TEC Certification for Telecom Products
Ensure your telecom products comply with Indian standards with Tax Pal Solutions. From application to certification and renewal, get expert guidance for smooth TEC (MTCTE) compliance.
What is TEC Certification?
TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) Certification is a mandatory approval under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It validates that telecom and ICT equipment:
- Meets essential technical, safety, and performance standards
- Complies with MTCTE regulations
- Can be legally sold, imported, or used in India
TEC ensures quality, security, and reliability of communication equipment for the Indian market.
Why TEC Certification is Important
- Quality & Safety: Verifies devices meet safety and performance benchmarks
- Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory for selling telecom products in India
- Fair Competition: Levels the playing field and discourages substandard imports
- National Interest: Protects India’s telecom infrastructure and network stability
Types of TEC Approvals
| Approval Type | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Type Approval | All telecom equipment | Meets Generic Requirements (GR) for performance & safety |
| Interface Approval | Equipment connecting to networks | Ensures compliance with Interface Requirements (IR) |
| Technology Approval | Emerging technologies | Checks security, compatibility, and Indian standards |
| GCS (General Certification Scheme) | Complex/high-risk equipment | Requires lab-tested reports showing ER compliance |
| SCS (Simplified Certification Scheme) | Low-risk products | Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) accepted |
| Other Approvals | CoA, BSNL TSEC, Voluntary Security, CAS/SMS | Specialized certifications for specific products or networks |
Benefits of TEC Certification
- Legal Market Access: Mandatory to sell or import telecom equipment
- Builds Trust: Demonstrates quality and regulatory compliance
- Improved Performance: Ensures network compatibility and better connectivity
- Avoids Delays & Fines: Prevents penalties and shipment rejections
- Business Opportunities: Required for government tenders and projects
- Enhanced Cybersecurity: Compliance reduces hacking and data breaches
- Fair Competition: Uniform standards promote industry fairness
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian Companies: Must appoint an authorized signatory
- Foreign OEMs: Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- Documentation: Valid legal documents, test reports, product branding, and company registration details
- Phase Specific: Only products notified under MTCTE phases require TEC certification
Documents Required
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Company & Applicant Info | Registration Certificate, PAN, Authorized Rep details, Proof of Address, ISO 9001 (if applicable), MoU, Authorization Letter |
| Product Info | Technical specifications, Bill of Materials, User Manuals, PCB Layout, Power Layout, Safety Components, Label Sample, OEM Support Info, Series Models |
| Test Reports & Declarations | Lab Test Reports, Compliance Declarations, Test Lab Details |
| Additional | Application Form, Undertaking, Payment Proof |
TEC Certification Process
- Visit MTCTE Portal: mtcte.tec.gov.in
- Register as Applicant: Choose applicant type (Indian Manufacturer or Foreign OEM via AIR)
- Select Product Category & Scheme: GCS or SCS; download Essential Requirements (ERs)
- Product Testing: Submit product to TEC-approved lab (CAB)
- Submit Online Application: Upload documents, test reports, labels, and declarations
- Pay Application Fees: Save payment receipt
- TEC Review: Verification, queries, and clarifications if needed
- Receive Certificate: Download PDF from portal; now legally sell or import product
TEC Certification Costs
| Equipment Group | Administrative Fee | Test Report Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A | ₹10,000 | ₹50,000 |
| B | ₹20,000 | ₹1,00,000 |
| C | ₹30,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| D | ₹50,000 | ₹4,00,000 |
Timeline, Validity & Renewal
-
Timeline:
- SCS: 2–4 weeks
- GCS: 4–8 weeks (may vary with document completeness)
-
Validity:
- Certificates issued after July 1, 2022: 10 years
- Certificates before July 1, 2022: 5 years
-
Renewal: Apply at least 1 month before expiry with updated documents
Products Covered vs. Exempted
| Covered by TEC | Exempted |
|---|---|
| IoT Gateways | TVs, Refrigerators |
| Modems | Household Appliances |
| Cordless Phones | Medical Equipment |
| DSL Devices | Industrial Machinery |
| Microwave Communication Devices | General Electronics |
| Executive Phone Systems | Audio-Visual Devices |
| NSD/ISD Coin Phones | Telecom Interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) |
| Electronic & Key Telephone Instruments | - |
| CLIP Phones | - |
| G3 Fax Machines | - |
| ISDN CPE | - |
| Optical Fiber Cables | - |
| IP Terminals | - |
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Fines & Penalties
- Legal Action
- License Cancellation
- Market Ban
- Reputation Damage
- Increased Government Scrutiny
- Loss of Business Opportunities
TEC Certificate Format & Functions
- Confirms product compliance with Indian technical standards
- Contains product details, applicant info, and approval number
Functions of TEC:
- Standardization: GRs, IRs, and SRs for telecom quality
- Testing & Certification: MTCTE process through CAB labs
- Technical Support: Advises DoT, TRAI, and government initiatives
- Emerging Tech: Guidelines for IoT, AI, Quantum Communication
- Regional Presence: RTECs for faster local processing
Certification
