TEC Certificate: Types, Process, Documents & Fees

In India, the telecom industry is regulated to ensure safety, quality, and seamless integration of devices with existing communication networks. One important requirement for companies dealing with telecom equipment is the TEC Certificate, issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC). Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or dealer, obtaining this certificate is often mandatory before you can sell or use certain telecom products in the country.

This article will provide a comprehensive detail of what the TEC Certificate is, why it is important, who needs it, and the process to obtain it.

What is the TEC Certificate?

The TEC Certificate is an official approval issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It confirms that a telecom product or equipment complies with the prescribed technical standards and safety requirements.

TEC runs the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. Under this scheme, the specific telecom products must be tested in the accredited laboratories in India to ensure they meet the prescribed standards before being sold, imported or used.

Purpose of the TEC Certificate

The key objectives behind the TEC certification include: -

• Ensuring Quality: To verify that telecom products are reliable and meet performance benchmarks.
• Network Safety: To prevent equipment from causing harm or interference to telecom networks.
• Consumer Safety: To ensure that devices do not pose electrical, radiation, or other hazards to users.
• Standardization: To promote uniformity and compatibility between different telecom devices and systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: To make sure that products meet national and international telecom regulations.

Who Needs a TEC Certificate?

The TEC Certificate is required for:

• Manufacturers of telecom equipment in India before selling products in the domestic market.
• Importers who bring telecom equipment into India for sale or use.
• Dealers and distributors who sell telecom products that fall under the mandatory certification list.
• Organizations deploying telecom equipment for their own use in certain regulated sectors.

Products Requiring TEC Certification

The MTCTE product list changes from time to time as TEC updates its regulations. Examples of products that often require TEC certification include:

• Mobile handsets and smartphones
• Routers and modems
• Optical fibre equipment
• Satellite communication equipment
• IP-based devices (such as IP phones)
• Wi-Fi access points
• Microwave communication systems
• Transmission terminals
• Base stations
• Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transmission terminals
• IoT gateways
• Smart electricity meters
• VHF/UHF radio sets
• Session Border Controllers
• 5G core network elements

It is important to check the latest list on the TEC website before starting the application process.

Legal Framework

The TEC certification process is governed under the Indian Telegraph Rules and the guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications. As per DoT notifications, no telecom equipment listed under MTCTE can be sold, imported or used without TEC approval. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, confiscation of goods and legal action.

Types of TEC Certification

TEC issues certificates under different categories depending on the nature and criticality of the equipment:

• General Certification Scheme (GCS): Required for products listed under MTCTE where full testing and test reports are mandatory.
• Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS): For products listed under MTCTE where self-declaration is allowed and test reports are generally not required unless asked by TEC.

TEC Certification Process

The process to obtain a TEC Certificate involves multiple steps: -

Step 1: Identify Product Category

Check whether your product is listed under MTCTE’s mandatory certification list and then determine its category.

Step 2: Register on the TEC Portal

Create an account on the TEC’s MTCTE portal (https://mtcte.tec.gov.in).

Step 3: Choose Certification Scheme

Select the appropriate scheme (General, Simplified or Voluntary) depending on the product type and testing requirements.

Step 4: Arrange Product Testing

Submit your product to a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) or an accredited laboratory in India for testing as per Indian standards.

Step 5: Submit Application

Fill out the online application form with required details of the product, test reports, technical specifications and other required documents.

Step 6: Pay Fees

Pay the applicable certification fee as per TEC guidelines.

Step 7: Evaluation by TEC

TEC reviews your application and verifies the test reports. They may ask for the clarifications or additional testing if necessary.

Step 8: Issuance of Certificate

Once approved, TEC issues the certificate, which is valid for a specific period which is 10 years.

Documents Required for TEC Certification

The typical documents required include: -

• Business registration documents (Company Incorporation Certificate, GST registration, etc.)
• Authorisation letter (if applying through a representative)
• Product description and technical specifications
• Bill of materials and circuit diagrams
• Test reports from an accredited laboratory
• Import licence (for importers)
• ISO certification (if applicable)
• Proof of payment of application fee
• Validity and Renewal

A TEC Certificate is valid for ten years from the date of issue. The renewal applications must be submitted before the expiry to ensure ongoing compliance. For the purpose of renewal, updated test reports and documents may be required if there are some changes in product design or standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to obtain TEC certification for a mandatory product can result in: -

• Monetary penalties as prescribed by DoT.
• Seizure or confiscation of uncertified equipment.
• Ban on selling or importing the product.
• Legal action against the manufacturer, importer or dealer…!

Benefits of Obtaining a TEC Certificate

Having a TEC Certificate offers multiple advantages:

1. Market Access: Legal permission to sell in the Indian telecom market.
2. Customer Trust: Builds credibility and confidence among buyers.
3. Competitive Advantage: Certified products are preferred in government tenders and corporate procurements.
4. Avoids Legal Issues: Prevents penalties and bans for non-compliance.
5. Supports Exports: Enhances the reputation of the manufacturer in global markets.

Fees

The government fees for obtaining a TEC Certificate under the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (DoT) are determined as per the official Schedule of Fees (Annexure-B) and are payable through the MTCTE portal via the Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP). The amount may vary depending on the product category, type of certification scheme (GCS, SCS, etc.), and the nature of testing required.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Lengthy Testing Periods: To get engage with accredited labs early to avoid delays.
• Changing Regulations: Regularly check the latest TEC notifications to stay updated.
• Technical Non-Conformity: Work with experienced product engineers to meet required standards before testing.
• Incomplete Documentation: Prepare and verify all the required documents before submission.

Conclusion

The TEC Certificate is not just a legal formality—it is a crucial quality assurance mechanism for India's telecom sector. For manufacturers, importers and dealers, obtaining this certification ensures compliance with national regulations, protects users and enhances the product's credibility in the market. While the process may involve detailed documentation and testing, the long-term benefits—such as market acceptance, customer trust and legal protection—far outweigh the initial efforts. If you are seeking for any professional assistance related to compliace, feel free to contact CRSPL Business Consultants, our experts will guide you at every stage.

As India's telecom industry continues to expand and adopt advanced technologies like 5G, IoT and satellite communications, the role of TEC certification will only grow stronger. Businesses that stay compliant today will be better positioned to lead tomorrow's connected world.