What's TEC Certificate?
Telecommunication Equipment Certification (TEC Certificate) is a statutory permission from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. This accreditation verifies that telecom and networking equipment meet Indian Essential Requirements (ERs) and are safe for network infrastructure.

Products without TEC Certificates cannot be sold, imported, or used in Indian telecom networks. The certification is essential for technological standards, interoperability, and security.

Why Is TEC Certification Required in India?
The Indian telecom ecosystem is expanding rapidly, emphasizing digital infrastructure, data security, and network resilience. The regulatory goal of TEC Certification is:

Following Indian Standards (IS) and International Telecommunication Standards.

Maintaining public network security.

Increasing consumer safety through technical compliance.

Controlling poor and dangerous telecom equipment imports.

TEC Certificates link global and domestic producers with India's demanding technical rules and testing methods.

TEC Certification Scheme Types
The TEC Certification program has two main schemes:

1. MTCTE, mandatory telecom equipment testing and certification
All telecom products must be examined and certified before sale or import under this scheme. It covers Indian and foreign manufacturers.

Testing is done by TEC-designated CABs.

Equipment is tested for EMI/EMC, safety, SAR, IPv6, and security.

New products are added frequently under phase-wise installation.

The voluntary certification scheme
Voluntary testing and certification are available for some telecom equipment. Despite not being needed, this helps companies build consumer trust and product reliability.

Which Products Need TEC Certification?
The TEC's MTCTE notification includes many goods. Frequently regulated categories include:

Mobile phones and smartphones

Wi-Fi access points and routers

Modems, gateways

Hubs, switches, and LAN gear

IP CCTV systems

Fiber optic gear

Repeaters and base stations

Smart meters, IoT devices

As of the latest revisions, approximately 60 product categories are covered, and the list grows.

How to Get a TEC in India
The manufacturer or an authorized representative manages the multi-step certification process. A full step-by-step guide:

1. Register on TEC Portal
Manufacturers must register and apply online on the TEC portal (https://www.mtcte.tec.gov.in).

2. Category and ER
Find the product category and download the ER. This specifies product requirements.

3. Recognised Lab Testing
Send product samples to TEC-designated CABs. Labs will perform all essential tests like:

EMI/EMC

Electrical safety

RF performance

IPv6 security and readiness

MTCTE testing is only allowed in TEC-approved Indian labs.

4. Apply with Test Reports
Submit a comprehensive application with:

Results of tests

Tech docs

Authorization letters

Declaration of compliance

5. Evaluation by TEC
TEC checks application and papers for compliance. They may request more info or tests.

6. Certified
An approved TEC Certificate is valid for 5 years and renewed before expiration.

Essential TEC Certification Documentation
Prepare the following documents to speed your TEC application:

Business registration (Indian or foreign)

Letter of authorization (if representative files)

Test results from TEC-approved labs

Technical specs sheets

Inside/outside layout diagrams and product photographs

Example of model, brand, and compliance label

User guides and product descriptions

TEC Certification Timelines and Cost
Timelines vary by product type and compliance complexity, but typical timeframes are:

Test Phase: 3–6 weeks

2–4 weeks for TEC approval.

Duration: 6–10 weeks

Certification fees range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000, depending on product category and model count. Lab testing and document handling cost extra.

Noncompliance Consequences
Lacking a valid TEC Certificate can cause:

Import customs refusal

Indian product recalls and bans

Legal sanctions and enforcement

Loss of market access and reputation

Any telecom company targeting India must follow MTCTE requirements.

TEC Certificate Application Status Tracking
The Application Number can be used to trace an application on the MTCTE Portal Dashboard. Every step has status updates:

Under Review

Additional Documents Needed

Test Phase

Authorized and Certified

This lets candidates track progress and respond quickly.

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for Foreign OEMs
Manufacturers outside India must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to communicate with TEC. The AIR is liable for:

Managing the application

Communication with TEC

Compliance after certification

AIR must be registered in India and present a notarized OEM Authorization Letter.

Benefits of TEC Certification
TEC Certificates have many benefits:

Legal telecom and IoT market access in India

Brand reputation and client trust increased

Advantage in tenders and procurement bids

Guaranteed regulatory compliance

Avoiding legal and financial risks

TEC certification is a critical expenditure for Indian enterprises scaling or launching new models.

Latest and Future TEC Regulation Updates
TEC is expanding MTCTE to include new technologies like:

5G gear

M2M/IoT devices

Smart home automation

Network gear with cybersecurity

To anticipate regulatory changes, manufacturers should monitor TEC alerts.