Update on MTCTE Certification: Criteria for Telecom Equipment with Specialized Test Requirements
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has issued a new guideline dated 02 June 2025, outlining the criteria for the certification of telecom equipment with specialized testing needs under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework.
Purpose of the Notification:
This notification provides clarity and a streamlined certification pathway for telecom products that operate under high voltage or current conditions and require specialized testing procedures.
List of Affected Telecom Equipment:
The criteria apply to the following categories of telecom equipment:
| S.No. | Equipment Category | Specialized Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Router | (i) Operates on single or three-phase with >32A current |
| 2 | LAN Switch | |
| 3 | DWDM Equipment | Or |
| 4 | Satellite Communication Equipment | (ii) Operates on 48 VDC with >100A current |
| 5 | Infiniband Switch |
Certification Criteria:
1. Test Report Requirements:
- EMI/EMC and Safety Parameters: Must be tested by ILAC-accredited laboratories (excluding those from border-sharing countries).
- Technical Parameters: May be supported either with test reports from ILAC- accredited labs or through a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDOC) from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
- If SDOC is submitted for technical parameters, such parameters will be considered exempted, and a provisional certificate valid for two years will be granted.
2. Test Report Validity:
- Reports submitted must not be more than two years old from the date of submission on the MTCTE portal.
3. Bill of Material (BoM) Declaration:
- Applicants must declare voltage, current, and power specifications clearly in the BoM file submitted with their MTCTE application.
4. ITSAR Requirements:
- For equipment where Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSARs) are not yet notified, applicants must apply for conversion of the provisional certificate to a regular integrated MTCTE certificate (which includes security testing) once ITSARs are released.
What This Means for Manufacturers & Importers:
This move facilitates quicker provisional certification for high-powered telecom equipment without compromising on essential compliance. It ensures such equipment can enter the Indian market in a timely manner while allowing flexibility in meeting technical test requirements through SDOC.
Effective Date:
These guidelines are applicable with immediate effect as per the approval dated 02 June 2025.
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