TEC Registration in India
MTCTE Scheme

What is TEC?

Full form of TEC: Telecommunication Engineering Centre

The evolution of the telecommunication industry has been implemented in various ways across the globe. From the first telegram service in the 1830s to the advanced communication satellites and wireless networking systems of today. The Indian telecom industry started to evolve in the 90's with industry liberalization and the subsequent rise of innovation and global participation and the fast pace growth of infrastructure in India.

With the growth of telecom infrastructure, there became a greater need for a framework of standards and practices for the functional and formal regulation of the telecom ecosystem. To ensure secure communication, privacy of data, stability of the network, and interoperability among devices, systems and networks, the Minister of Communications of the Government of India set up the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide for the secure and reliable ecosystem of telecommunications.

TEC Registration is an important means of regulating telecom equipment in India. No manufacturer or importer can sell telecom products in the Indian marketplace unless a TEC Certificate is obtained under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE Scheme) of the Government of India.

This comprehensive guide elaborates and simplifies TEC Certification, MTCTE Registration, its eligibility, products, application procedure, cost, time, exemptions, compliance, and other constraints.

TEC safeguards the following:

• Safe and secure telecom networks

• Telecom equipment quality control

• Adherence to the Essential Requirements (ERs)

• Global standards

• The interests of consumers

Examples of specifications published by TEC:

• Generic Requirements (GR)

• Interface Requirements (IR)

• Service Requirements (SR)

These technical standards govern the performance, safety, electro-magnetic compatibility, and environmental concerns regarding telecom equipment.

What is a TEC Certificate?

A TEC Certificate is an approval/authorization given by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre for telecom equipment. A TEC certificate ensures the conformity of telecom devices with the essential requirements required by MTCTE.

The TEC certificate is compulsory to:

• Manufacture telecom equipment in India

• Import telecom equipment to India

• Trade telecom equipment in the Indian market

Telecom products that do not possess a valid TEC Certification cannot legally be marketed or used in India. After the TEC Registration process is completed successfully, a unique registration number is generated. This number acts as an identifier for the product and can be affixed on the apparatus as proof of compliance with regulations.

What is MTCTE Certification

MTCTE refers to Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment.

As per the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, telecom equipment has to go through mandatory testing and certification before it can be sold, imported, or used in India.

This certification scheme framework is aimed at assuring compliance of telecom equipment against the following Essential Requirements:

Essential Requirements under MTCTE:

• Safety

• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

• Technical performance

• Environmental

• Security of the networks

The process of becoming compliant to these rules is commonly known as MTCTE certification.

What is the importance of MTCTE Registration?

The telecommunications space comprises very sensitive infrastructure, including mobile networks, the internet, satellites, and enterprise communication systems. Non-compliant or faulty equipment can result in the following situations:

Risks of non-compliant equipment:

• Disrupt Network Services

• Cause Interference

• Endanger National Security

• Cause Safety Risks

To mitigate these risks, MTCTE Registration ensures all telecom equipment within the borders of the Indian subcontinent is compliant with the standards set forth by the Indian Member of Parliament.

The Regulatory framework outlines the benefits for:

• Telecom service providers

• Consumers

• Network operators

• National infrastructure

Types of TEC Certifications

In addition to the compulsory MTCTE Registration, TEC provides optional certification, which varies according to the nature of the product and the technical regulations.

1. Type Approval

Type approval consists of the testing and certification of telecommunications equipment, according to TEC's Test Schedule & Test Procedure (TSTP), to evaluate compliance with the Generic Requirement (GR). It verifies safety, reliability, and functionality for public network use.

Testing could be done:

• At the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) location

• In specific laboratories

• At laboratories that are recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) for testing on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and for safety and environmental testing.

2. Interface Approval

Interface Approval determines that the equipment meets the Interface Requirements (IR). This is usually demanded by Services Providers, Government agencies, and Authorities in charge of licensing.

Testing is done according to TEC's Test Schedule & Test Procedure (TSTP) and is mandatory in certain situations. It ensures that equipment connects correctly with existing public networks, focusing on interface compatibility.

3. Certificate of Approval (CoA)

A Certificate of Approval (CoA) is a type of certification issued for products—particularly in the telecommunications sector—when no standard Generic Requirements (GR) or Interface Requirements (IR) exist. This type of approval bases the certification on the manufacturer's own technical specifications rather than established industry standards.

4. Technology Approval

Technology Approval is granted for prototype telecommunications products approved by C-DoT or other Research and Development Organizations. This Approval validates new or emerging technologies developed by organizations like C-DoT to ensure they meet standards for implementation in networks.

Products Covered under MTCTE Scheme

A wide range of telecom equipment falls under the MTCTE certification scheme.

MTCTE Exempted Products

On January 8, 2024 the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunication published a Notification regarding certain products being exempted from the compulsory TEC Certification. A wide array of exemption from the submission of test reports for specific test parameters/interfaces pertaining to various Essential Requirements (ERs) under MTCTE has been granted an extension till 30th June 2024, or further notice.

Who is Required to Get MTCTE/TEC Registration?

Under the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) testing and certification are prerequisites for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, and Indian authorized representatives for the sale, import, or use of certain telecom equipment in India. Mobile handsets, routers, and switches, and modems are included, and they must comply with Indian safety and performance standards.

Who needs to register:

• OEMs: Includes all telecom equipment manufacturers in India.

• Foreign Manufacturers: Foreign OEMs must get their equipment certified, usually through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

• Importers & Dealers: Any person importing or selling telecom equipment listed in the notification.

Basic Requirements for TEC Certification

The following must be in order to obtain a TEC Certificate:

Required for TEC Certificate:

• Authorized signatory of an Indian company

• Company registration certificate

• MoU between foreign OEM and Indian representative (if applicable)

• TEC-designated laboratory test report

• Brand and trademark registration

• Manufacturing address

For the TEC certification, proper and complete documentation is required for a successful approval.

TEC Registration Process on MTCTE Portal

Step-by-step guide to completing your TEC Registration.

To initiate the MTCTE registration process, one must create an account on an official TEC portal. Next, they must enter company and product details, upload the Bill of Materials (BoM), and pay registration fees. Products undergo testing at TEC's approved laboratories, known as CABs, and reports on EMI/EMC, safety, and performance are evaluated to determine eligibility for certification.

Steps to MTCTE Registration and Certification

MTCTE Registration Steps:

• Step 1. Portal Registration: Register on the MTCTE portal using a company email ID to create a user account. You may be asked to provide a company and manufacturing location.

• Step 2. Approval of Product & BoM: You may be required to choose the product category, product type, and product variants. Submit the Bill of Materials and product specifications for initial review.

• Step 3. Payment of Application & Fees: Complete the application, and pay the administrative and evaluation fees on the Bharat Kosh portal.

• Step 4. Testing of Products: Send product samples to a Designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for ER testing.

• Step 5. Submission of Test Report: Upload to the Portal the user's test report, and other technical documentation.

• Step 6. TEC Certification and Evaluation: After review of the test reports and other documentation, if TEC finds the documentation to be compliant, a certificate that is valid for 10 years is issued to the user.

Required Documents for TEC Registration

The following are required of the applicants:

• Company registration certificate

• Authorization letter

• Memorandum of Association (MoA)

• Articles of Association (AoA)

• Shareholding pattern

• MOU between foreign OEM and AIR

• Test reports

• Product data sheet

Delays in the MTCTE Registration process will be caused by incomplete documentation.

TEC Certification Timeline

The certification process can take a maximum of 60 days which is determined by:

Factors affecting timeline:

• Complexity of the product

• Number of parameters to be tested

• Time available at the laboratory

• Completeness of documents

Most delays are attributed to insufficient documents or tests that do not meet the required standard.

TEC MTCTE Certification Benefits for Enterprises

Key advantages of obtaining TEC MTCTE Certification.

Benefits of TEC MTCTE Certification:

• Accessing Markets: Certifications legally permit firms to sell, import, and distribute telecom products within Indian borders.

• Compliance with Laws and Mitigating Risks: Certifications mean compliance with Indian Laws (EMI/EMC, safety) and mitigates the risk of bans, monetary fines, and customs hold.

• Company Image and Reputation: Certification of a Company's product will portray the product as safe and reliable which will help in building a Company's Image and Reputation.

• Edge Over Competitors: The product certification will help the company gain preference in government, B2B and operator tenders.

• Hardware Quality: Quality of the hardware will be better as the testing helps in recognizing all shortfalls.

• Modernized Networks: The public network performance will be at its peak as the equipment will not compromise its performance.

Conclusion

The telecommunications sector is the most crucial for the functioning of the entire communication system, the entire business system, and the system for protecting the nation. In order to protect the quality, safety and integrity of the networks, the Indian government strictly enforces compliance with the TEC MTCTE certification.

Based on the telecom regulations, obtaining a TEC Certificate by a TEC Registration and MTCTE Registration is not just fulfilling a compliance requirement, but also an entry strategy for businesses who want to be competitive in the telecom sector in India.

The process of documentation, testing and evaluation provides assurance that the telecom equipment is compliant with the prescribed technical standards. Thus, it applies to telecom equipment and compliance to the TEC Certification standards applies to both domestic manufacturers and foreign OEMs.

For businesses to retain their TEC Registration, compliance to the requirements for testing, documentation, and evaluation is essential. Businesses must also monitor the updates on the MTCTE Portal to facilitate this.

As India's telecom landscape is rapidly evolving, TEC Certification, along with regulatory compliance, will continue to contribute to a safe and effective communication ecosystem.