TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) Certification is a vital quality and safety certification process for telecommunications equipment in India. Telecommunication Engineering Centre is an autonomous body under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and it is responsible for developing standards and specifications for telecommunications equipment and services. TEC Certification ensures that telecom products meet the necessary technical and safety requirements, enhancing the quality and reliability of telecom services in the country.
Overview of TEC Certification
The TEC certificate is granted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre following the mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment as per the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme. The certification process involves testing and evaluation of telecom equipment to ensure that it complies with the technical standards and regulations set by TEC. This includes assessments of electromagnetic compatibility, safety and performance parameters. Products that receive TEC Certification are deemed fit for use in the Indian telecommunications network.
TEC Certification is particularly significant for manufacturers, importers and service providers in the telecommunications industry. It assures compliance with Indian regulations and provides a competitive edge by demonstrating product quality and safety to potential customers and partners. It contributes to the overall reliability and efficiency of the telecommunications infrastructure, benefiting both businesses and consumers by ensuring the uninterrupted and secure operation of telecommunication services in India.
TEC has released guidelines outlining quality measures for telecom equipment. These specifications are categorized into three types: Generic Requirements (GRs), Interface Requirements (IRs) and Service Requirements (SRs). TEC provides various voluntary certification schemes aligned with its product and interface technical standards. These programs involve the certification of products and equipment by assessing their compliance with the specific parameters and conditions outlined in the corresponding TEC technical standards.
Benefits of TEC Certification
TEC Certification is important for manufacturers operating in the Indian market in several ways:
TEC Certification grants manufacturers access to the Indian telecommunications market, helping them expand their customer base.
It ensures that manufacturers' products meet India's technical standards and legal requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance issues.
TEC Certification verifies the quality and safety of telecommunications equipment, enhancing the reputation of manufacturers.
Products with TEC Certification are more likely to be trusted by consumers for their reliability and performance.
This certification may facilitate international market entry, as compliance with recognized standards can ease access to other markets.
Types of TEC Certification
The various schemes available within the Voluntary Certification Regime include:
Type Approval
Type Approval involves evaluating and certifying telecom products to determine their compliance with the Standard for Products/Equipment, known as Generic Requirements (GRs), as specified by TEC. The testing process is generally conducted either on-site at the OEMs' facilities or within a controlled laboratory setting. These certifications may also accept test reports related to EMC, safety, environmental testing and more from ILAC signatory-accredited labs.
Interface Approval
Interface Approval involves the evaluation and certification of telecommunications products to ensure their compliance with the Standards for Interfaces, known as Interface Requirements (IRs), set forth by TEC. This process follows the Test Schedule and Test Procedure (TSTP) of TEC. It involves testing conducted on-site at the OEMs' facilities or in a laboratory setting. In some cases, certification may require the submission of test reports, such as those related to EMC, safety, and environmental testing, from accredited laboratories under the ILAC framework. Interface Approval can be mandatory in certain situations due to licensing conditions, government regulations or service provider requirements.
Certificate of Approval
The Certificate of Approval (CoA) is a process involving the testing and certification of a telecommunications product in alignment with the manufacturer's specifications. This certificate is only issued when TEC does not have a Generic or Interface Requirement for the product in question. The testing is conducted following the Test Schedule and Test Procedure (TSTP) approved by TEC, which is developed based on the manufacturer's product description and technical information. It is carried out either on-site at the OEMs' facilities or within a laboratory environment. These certifications may also accept test reports related to EMC, safety and environmental testing from ILAC signatory-accredited labs.
Technology Approval
Technology Approval is the procedure for testing and certifying prototypes of telecommunications products created by C-DoT or other research and development organizations. This approval is granted based on the product's relevant standard, known as Generic Requirements (GRs), issued by TEC. The testing for such cases is usually conducted either on-site at the OEMs' facilities or within a laboratory setting. These certifications may also consider test reports related to aspects like EMC, safety and environmental testing from ILAC signatory-accredited labs.
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE)
According to the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, it is required that all telecom equipment undergo compulsory testing and certification before being sold, imported or used in India. The specific and comprehensive process for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) under these regulations has been separately published. This testing is intended to ensure that the equipment complies with the essential requirements and is conducted by Indian Accredited Laboratories designated by TEC. The certification is issued by TEC based on the test reports submitted by these laboratories.
Documents Required for TEC Certification
Legal address proof of the Manufacturing Unit
Copy of Factory License mentioning the relevant product as the scope of manufacturing and indicating the address of manufacturing unit - in English as well in original language
Trademark Details
Copy of Trademark (Brand) Registration
Authority Letter from Trademark owner, if manufacturing unit is not the owner of Trademark
Technical Details about the Product
Sample(s) along with user manual and accessories to run the product
Product name, Brand name and Model number
Safety critical components list
BoM (Bill of Material)
PCB layout and circuit diagram of the product
Mains power / SMPS Layout and circuit diagram
Details of series models
Copy of marking label
OEM support to configure the product for functional testing, if required
Details of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), in case of foreign manufacturer
KYC of AIR Company
Details of signatory person
Additional Technical Details in case of Cell / Battery
UN 38.3 test report (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) for lithium-ion cells and batteries
Duration (Indicative Working Days) Including Testing & Application to TEC
Charges Including Testing, Handling, Consultancy & Liaison
SCS / Group A
30-35 Days
For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact us with your product details at +91- 99717 70603
GCS / Group A
30-45 Days
GCS / Group B
45-55 Days
GCS / Group C
55-65 Days
For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact us with your product details to Kapish Laur (+91- 99717 70603) or Rekh Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042).
Process to Apply for TEC Certification
Step-1: Registration on TEC Portal
Step-2: Allotment of Testing Lab
Step-3: Submission of Samples for Testing
Step-4: Receiving of Test Reports
Step-5: Submission of Documents & Payment to TEC
Following products are covered under Compulsory Registration Scheme (Telecommunication Equipments) :
