Tec/Mtcte Approval

TEC/MTCTE APPROVAL

The telecommunications industry has evolved significantly since the early 2000s. Today, technology has transformed how people communicate — from basic voice calls to rapid video and data transmission. Telecom now covers wireless communications, telecom services, and telecom equipment.

The journey began with the telegraph in the 1830s, which allowed people to send messages across long distances. As communication needs expanded, a more standardized system became necessary.

To support this, the Government of India established the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) in 1991. TEC creates technical standards for telecom networks to ensure smooth, secure, and seamless operations across services and products.

To ensure the quality and safety of telecom equipment used in India, TEC launched the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme. This rule requires all manufacturers and importers of telecom equipment to obtain TEC certification before selling or operating their products in India. Once approved, equipment receives a unique TEC number confirming compliance.

WHAT IS TEC APPROVAL?

TEC stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre. It supports the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in creating standards and policies for telecom technology and security.

TEC Defines the Following Standards:

• IRs – Interface Requirements
• GRs – Generic Requirements
• SRs – Service Requirements

WHAT IS MTCTE?

MTCTE stands for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment. It ensures telecom products comply with Indian safety and technical standards. Equipment must pass testing before being sold or used in India, ensuring safe and reliable communication networks.

Currently, 74 telecom products and variants are covered under MTCTE. TEC assigns approved laboratories to test equipment for safety and technical compliance. Certification is granted based on these results.

Objectives of MTCTE

• Ensure telecom products do not affect existing networks.
• Protect users from unsafe telecom devices.
• Keep radiofrequency emissions within safe limits.
• Ensure compliance with Indian and global technical standards.

TYPES OF TEC CERTIFICATION UNDER MTCTE

• Mandatory TEC Certification
• Voluntary TEC Certification
• Voluntary Security Certification
• CAS/SMS Certification

MANDATORY TEC CERTIFICATION

Certain telecom products that impact safety and performance must undergo mandatory certification under MTCTE.

1. General Certification Scheme (GCS)

• Applicant submits test reports and compliance documents.
• Testing is conducted based on Essential Requirements (ERs) in an approved lab.
• Processing time: 40–45 working days.

2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS)

• Applicant tests product as per ERs.
• Checklist and Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) submitted.
• Reports required only if TEC requests.
• Processing time: 15–20 working days.

Essential Requirements (ERs) Include:

• Safety standards
• EMI/EMC standards
• Technical wireless/RF standards
• DoT security guidelines

MANDATORY TEC CERTIFICATION PROCESS

• Portal Registration: Create an account on the MTCTE portal and submit company details.
• Product Selection: Choose product category and upload Bill of Materials (BoM).
• BoM Evaluation: TEC reviews and approves it.
• Fee Payment: Pay testing and certification fees.
• Product Testing: Submit samples to an authorized lab.
• Test Report Submission: Upload test reports.
• Document Scrutiny: TEC reviews and may request corrections.
• Certification: TEC issues certificate upon successful review.

MTCTE CERTIFICATION FEE

Note: Testing costs are separate.

PRODUCTS COVERED BY TEC/MTCTE UNDER MANDATORY CERTIFICATION

Below is a table listing telecom products requiring MTCTE certification, along with their phases and mandatory dates.

VOLUNTARY SECURITY CERTIFICATION

This certification verifies that equipment complies with TEC security standards even when not mandatory.

Process:

• Apply via the TEC portal with documents.
• TEC checks security features and test results.
• Additional testing may be requested.
• Certificate issued upon approval.

Products Covered:

• Routers
• Switches
• Firewalls
• IoT devices
• SDN components
• Cloud-based telecom systems

VOLUNTARY TEC CERTIFICATION

This certification boosts product credibility even when not mandatory.

Process:

• Submit application on TEC portal.
• TEC reviews documents.
• Testing may be needed.
• Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued.

Products Covered:

• Routers, switches, base stations
• CPE and transmission systems
• Optical fiber, IoT, Wi-Fi, and 5G devices

CAS/SMS CERTIFICATION

This certification applies to broadcasting systems such as DTH and cable TV, focusing on access control and data protection.

Key Features:

• Encryption
• Authentication
• Secure data transfer
• User data protection

COMPARISON OF CERTIFICATIONS

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MTCTE CERTIFICATION

• Company registration documents
• Authorization letter
• Articles & Memorandum of Association
• Shareholding pattern
• MoU between foreign OEM and Indian representative
• Trademark certificate

TIME TAKEN FOR TEC/MTCTE CERTIFICATION

* Timelines are approximate.

TEC CERTIFICATE COST

Costs depend on product category and certification type. Additional charges may apply for testing and professional services.

HOW PRESTO LABORATORIES CAN HELP

Presto Laboratories has supported TEC certification since 2013. They assist with technical compliance, product audits, and quality testing, helping manufacturers improve product credibility and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)