TEC CERTIFICATION
[ Table Of Content ]
- Introduction
- Importance of TEC Certification
- Types of TEC Certification
- What is the MTCTE Scheme?
- Products Covered Under MTCTE Scheme
- Basic Requirements for TEC Certification
- The Process of TEC Certification
- Documents Required for TEC Certification
- TEC Certification Fee
- Compliance and Certification Maintenance
- Important TEC Certification Guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- BIS (CRS) Registration For Electronic Product
- Domestic Product Certification (ISI Mark)
Introduction
To sell or import telecom equipment in India, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs) must obtain a Certificate from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC). This guide provides comprehensive information about TEC registration, including the types of certifications available, the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme, the certification process, and the documents required.
What is TEC Certification?
TEC certification is a mandatory process for telecom equipment in India, ensuring that all devices comply with established technical standards. Governed by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), a unit of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this certification is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of telecom products in the Indian market.
The TEC assists the DoT in developing and implementing various standards and policies for the safe and secure use of emerging technologies in telecommunications. The TEC issues the certification after the telecom equipment undergoes testing under the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme. This process ensures that all telecom devices meet the necessary technical and safety requirements, thereby safeguarding the interests of consumers and maintaining the integrity of the telecom infrastructure in India.
Importance of TEC Certification
TEC certification plays a vital role in the Indian telecommunications industry by ensuring that all telecom equipment meets the required technical and safety standards. Below are the key reasons why TEC certification is important:
Identification of Applicable Indian Standards (IS): Manufacturers must identify the specific Indian Standard applicable to their product, which can be referred to on the BIS website or through official BIS guidelines.
Quality Assurance: TEC certification ensures that telecom equipment meets high-quality benchmarks, which is essential for reliable and efficient communication services.
Safety Standards: The certification process includes rigorous testing to ensure the safety of telecom devices, protecting users as well as network infrastructure from potential risks.
Regulatory Compliance: TEC certification is mandatory and ensures compliance with regulations issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), helping maintain lawful and orderly market operations.
Consumer Confidence: Certified products assure consumers of performance, reliability, and safety, thereby building trust in telecom equipment and brands.
Market Access: TEC certification is essential for manufacturers to legally enter and operate in the Indian telecom market. Without certification, products cannot be sold or deployed.
Innovation with Standards: The certification framework promotes innovation while maintaining standardized benchmarks, enabling the safe introduction of new telecom technologies.
Overall, TEC certification is fundamental to maintaining the integrity, safety, and quality of telecom products in India, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers.
Types of TEC Certification
Based on the type of product and the technical standards related to its interface, TEC certification is categorized into the following types:
Type Approval: Granted to telecom equipment that meets the prescribed TEC standards and specifications. This approval ensures the equipment is safe, reliable, and suitable for use in telecom networks.
Interface Approval: Issued for telecom equipment that connects or interfaces with public telecom networks. It ensures compatibility and seamless interoperability with existing network infrastructure.
Certificate of Approval: Provided for telecom equipment that complies with specific technical requirements defined by TEC. This certification often applies to new or innovative telecom products.
Technology Approval: Granted for new and emerging telecom technologies. This approval ensures that advanced technologies meet required standards and can be safely deployed in telecom networks.
What is the MTCTE Scheme?
The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme is a regulatory framework implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, to ensure that telecom equipment used in India meets prescribed technical and safety standards. As per the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, all telecom equipment must undergo mandatory testing and certification before being sold, imported, or used in India.
Testing is conducted by Indian accredited laboratories designated by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) to verify compliance with Essential Requirements (ER). Based on the test reports, TEC issues the certification. The objective of the MTCTE scheme is to prevent telecom equipment from adversely affecting network performance while ensuring safety, reliability, and technical compliance.
The MTCTE scheme applies to a wide range of telecom products such as mobile phones, routers, switches, base stations, and other network infrastructure devices. Any equipment that connects to a public telecom network must comply with this scheme. Non-compliance may result in penalties, including fines and restrictions on the sale or use of uncertified equipment in India.
Products Covered Under MTCTE Scheme
The MTCTE scheme is implemented in phases, allowing manufacturers and importers to gradually comply with regulatory requirements. The scheme applies to a wide range of telecom equipment notified by the Government of India under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment framework.
The scheme covers telecom equipment such as mobile phones, base stations, routers, switches, and other network infrastructure components. Any device capable of connecting to the public telecom network must undergo mandatory testing and certification. The testing process, overseen by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), evaluates parameters including electromagnetic compatibility, safety, technical performance, and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for mobile devices. Compliance with the MTCTE scheme is mandatory, and non-compliance may result in penalties, including fines or restrictions on sale and usage in India.
PRODUCTS COVERED UNDER PHASE I of MTCTE:
TEC certification of telecom equipment covered by MTCTE Phase I has been mandatory for importers and producers beginning of October 1, 2019. Devices like as cell phones, landlines, fax machines, modems, wireless devices, satellite communication equipment, and more were included in MTCTE Phase 1. Enumerated Products (MTCTE Phase-l Essential Requirements):
| S. No. | Product Name | Product Variant | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | 2-Line Feature Phone | SCS |
| #2 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | CLIP Phone | SCS |
| #3 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Coin Box Telephone | SCS |
| #4 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Coin Box Telephone - Table Top Interface | SCS |
| #5 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Electronic Telephone Instrument | SCS |
| #6 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Executive Telephone Systems | SCS |
| #7 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Key Telephone System | SCS |
| #8 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Key Telephone Systems with proprietary interface | SCS |
| #9 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | NSD or ISD Payphone | SCS |
| #10 | 2-Wire Telephone Equipment | Terminals for connecting to PSTN | SCS |
| #11 | G3 Fax Machine | FAX machine with handset | SCS |
| #12 | G3 Fax Machine | FAX machine without handset | SCS |
| #13 | Modem | V.90 or V.92 or V.21 to V.34 Modem | SCS |
| #14 | Cordless Telephone | Cordless Telephone | SCS |
| #15 | ISDN Customer Premises Equipment | ISDN Gateway | SCS |
| #16 | ISDN Customer Premises Equipment | ISDN NT-1 Network Termination | SCS |
| #17 | ISDN Customer Premises Equipment | ISDN Terminal | SCS |
| #18 | ISDN Customer Premises Equipment | ISDN Terminal Adapter | SCS |
| #19 | ISDN Customer Premises Equipment | Multipoint Conferencing Server | SCS |
| #20 | ISDN Customer Premises Equipment | PC card based ISDN Terminal | SCS |
| #21 | Private Automatic Branch Exchange | Private Automatic Branch Exchange | SCS |
Basic Requirements for TEC Certification
Be complete, standalone, and independent.
Meet the technical standards and specifications set by the TEC.
Be tested in TEC-designated CABs.
Have test results that are less than five years old at the time of submission.
The Process of TEC Certification
The TEC certification process involves application submission, testing, and approval. The step-by-step process is outlined below:
Step 1: Identify the Certification Type: Determine the applicable certification such as Type Approval, Interface Approval, Certificate of Approval, or Technology Approval.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents including technical specifications, test reports, and conformity assessments.
Step 3: Select a CAB: Choose a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for testing the equipment.
Step 4: Submit Application: Complete and submit the application to TEC along with required documents and applicable fees.
Step 5: Testing: The equipment is tested by the selected CAB. Test reports must be less than five years old.
Step 6: Review and Approval: TEC reviews the application and test results. Certification is issued upon successful compliance.
Step 7: Labeling: After certification, the equipment must be labeled with the appropriate TEC certification mark.
Documents Required for TEC Certification
Product name, brand name, and model number
PCB design and circuit diagram of the equipment
Bill of Material (BOM)
Address proof of the manufacturing unit
Replica of the trademark
Authorization letter from the trademark owner (if the manufacturing unit is not the owner)
Sample of the product, including user manual and accessories for uninterrupted use
Details of safety-critical components of the equipment
Specifications of the series model
Information details of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for foreign manufacturers
TEC CERTIFICATION FEE
The cost of TEC certification varies depending on the type of telecom equipment and the certification category. Fees generally include application processing, testing, and administrative charges. OEMs and Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs) should consult TEC for the latest fee structure and payment procedure.
| No | Type of Fees / Charges | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government Fees | INR 20,000/- |
| 2 | Testing Fees | As Applicable |
Compliance and Certification Maintenance
Validity of Certification: TEC certification is valid for any quantity of the certified model and does not require renewal as long as the model remains unchanged. Each equipment model requires separate certification, while associated models of a certified main model can be certified without additional testing.
Certification for Family of Equipment: Equipment certified under a family definition allows any hardware or software configuration within that family to be treated as certified, enabling easier compliance for models with minor variations.
Periodic Testing and Re-certification: TEC certification does not require periodic renewal; however, OEMs and Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs) must ensure continued compliance with updated technical standards. Re-certification may be required in case of significant model or regulatory changes.
Important TEC Certification Guidelines
Independent Equipment vs. Systems: Only complete, standalone, and independent equipment are tested and certified under the MTCTE scheme. Systems created by combining multiple independent equipment are not certified as a whole; each independent equipment must be certified separately.
Use of External Test Results: The Appropriate Authority may allow the use of test results from sources other than TEC-designated CABs for a limited period as a procedural relaxation. Such test results must comply with TEC standards and requirements.
Certification Labeling: Certified equipment must be labeled with the appropriate TEC certification mark to demonstrate compliance with TEC standards. Proper labeling is mandatory for market access and regulatory compliance.
CONCLUSION
Obtaining TEC certification is crucial for OEMs and AIRs to ensure that their telecom equipment meets Indian regulatory standards. The certification process involves thorough testing and documentation, ensuring the safety, reliability, and interoperability of telecom products. By following the guidelines and maintaining compliance, manufacturers can successfully navigate the TEC registration process and access the Indian telecom market.
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