TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING CENTRE (TEC)

INTRODUCTION

TEC: Since the early 2000s, the telecom industry has been swept up in fast liberalization and innovation. Companies in the telecommunications business send data around the globe in the form of words, voice, audio, or video. The three basic sub-sectors of telecommunications are telecom equipment, telecom services, and wireless communication.

In the 1830s, the first mechanical gadget Telegraph was invented with its invention telecommunication industry began. With the advancement of the technology, telecommunication sector has progressed. In order to maintain the progress of the telecom sector, the government of India in 1991 started a new department TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING CENTRE under which standards are developed for the telecommunication sector and ensure the world-class network and the seamless connectivity of individual networks.

A TEC certificate is required for telecom equipment dealers to import, manufacture, and sell such equipment. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre issues this TEC certificate after the telecom equipment undergoes testing under the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme.

You'll receive a unique registration number once you complete the TEC Registration process. This number serves as your equipment's unique identifier. You can prominently display this certification on your product to assure customers of its authenticity and compliance.

TEC stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre. TEC assists the Government of India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in the development and implementation of different standards and policies for the safe and secure use of emerging technologies in telecommunications. TEC India has published specifications for telecom equipment quality measures. Generic Requirements (GRs), Interface Requirements (IRs), and Service Requirements (SR) are the three types of specifications.

TYPES OF VOLUNTARY TESTING CERTIFICATION

TEC India is responsible to issue various approvals such as Interface Approvals, Certificate of Approvals, Service Approvals and Type Approvals. This certification scheme is totally based on the type of products and interface technical related standards. Certification is totally based on the testing parameters and as per the conditions mentioned in the Technical standards.

1. Type Approval - Type Approval is the process of testing and certifying a telecom product in accordance with TEC's Test Schedule & Test Procedure (TSTP) for compliance to the Standard for Products/Equipment (erroneously known as the product's Generic Requirement (GR)). Testing is on-site at the OEMs premises or in a lab environment. EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing etc. from ILAC signatory accredited labs test reports are also accepted.


2. Interface Approval - Interface Approval is the process of testing and certifying a telecom product in accordance with TEC's Test Schedule & Test Procedure (TSTP) for compliance with the Standard for Products/Equipment (erroneously known as the product's Interface Requirement (IR)). Testing is on-site at the OEMs premises or in a lab environment. EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing etc. from ILAC signatory accredited labs test reports are also accepted. License requirements, Government agencies, or service providers may require Interface Approval as mandatory certification.


3. Certificate of Approval - The process of testing and certifying a telecom product according to the manufacturer's criteria is known as Certificate of Approval (CoA). Only when TEC does not have a Generic or Interface Requirement for the product is this certificate issued. Testing is on-site at the OEMs premises or in lab environment. EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing etc. from ILAC signatory accredited labs test reports are also accepted.


4. Technology Approval - The process of testing and certification of a prototype of a telecom product developed by C-DoT or other R&D organizations is known as technology approval. Technology Approval is granted in accordance with the product's associated standard, formerly known as the Generic Requirement (GR) provided by TEC. Testing is on-site at the OEMs premises or in a lab environment. EMC, Safety, Environmental Testing etc. from ILAC signatory accredited labs test reports are also accepted.

Every telecom equipment must undergo mandatory testing and certification prior to sale, import, or usage in India, according to the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. The testing is to be carried out for conformance to Essential Requirements (ER) for the equipment, by Indian Accredited Labs designated by TEC and based upon their test reports; a TEC certificate shall be issued by Telecommunication Engineering Centre.

WHAT IS MTCTE (MANDATORY TESTING AND CERTIFICATION OF TELECOM EQUIPMENT)

In India, no telecom equipment can be sold, used, or imported without undergo compulsory testing and certification, as per The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. This comprehensive procedure is governed by the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. A total of 74 telecom products and their variants are included under MTCTE.

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) appoints laboratories for testing, which is done to check vital technical and safety aspects. Based on these tests, TEC issues the certification for the equipment.

TYPE OF TEC CERTIFICATION COVERED UNDER MTCTE

The MTCTE scheme includes different types of TEC certifications, each catering to various compliance and safety requirements for telecom equipment. Some major type of TEC Certification are as follows:

1. MANDATORY TEC CERTIFICATION
2. VOLUNTARY TEC CERTIFICATION
3. VOLUNTARY SECURITY CERTIFICATION
4. CAS/SMS CERTIFICATION

Let’s understand each type of TEC Certification one by one:

MANDATORY TEC CERTIFICATION

TEC observed the need for foresight regarding the mandatory certification of particular items which are important for consumer security and safety. As such, these products must be TEC certified. Under MTCTE, there are two types of certification schemes.

A) MANDATORY CERTIFICATION SCHEMES

1. General Certification Scheme (GCS): In this scheme, it is expected from the applicant to provide a compliance summary and not only actual test reports but also a multi-step report alongside relevant test certificates. Testing is carried out in accordance with the parameters specified in the Essential Requirements (ERs) by a CAB or its equivalent from a MRA Partner Country. The certification processes in GCS takes approximately 40 to 45 working days.

2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS): As for this scheme, it is necessary for an applicant to test the product according to the ERs, fill up a compliance checklist, and submit it together with a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). SCS is also bound by the same rules and procedures as GCS. The only difference is, the applicant is not obligated to submit the reports or have TEC vet the reports. However, TEC does have the prerogative to demand the report from the applicant. The time associated with SCS is significantly less, assuming simplification succeeds during formality reductions. For the manufacturer, it usually takes around 15 to 20 working days to issue the certificate.

B) REQUIREMENTS: The Essential Requirements (ERs) include:

• Safety – The equipment must be safe to use.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) / Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – The equipment must not cause or experience electromagnetic interference.
• Technical Requirements – The equipment must meet performance standards for wireless and radio frequency (RF) signals.
• Security – To be specified by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

C) MTCTE MANDATORY TEC CERTIFICATION PROCESS

MTCTE CERTIFICATION FEE

PRODUCTS COVERED BY TEC/MTCTE UNDER MENDATORY CERTIFICATION

VOLUNTARY TEC CERTIFICATION

Voluntary Certification in TEC allows manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to acquire certification for their telecom equipment or infrastructure even if it is not legally mandated under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. Such certification increases the value of various items and is considered as a mark of quality, safety, and compliance due to its emphasis on TEC’s standards.

A) OBJECTIVE OF VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION

The objectives of voluntary certification include verifying the quality and performance of telecom equipment, increasing acceptance in the market, and improving customer trust regarding the equipment. It allows manufacturers to claim compliance with various applicable national and international standards, thus gaining market edge and officially recognized technical merit, even in the absence of regulations imposed under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme.

B) MTCTE MANDATORY TEC CERTIFICATION PROCESS

C) PRODUCTS COVERED BY TEC/MTCTE UNDER VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION

• Telecom network equipment: routers, switches, base stations
• Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
• Transmission and Access Systems
• Optical Fiber and Copper Infrastructure
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Wireless equipment: Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G etc

VOLUNTARY SECURITY CERTIFICATION IN TEC

The TEC Voluntary Security Certification allows manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to get certification for the security features and capabilities of their telecommunication products even when such certification is not mandatory by law. It illustrates that the product certified has met the criteria set in security standards and best practices developed by TEC.

OBJECTIVE OF VOLUNTARY SECURITY CERTIFICATION

Aim of the Voluntary Security Certification is to improve the security of telecommunication networks and equipment, safeguarding it from possible hacking or data breaches. It also promotes international standards of security which is vital in increasing the trust that customers have for telecom products. The certification entails access control, data encryption, software integrity, vulnerability management, secure communication and logging, documentation or physical security, and protection of remote access.

PROCESS OF VOLUNTARY SECURITY CERTIFICATION

C) PRODUCTS COVERED BY TEC/MTCTE UNDER VOLUNTARY SECURITY CERTIFICATION

• Network infrastructure equipment (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls)
• Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
• Mobile communication systems
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Wireless communication equipment (e.g., Wi-Fi, 5G, LTE)
• Cloud-based telecom solutions
• Software-defined networking (SDN) components

CAS/SMS CERTIFICATION IN TEC

The Quality, Security and Reliability of Telecom Equipment is maintained in India by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. TEC has developed a certification CAS/SMS for access control and subscriber management systems, which is in compliance with TEC’s requirements for content control and subscriber management security standards. Content Access Services (CAS) limit how users can access information while Subscription Management Services (SMS) take care of subscriber services such as billing and authentication.

In alignment with directions given by MIB and TRAI, the purpose of these guidelines is to prevent piracy of content, protection of consumer information, and restrict access to paid information. Eligible entities for this certification are not limited to manufacturers, providers, broadcasters, DTH operators, Cable TV operators and system integrator. Important technical requirements include encryption, authentication on the part of the subscribers, secure data transfer, data protection, logging, and provision of services in a non-discriminatory manner.

COMPARISON OF MANDATORY, VOLUNTARY, VOLUNTARY SECURITY, AND CAS/SMS CERTIFICATION IN TEC

BASIC DOCUMENT REQUIRED FOR MANDATORY TESTING & CERTIFICATION

In order to get MTCTE certification, some documents need to be submitted like registration of the company, respective authorization letters, and Articles of Association. Mentioned below are some other primary documents that are required before applying for TEC. Note: these are the basic documents; further documents might be needed based on the nature of the product and the type of certification.

• Company Registration Document
• Authorization Letter from the company (Indian OEM and AIR for Foreign OEM) for MTCTE related responsibilities
• Company's Articles of Association (AoA), signed by Director or Company Secretary.
• Company's Memorandum of Association (MoA), signed by Director or Company Secretary as per norms.
• Latest Shareholding Pattern showing board members/shareholders.
• MoU between foreign OEM and Indian representative (AIR) for product sales and support in India, authorizing the AIR for MTCTE responsibilities.
• Trademark Certificate

TIMELINE FOR TEC/MTCTE CERTIFICATION

In order to get MTCTE certification, some documents need to be submitted like registration of the company, respective authorization letters, and Articles of Association. Mentioned below are some other primary documents that are required before applying for TEC. Note: these are the basic documents; further documents might be needed based on the nature of the product and the type of certification.

TEC REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE COST FOR EQUIPMENT

The general costs and government fees are categorized into groups, with various products classified accordingly. Provided below is an overview of the basic fee structure. Please note that additional fees may apply, including but not limited to testing fees and professional fees, particularly if your products lack valid test reports or if you require assistance from professionals.

HOW CAN ALEPH INDIA HELP YOU TO GET A MTCTE/TEC APPROVAL?

• If you're a manufacturer looking for TEC Certification service for your telecom product, Aleph INDIA is here to help. Since 2013, we've been providing comprehensive certification solutions in India and abroad.
• We specialize in telecom equipment and guide you through the TEC Certification process to ensure your product meets all required standards.
• Aleph INDIA offers more than TEC Registration services. We also provide technical and regulatory compliance services, including product testing, training, and auditing, to help industries achieve higher productivity and quality standards.
• Trust Aleph INDIA to assist you in obtaining the TEC Certificate, ensuring your telecom product meets the necessary quality and safety criteria for the Indian market.

Check the complete list of products covered by MTCTE in different Phases with the Mandatory date of certification of product under MTCTE Click Here

Exempted Product List

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunication has issued a notification on 08/01/2024, announcing the exemption of certain products from the mandatory TEC Certification list. A broad exemption from submitting test reports for specified test parameters/interfaces related to various Essential Requirements (ERs) under MTCTE has been extended until June 30, 2024, or until further notice. Check the exempted products list, Click Here

Wire Telephone Equipment

Private Automobile Branch Exchange

G3 Fax Machine

Cordless Telephone

ISDN Customer Premises Equipment

Modem

REQUIREMENTS

1. Authorized Signatory from Authorized Indian Company.
2. In case of Foreign OEM: Foreign OEM needs to appoint an Indian Company to act as Representative for the MTCTE certification procedure. MoU between foreign OEM and Indian Representative.
3. In the case of Indian Manufacturer: Manufacturer based in India needs to provide their legal documents for the registration on the portal.
4. Product with Valid Test report from Indian labs approved by TEC.
5. Brand / Trademark Details.
6. Company Registration.

How to Get TEC Certification in India?

Process of TEC Certification: Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipments

1. Online portal generation on MTCTE portal: Applicant needs to register on MTCTE portal for login credentials.
2. Application submission with all relevant documents: The applicant may register online and fill all information and upload relevant documents on the MTCTE portal. The documents cannot be changed once they have been submitted.
3. Scrutiny of application: TEC will evaluate the documents, and any document deficiencies will be communicated to the applicant. After correcting any deficiencies, the applicant's registration will be accepted; after that, the applicant will be able to submit applications for testing/certification.
4. Application submission for testing/certification: Applicant must select the product to be certified, its variant details, and information about available interfaces and accompanying models, if appropriate, and upload the BoM and datasheet of equipment to the portal. Applicant must also submit the manufacturing location(s) of the Telecom / ICT Equipment under certification and contact information for the location.
5. Payment of fee: After application submission, the applicant will be shown the applicable certification scheme, ER, and fee payable. Applicant must pay the testing fee.
6. Testing of product: Applicant can select CAB as per his choice on MTCTE portal's testing section. Telecom/ICT equipment must be tested in a designated or recognized Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) of an MRA partner country.
7. Submission of test report: Applicant must get his product tested at CAB and upload test report. The applicant must submit a summary of the test reports together with the test results, upload the test reports, and accept an online undertaking about the correctness of the uploaded documents/reports.
8. Scrutiny of test report: The submitted test results will be reviewed, and a certificate will be granted if the equipment is found to be compliant.
9. Grant of certificate: TEC grant certificate if they are satisfied with all test reports and equipment per specified standard.

DOCUMENT REQUIRED FOR MANDATORY TESTING & CERTIFICATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

1. Company Registration document
2. Authorization Letter issued by the company (Indian OEM and AIR in case of Foreign OEM) authorizing for MTCTE related responsibilities.
3. Either Director or CS duly signs the company's Articles of Association (AoA).
4. The company's Memorandum of Association (MoA) duly signed by either Director or Company Secretary as per the norms.
5. The company's latest available Shareholding pattern indicates the board of members/shareholders.
6. MoU between foreign OEM and Indian representative (AIR) for sale and support of the product in India, and
7. Authorizing the AIR for discharging MTCTE related responsibilities.

Note: Authorized Indian representative looking for TEC Certificate Apply should follow TEC procedure for the Mandatory Testing and Certification for Telecom Equipment.

Timeline

Certification procedure may take 60 Days. It may be vary depending on product category, test required and so on.

TEC Registration Certificate Cost for Equipment

To obtain a TEC Certificate for different equipment, you can easily get TEC Certificate by paying the fee.

Guideline for MTCTE

HOW ALEPH INDIA CAN HELP YOU TO GET A TEC CERTIFICATE?

If you're a manufacturer seeking TEC Certification service to obtain TEC Registration for your telecom product, Aleph INDIA, a leading TEC Certification consultant, is here to assist you. Since 2013, we've been offering comprehensive solutions for product certification to manufacturers in India and abroad.

Our expertise extends to a variety of products, including telecom equipment, and we specialize in helping you navigate the TEC Certification process. With our guidance and support, you can ensure that your telecom product meets all the required standards and receives the necessary TEC Certificate.

Aleph INDIA's services go beyond TEC Registration service. We also provide a wide range of technical and regulatory compliance services, including product testing, technical training, and auditing, all aimed at helping industries achieve higher productivity and maintain quality standards.

Trust Aleph INDIA to be your partner in applying for the TEC Certificate for your telecom product, ensuring it meets the necessary quality and safety criteria for the Indian market.