and a summary of results to the MTCTE portal.
• Submit an online undertaking regarding the accuracy of the documents and reports.

Step 6: Scrutiny and Clarification

• TEC will review the application and test reports.
• Respond promptly to any queries or requests for clarification.

Step 7: Grant of TEC Certificate

• If compliant, TEC will issue the certificate, valid for 10 years.
• Mark the product with the TEC logo and required details.

Step 8: Post-Certification Obligations

• Maintain compliance records and be prepared for periodic surveillance or re-testing if requested by TEC.
• Notify TEC of any changes in product design, manufacturing location, or AIR.

Types of TEC Certification Schemes

General Certification Scheme

• Most products fall under this scheme.
• Requires submission of test reports from accredited labs.
• Comprehensive evaluation of compliance with Essential Requirements.

Simplified Certification Scheme

• For select products (e.g., fax machines, basic modems), a declaration of conformity to ERs is sufficient.
• Product testing is usually not required.
• Limited to a small group of legacy products.

Marking and Labeling Requirements

After approval, products must be marked with:

• The TEC logo
• “INDIA, ER number, Model No., and Country of Origin”
• Marking must be durable and visible on the device body.

Renewal and Validity

• TEC certificates are valid for 10 years.
• Renewal requires updated documentation but generally does not require re-testing unless there are significant changes or if TEC requests it.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation.
• Using test reports from non-accredited labs.
• Failing to appoint a valid AIR for foreign manufacturers.
• Delayed responses to TEC queries.
• Not updating TEC about product or process changes.

Working with Sunren for TEC Certification

Sunren is a leading NABL-accredited lab specializing in telecom, wireless, RF, and electronic product testing. By collaborating with Sunren, manufacturers benefit from:

• Comprehensive support for document preparation and sample management.
• Accredited, reliable product testing with fast turnaround.
• Technical guidance for regulatory updates and process optimization.
• Seamless coordination for TEC applications and ongoing compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about TEC certification requirements:

Who is eligible for a TEC certificate?

Any manufacturer, importer, or authorized Indian representative of telecom equipment intended for sale, import, or use in India is eligible to apply for TEC certification.

Why is a TEC certificate required?

TEC certification is mandatory to ensure telecom equipment meets Indian safety, EMC, and interoperability standards before deployment on public networks.

What is the process of TEC approval?

Register on the MTCTE portal, submit the required documents and test reports, pay the fees, undergo product testing (if required), and receive the certificate upon successful review.

What is TEC regulation?

TEC regulation means Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) regulation, where all telecom equipment should be tested and certified by TEC before sale or use in India.

Conclusion

Market access and regulatory compliance in the telecom industry in India can only be achieved through maneuvering the TEC certification provisions.

Manufacturers and importers can be assured that a good certification process is possible by ensuring that they liaise with reputable accredited labs such as Sunren as well as having all the required documents in order.

New regulatory environment requires that organizations change as the regulatory environment changes.