TEC Compliance Alert: The “One Model, One Certificate” Mandate for 2026

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has issued a critical advisory that fundamentally tightens the administrative discipline around the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE).

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and importers, the days of submitting overlapping applications for the same product are over. The notification, dated January 06, 2026, serves as a strict warning: duplicates will no longer be tolerated.

Here is what you need to know to protect your existing certificates and ensure smooth approval for future products.

Core Rule: One Certificate Per Model Number

The TEC has observed a recurring issue where OEMs submit multiple applications for equipment that already holds a valid Certificate of Conformity Assessment (CoCA). Whether due to administrative error or a misunderstanding of the portal’s logic, this practice creates database redundancy.

The new directive is clear:

• Unique Identity: An MTCTE certificate is issued to a specific OEM for a specific equipment model with a unique model number.
• No Re-Application: Once a model is certified, you strictly cannot re-apply for certification using that same model number.

Consequence of Non-Compliance

The TEC is taking a zero-tolerance approach to enforce this “single-entry” system. If an OEM is found to have duplicate applications or certificates for the identical model number, the consequences are severe:

1. Immediate Rejection: Any duplicate applications currently in the pipeline will be summarily rejected.
2. Certificate Cancellation: Most critically, the existing valid certificate for that model may be cancelled.
3. Retroactive Action: These actions can be taken at any stage, even after a certificate has been granted.

Note: The deadline to voluntarily disclose existing duplicate cases to the TEC was January 31, 2026. If you missed this window, an internal audit of your product portfolio is highly recommended to assess risk.

Vital Exception: “Associated Models”

While the “One Model, One Certificate” rule is strict, the TEC acknowledges that product families exist. You are permitted to submit multiple applications if and only if they are for Associated Models.

This exception applies when:

• You are adding a variant to an already certified “Main Model.”
• There is no change to the hardware or software of the originally certified equipment.
• You submit the mandatory declaration (Annexure-I) confirming the technical identity of the products.

This distinction is crucial: A new application for a variant is allowed; a new application for the same model is not.

Strategic Takeaways for OEMs

To navigate this regulatory shift, compliance teams should adopt the following “Dos and Don’ts”:

• DO maintain a centralized log of all certified model numbers to prevent accidental re-submission by different regional teams.
• DO use the “Associated Models” route for minor variants rather than initiating fresh applications.
• DON’T attempt to refresh a certificate’s validity by re-applying for the same model number; use the proper renewal channels instead.
• DON’T ignore legacy data; if you have older duplicates on the portal, prepare a justification in case of a TEC inquiry.

Conclusion

This advisory signals that the TEC is moving toward a cleaner, more efficient digital infrastructure. For the industry, this means that data accuracy is now just as important as technical conformity. By adhering to the single-certificate protocol, manufacturers can avoid unnecessary administrative hurdles and keep their market access uninterrupted.