Service

TEC/MTCTE approval is mandatory for telecom equipment in India to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with national standards. Global X Compliance helps manufacturers and importers obtain TEC certification quickly and seamlessly for smooth market access.

---

TEC / MTCTE Approval 

In the early 2000s, India’s telecom industry witnessed rapid innovation, revolutionizing how people connect. From voice and data communication to high-speed video and audio services, this sector plays a crucial role in modern life. The industry is broadly divided into three key areas: wireless communications, telecom services, and telecom equipment.

Telecom innovation dates back to the invention of the telegraph in the 1830s, which first enabled global connectivity. As technology advanced, the demand for standardized, reliable, and secure infrastructure grew stronger. To meet this need, the Government of India established the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) in 1991, responsible for setting world-class technical standards to ensure robust and interoperable telecom networks.

To regulate the quality of telecom equipment in India, TEC launched the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. Under this, all manufacturers and importers must obtain TEC Certification before selling or using telecom products in India. Once tested and approved, products are assigned a unique TEC registration number, assuring consumers of their safety, authenticity, and compliance with national standards.

What is TEC Approval?

TEC stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre, the technical wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It develops standards, specifications, and requirements for telecom equipment to ensure safe and secure usage of evolving technologies. These benchmarks are classified as:

• Generic Requirements (GRs)
• Interface Requirements (IRs)
• Service Requirements (SRs)

What is MTCTE?

The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) was introduced under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. It ensures that no telecom equipment can be sold, imported, or deployed in India without certification.

Currently, 74 categories of telecom equipment and variants fall under MTCTE. Testing is conducted by TEC-designated labs, covering both technical and safety parameters. Based on results, TEC issues the final certification.

Objectives of MTCTE

• Prevent interference with existing telecom networks.
• Guarantee end-user safety.
• Regulate radio frequency emissions within permissible limits.
• Align equipment with Indian and international standards.

Types of TEC Certification under MTCTE

Mandatory TEC Certification
Certain products, especially those critical for consumer safety, require mandatory certification. Two schemes apply:

• General Certification Scheme (GCS):
  Requires compliance summary, test reports, certificates, and multi-step evaluations. Testing follows Essential Requirements (ERs) defined by TEC or MRAs (Mutual Recognition Agreements).
  Timeline: ~40–45 working days.
• Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS):
  Requires product testing as per ERs, a compliance checklist, and a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Unlike GCS, test reports are not initially required but can be requested later by TEC.
  Timeline: ~15–20 working days.

Voluntary TEC Certification
For manufacturers who wish to assure compliance for non-mandatory products.

Voluntary Security Certification
Focuses on cybersecurity aspects of telecom equipment.

CAS/SMS Certification
Certification for Conditional Access Systems (CAS) and Subscriber Management Systems (SMS) used in broadcasting and telecom services.

Why Choose Global X Compliance?

At Global X Compliance, we simplify the TEC/MTCTE certification journey. From testing coordination and documentation to registration and certification, our experts ensure a smooth, hassle-free approval process so your telecom products can enter the Indian market without delays.