TEC Certification

What is the MTCTE Scheme?

The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme is a regulatory framework implemented by the Government of India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to ensure that all telecom equipment used in the country meets prescribed technical and safety standards. According to the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, every telecom equipment must undergo mandatory testing and certification prior to sale, import, or usage in India. This testing is conducted for conformance to Essential Requirements (ER) for the equipment by Indian Accredited Labs designated by TEC. Based on their test reports, a TEC certificate is issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre. The primary goal of the MTCTE scheme is to prevent telecom equipment from degrading the performance of the existing network and to meet required safety and technical standards, thereby maintaining the integrity, reliability, and safety of telecom networks in India.

The MTCTE scheme covers a wide range of telecom equipment, including mobile phones, base stations, routers, switches, and other network infrastructure components. Any device that can connect to the public telecom network must undergo testing and certification under this scheme. The testing process, overseen by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), covers various parameters such as electromagnetic compatibility, safety, technical performance, and specific absorption rate (SAR) for mobile devices. Compliance with the MTCTE scheme is mandatory for all telecom equipment manufacturers and importers, with non-compliance resulting in penalties, including fines and the prohibition of non-certified equipment from being sold or used in India.

Products Covered Under MTCTE Scheme

The MTCTE scheme is implemented in phases, allowing manufacturers and importers to gradually comply with the new requirements. The MTCTE scheme covers a wide range of telecom equipments. A list of equipments covered under Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme

Basic Requirements for TEC Certification

To qualify for TEC certification under the MTCTE scheme, telecom equipment must:

 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.

Process of TEC Certification

The TEC certification process involves several steps, including application submission, testing, and approval. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining TEC Certification are as follows:

Step 1: Identify the Certification Type: Determine the type of certification required for your telecom equipment (Type Approval, Interface Approval, Certificate of Approval, or Technology Approval).

Step 2: Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including technical specifications, test reports, and conformity assessments.

Step 3: Select a CAB: Choose a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for testing your equipment.

Step 4: Submit Application: Complete the application form and submit it to the TEC along with the required documentation and fees.

Step 5: Testing: Send your equipment to the selected CAB for testing. Ensure that the test results are within five years old.

Step 6: Review and Approval: The TEC reviews the application and test results. If the equipment meets all requirements, the TEC issues the certification.

Step 7: Labeling: Once certified, label the equipment with the appropriate certification label.

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 products, including user manual and accessories for uninterrupted use.

 Details of the safety-critical components of the equipment.

 Specifications of the series model

Information details of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for foreign manufacturers.

TEC Certification Fees

The cost of TEC certification varies depending on the type of equipment and the specific certification required. Fees typically cover application processing, testing, and administrative expenses. OEMs and AIRs should consult the TEC for detailed fee structures and payment procedures.

Compliance and Certification Maintenance

Validity of TEC Certification: certification is valid for any quantity of the certified model and does not need to be renewed as long as the model remains unchanged. Different models of equipment require separate certifications, 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/software configuration within that family to be treated as certified. This flexibility facilitates easier certification for models with minor variations.

Periodic Testing and Re-certification: TEC certification does not require periodic renewal, it is crucial to ensure that equipment remains compliant with any updates to technical standards. OEMs and AIRs may need to re-certify equipment if there are significant changes to the model or regulatory requirements.

Key Considerations for TEC Certification:

Independent Equipment vs. Systems: Only complete, standalone, and independent equipment are tested and certified under the MTCTE scheme. Systems formed by combining independent equipment are not certified as a whole; each independent equipment must be certified separately.

Use of External Test Results: Appropriate Authority may permit the use of test results from sources other than TEC-designated CABs for a limited time as a procedural relaxation. However, these test results must still meet the TEC's standards and requirements.

Certification Labeling: equipment must be labeled with the appropriate certification label, indicating compliance with TEC standards. This labeling is essential 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.