Everything You Need to Know About TEC Certificates: A Complete Guide

A TEC Certificate: What Is It?
The Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC), which is a part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, is required to provide TEC Certificates (Telecommunication Equipment Certification). This certification guarantees that networking and telecom equipment are safe to use in the nation's network infrastructure and meet Indian Essential Requirements (ERs).

It is not possible to sell, import, or use products on Indian telecom networks without a valid TEC Certificate. Maintaining technological standards, interoperability, and security all depend on this certification.

Why Does India Require TEC Certification?
With an increasing focus on digital infrastructure, data security, and network resilience, the Indian telecom ecosystem is rising quickly. A regulatory need for TEC Certification is intended to:

ensuring adherence to international telecommunications standards and Indian standards (IS).

preserving public networks' security and integrity.

promoting technical compliance to increase consumer safety.

regulating the importation of telecom equipment that is subpar and maybe dangerous.

The TEC Certificate enables both domestic and international producers to comply with India's stringent testing and technical requirements.

TEC Certification Scheme Types
The TEC Certification program consists of two main schemes:

1. Telecom equipment must undergo mandatory testing and certification (MTCTE)
Before being sold or imported, all telecom products must pass testing and certification under this program. Both foreign and Indian manufacturers are affected.

Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) designated by TEC conduct the testing.

EMI/EMC, safety, SAR, IPv6 compliance, and security are among the criteria that are checked on equipment.

Newer items are added on a periodic basis, and products are classed under phase-wise implementation.

2. Scheme for Voluntary Certification
Certain telecom devices that are not required can be certified after voluntary testing. Even if it's not needed by law, this helps businesses show that their products are reliable and win over customers.

Which Products Need to Be Certified by TEC?
Numerous goods have been listed by the TEC under the MTCTE notification. Among the often regulated categories are:

Smartphones and mobile phones

Wi-Fi access points and routers

Gateways and modems

Hubs, switches, and LAN hardware

Systems for IP video surveillance

Equipment for optical fibers

Repeaters and base stations

IoT gadgets and smart meters

More than 60 product categories are covered as of the most recent updates, and the list keeps growing.

In India, How to Get a TEC Certificate
The manufacturer or an authorized representative usually oversees the multi-stage certification procedure. Here is a thorough, step-by-step tutorial:

1. Create an account on the TEC Portal
Manufacturers must register and submit their applications online using the TEC portal (https://www.mtcte.tec.gov.in).

2. Identify the ER and Product Category
Download the Essential Requirements (ER) paper after determining the precise product category. This describes the requirements that the product must meet.

3. Examining in Accredited Labs
A TEC-designated CAB should receive the product sample. Labs will carry out any required testing, including:

EMC/EMI

Safety of electricity

The performance of RF

Security and preparedness for IPv6

MTCTE testing can only be conducted in Indian labs that have received TEC approval.

4. Include test reports with your application.
Once testing is complete, send in a completed application with:

Test results

Technical records

Letters of authorization

Confirmation of conformance

5. TEC's assessment
The application and supporting documentation are examined for compliance by TEC personnel. They might ask for more testing or explanations.

6. Issuing Certification
A TEC Certificate is granted upon acceptance; it is good for five years and can be renewed before then.

Crucial Records for TEC Certification
The following documents should be kept on hand to expedite your TEC application:

Registration of the applicant's business (Indian or international firm)

Letter of authorization (if submitted by a representative)

Test results from laboratories authorized by TEC

Sheets of technical specifications

Product images and schematics of the interior and external layout

Label sample displaying brand, model, and compliance details

Product descriptions and end-user guides

TEC Certification Timelines and Costs
Typical durations include the following, though they may differ based on the product category and difficulty of compliance:

Phase of Testing: 3–6 weeks

TEC Approval & Evaluation: 2-4 weeks

Overall Time: 6–10 weeks

Certification fees typically range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000, depending on the product type and number of models. Lab tests and document management are extra charges.

Repercussions for Non-Compliance
Not having a current TEC Certificate can result in:

Imports are denied customs clearance.

Recalls of products and prohibitions on the Indian market

Penalties and enforcement measures

Damage to one's reputation and loss of access to markets

Therefore, any company looking to enter the Indian telecom industry must strictly conform to MTCTE requirements.

How to Monitor the Status of TEC Certificate Applications
Using the allocated Application Number, an application can be followed online via the MTCTE Portal Dashboard after it has been filed. At each step, status updates are given:

Examined