What is TEC Certification?
TEC Certification, which is administered by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, is a mandated permission required for telecom and electronic equipment to be legally marketed and utilized in the Indian market. This certification guarantees that items meet Indian standards for safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and essential criteria.

Introduced under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regime, TEC Certification is critical to ensuring quality and security standards for devices entering India’s telecom network.

Who needs TEC certification?
Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners of telecom and electronic items that fit into the declared product categories must get TEC Certification before launching or distributing such products in India. This regulation affects both domestic and foreign enterprises.

Categories of TEC Certified Products
The TEC’s list of necessary certification items is updated on a regular basis. As of the most recent announcement, here are some of the main categories:

Mobile devices (such as smartphones and tablets).

Modem and Router

Base Station Controllers

Optical Fiber Equipment

Network Switches

Smartwatches with SIM functionality

IP Security Equipment

IoT Devices With SIM or Communication Modules

Each product category is categorized as Essential Requirements (ERs) or General Certification Scheme (GCS) and must conform accordingly.

TEC Certification Process
1. Product Category
The first step is to determine whether your product is on the mandatory list provided by TEC. You can check this on the official TEC website or with an approved testing/certification consultant.

2. Register on the MTCTE Portal.
Applicants must register using the official MTCTE website (https://mtcte.tec.gov.in). This site is used to submit documents, pick testing labs, and manage the entire certification process.

3. Test Sample Submission
Once the application is submitted, producers must send product samples to TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) for Type Approval testing.

4. Testing & Evaluation
The authorized TEC CAB tests the product comprehensively against the Essential Requirements (ERs), which include:

EMI/EMC Compliance

Safety tests (ISO 13252).

Technical requirements

Security Features:

5. Document Upload
You must provide a thorough set of documents for review, including:

Product datasheets

Circuit Diagrams

Bill of Material (BoM)

Technical Construction Files (TCF)

Test Reports

OEM Authorization Letter (If Applicable)

6. Certificate Granting
Following successful testing and verification, TEC gives a Certificate of Conformance that is valid for five years unless stated differently. The product can now be legally sold in India.

Key Documents Required for TEC Certification
To secure your TEC Certificate, the following documents is required:

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Agreement (for international manufacturers)

Technical Construction Files (TCF)

User Manuals

Manufacturer’s ISO Certificate

Product Images and Labels

OEM agreement (if relevant)

Factory License or Incorporation Certificate

Indian BIS Certificate (if applicable)

Timeframe and Validity
Testing Time: Typically takes 3-4 weeks, depending on the complexity and availability of test laboratories.

Certificate Processing: Following successful exam submission, certification may take 1-2 weeks.

Certificate validity is usually five years, with the option to renew.

Cost of TEC Certification
The overall cost varies according to:

Product category

Number of models or variations

Testing lab charges

Professional consulting (optional)

On average, TEC certification costs between INR 1,00,000 and INR 3,00,000 or more per model, including testing, application, and documentation costs.

TEC Certification Schemes
There are two main certification schemes:

1. General Certificate Scheme (GCS)
Under this method, products are certified based on test results from TEC-approved labs. This strategy covers the vast majority of telecom equipment.

2. Simplified Certificate Scheme (SCS)
Applicable to equipment that requires just a declaration of compliance, subject to random testing. Most commonly used for non-critical telecom equipment.

TEC Labeling Requirements:
All authorized products must display the TEC Mark, which includes:

TEC Certification Number

Model Number

Manufacturer’s Details

Failure to comply with labeling rules may result in penalties or revocation of the certificate.

Penalties for Noncompliance
Selling or importing telecom equipment in India without a valid TEC certificate is a criminal offence. Consequences include:

Heavy fines.

Confiscation of goods

Product Recall

Blacklist for Further Certification

TEC certification provides market access, allowing for lawful sales of telecom equipment in India.

Consumer trust ensures product reliability and safety.

Government Projects: Eligibility to engage in public procurement.

Brand value enhances brand perception and believability.

How to appoint an Indian representative for foreign manufacturers?
Foreign firms must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to serve as the local contact for:

Submitting an application

Coordinating with TEC

Handling post-certification inquiries

The AIR must be:

An Indian citizen or a registered Indian enterprise

legally bound by a notarized and apostilled agreement.

TEC vs. BIS Certification Criteria TEC Certification BIS Certification is governed by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It focuses on telecom/ICT equipment and electrical/electronic safety. Is it mandatory? Yes for telecom products. Yes, for products notified by CRS Test Labs. TEC-designated CABs. BIS-recognized laboratories

Some goods may require both TEC and BIS certifications, depending on their functionality.

Latest Updates in TEC Certification (2025)
TEC has expanded the MTCTE Phase V product line to include more IoT and M2M devices.

Critical communication products must now comply with cybersecurity standards.

Under the MoU, certain international labs will accept test reports and provide remote testing possibilities.

Conclusion
TEC Certification is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a gateway to India’s fast growing telecom and digital infrastructure sector. By ensuring that your goods meet TEC’s stringent requirements, you demonstrate your dedication to quality, safety, and technology compatibility.

Whether you’re a home manufacturer or a multinational electronics corporation, becoming TEC certified is critical for market entry and long-term credibility in India.