New Delhi, India — The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has announced a major update to the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework. The latest guidelines introduce a Provisional Certification Scheme for telecom products that have specialized test requirements, marking a significant step towards facilitating innovation and ease of doing business in India’s telecom sector.
About the New Guidelines
The new TEC guidelines address a long-standing challenge faced by telecom equipment manufacturers and importers — testing high-power or complex devices that cannot be easily evaluated under standard laboratory conditions in India.
To ensure that such products can still access the Indian market responsibly, TEC has allowed a Provisional Certification mechanism, valid for up to two years, for equipment that meets safety and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) standards but requires additional time or infrastructure to complete full testing.
Who Can Apply
The provisional certification will apply to specialized telecom equipment that:
- Operates on non-standard voltage or current levels (e.g., above 32 A or 100 A).
- Requires custom test setups not readily available in existing Indian labs.
- Falls under MTCTE categories such as Routers, LAN Switches, DWDM Equipment, or Satellite Communication Systems.
Manufacturers, importers, or authorized Indian representatives (AIRs) can apply for provisional approval through the MTCTE online.
Key Provisions in the Guidelines
- Validity: The provisional certificate remains valid for two years from the date of issue.
- Test Reports: Applicants must provide valid test reports from ILAC-accredited laboratories for safety and EMC requirements.
- Technical Parameters: For parameters where testing is not feasible, the OEM may submit a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
- Conversion Requirement: Once full domestic testing capabilities are available or relevant Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSARs) are released, the provisional certificate must be converted into a regular MTCTE certificate.
- Documentation: Submission of a detailed Bill of Materials (BoM) including power and current specifications is mandatory.
Benefits of the Provisional Scheme
The new guidelines aim to:
- Simplify market access for complex telecom and networking products.
- Encourage advanced technology adoption without compromising on safety or compliance.
- Reduce delays caused by the absence of specialized testing infrastructure.
- Support innovation and promote India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision by balancing flexibility with accountability.
Industry Impact
This move is expected to benefit global and Indian telecom manufacturers introducing next-generation networking, satellite communication, and optical transport equipment. By recognizing the practical limitations of current test setups, TEC has provided a balanced compliance pathway that upholds quality standards while fostering industrial growth.
Industry experts have welcomed this decision, viewing it as a pro-industry reform that bridges regulatory compliance with technological advancement. It will also help accelerate the deployment of 5G, data center, and high-speed communication infrastructure across the country.
How to Apply
- Register and log in to the MTCTE portal.
- Choose the applicable product category.
- Upload all required documents, test reports, and SDoC (if applicable).
- Pay the applicable fees and submit the application.
- TEC reviews and issues the Provisional Certificate with a validity of two years.
