Important Update: Acceptance of ILAC Test Reports under MTCTE – Notification No. 5-2/2024-TCITEC

Dated: 01.01.2025

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, has issued an important update regarding the acceptance of test reports issued by laboratories accredited by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) under the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment) scheme.

Key Highlights of the Notification

On 1st January 2025, the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) announced a partial modification to the earlier notification (No. 5-2/2024-TC/TEC, dated 27.09.2024). The update addresses the acceptance of ILAC test reports issued by laboratories from non-border sharing countries for certain telecommunication equipment. This new modification provides the following key details:

• 1. Acceptance of ILAC Test Reports: ILAC-accredited test reports from laboratories located in non-border sharing countries are now acceptable until 30th June 2025 for testing the following equipment under the MTCTE scheme:
• Base Station for Cellular Network (up to 4G)
• SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)
• VHF / UHF Radio Equipment System
• Base Station for Cellular Network (5G)
• E-band Fixed Radio Relay Systems
• 2. Conditions on Test Reports: The ILAC test reports from these laboratories should not be older than two years at the time of submission on the MTCTE portal.

What Does This Mean for Telecom Equipment Manufacturers?

This notification provides an extension for manufacturers seeking certification for telecom products that fall under the above categories. While the acceptance of test reports from non-border sharing countries was previously restricted, this modification allows more flexibility in choosing accredited laboratories. However, it is important to note that the expiry date for the acceptance of such test reports is 30th June 2025.

Telecom equipment manufacturers are encouraged to ensure that the test reports submitted are from ILAC-accredited laboratories and meet the two-year validity requirement, as outlined in the notification. This extension aims to streamline the certification process, making it easier for manufacturers to comply with the MTCTE regulations.

Background on MTCTE

MTCTE, or Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment, is a crucial initiative by the Indian government to ensure that telecom equipment entering the market adheres to the prescribed technical and safety standards. The certification process involves rigorous testing of products to ensure compliance with India's telecommunication requirements, ultimately aiming to protect the public, industry, and national security interests.

Conclusion

This modification to the notification signifies the Government of India’s continued effort to balance global standards with the needs of the domestic telecom sector. Manufacturers, importers, and other stakeholders must stay informed of such updates to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

For more details on the MTCTE scheme and submission processes, contact Aleph India.

Note: Please ensure that all relevant test reports are submitted within the prescribed deadlines to avoid delays in certification.

Stay updated and compliant with the latest regulations in the telecom sector!