TEC certification is the certification issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. According to the MTCTE portal, telecom equipment notified under MTCTE cannot be sold, deployed in a telecom network or otherwise used in India without a valid Certificate of Conformity Assessment against TEC's Essential Requirements. The equipment is tested by an Indian laboratory designated by TEC, the application is filed on the MTCTE portal by an Indian OEM or the Authorised Indian Representative of a foreign OEM, and TEC issues the certificate. Only notified products are covered, and the notified list changes over time.
Telecom equipment sold in India must work reliably with licensed networks, remain safe for users and keep radio emissions within prescribed limits. India's answer to this is the MTCTE scheme, run by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications. For manufacturers, importers and foreign brands, understanding it early can prevent shipment, sale and tender problems later.
This guide explains TEC certification in India: what MTCTE is, which equipment it covers, how the certification schemes differ, the step-by-step process, typical documents, fees and timelines, and how TEC differs from BIS and WPC approvals. If you want help applying it to your product, our team offers TEC Certification Services for Indian and foreign manufacturers.
📑 Table of Contents
- 1. What Is TEC Certification and MTCTE?
- 2. Who Needs TEC Certification and Which Products Are Covered?
- 3. Essential Requirements and Testing
- 4. Certification Schemes: GCS vs SCS
- 5. TEC Certification Process Step by Step
- 6. Documents Required for TEC Certification
- 7. TEC Certification Fees
- 8. TEC Certification Timeline
- 9. Validity, Labelling and Post-Certification Requirements
- 10. TEC vs BIS vs WPC Approval
- 11. TEC Type Approval vs MTCTE Certification
- 12. Common TEC Certification Mistakes
- 13. How Rego Services Can Help
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions
- Official References
- TEC Certificate Number, Sample and Verification
- Mandatory vs Voluntary TEC Certification
- MTCTE Phases and Mandatory Dates
- Explore the Complete TEC Certification Guide Series
1. What Is TEC Certification and MTCTE?
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) is the technical body of the Department of Telecommunications that sets telecom standards and runs conformity assessment. MTCTE stands for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment. When people say "TEC certification" or "TEC approval" today, they usually mean certification under MTCTE.
The MTCTE portal states that no telecommunication equipment notified under MTCTE shall be sold or deployed in any telecommunication network, or otherwise be used in India, unless it has a valid Certificate of Conformity Assessment as per the prescribed standards, which are called Essential Requirements. The portal describes the legal framework as the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. Earlier TEC pages refer to the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, under which MTCTE was first introduced.
Objectives of MTCTE
Ensures that telecom equipment does not degrade the performance of the existing network to which it is connected.
Protects the safety of end users of telecom equipment.
Ensures that radio frequency emissions from equipment do not exceed prescribed standards.
Ensures that equipment complies with the relevant national and international regulatory standards and requirements.
The testing and certification envisaged in the MTCTE Procedure (TEC 93009:2024) is intended to confirm that equipment meets the Essential Requirements prescribed by TEC. Applications are submitted and administered online on the MTCTE portal.
2. Who Needs TEC Certification and Which Products Are Covered?
MTCTE applies to notified telecom equipment, which TEC has brought under mandatory certification in phases. The DoT's description of the scheme says the applicant is an Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) of a foreign OEM. Importers, distributors and brands selling covered equipment in India should also confirm that valid certification exists for every model they handle.
Examples of equipment that appear in TEC's MTCTE circulars
The list below is illustrative, based on product lines named in TEC's circulars. It is not an exhaustive or current list of notified products.
PON family broadband equipment, WiFi CPE and related access devices.
IP routers, LAN switches and DWDM equipment.
Base stations and repeaters for cellular networks, VHF/UHF radio systems, microwave fixed radio systems and mobile radio trunking.
Single-mode optical fibre and optical fibre cable.
PABX, media gateways, session border controllers and multimedia conferencing equipment.
IoT gateways and 5G core nodes.
3. Essential Requirements and Testing
An Essential Requirement (ER) is the set of requirements against which a product is tested for MTCTE. According to TEC, an ER comprises the following parts.
Each product line has its own ER document, and TEC may revise or withdraw an ER. Testing is carried out for conformance to the ER by Indian accredited laboratories designated by TEC, and TEC issues the certificate based on their test reports. TEC publishes a list of designated laboratories and the test parameters each can handle.
TEC has also issued circulars on several points that can affect your test plan: acceptance of a valid BIS certificate, or test reports from BIS-recognised laboratories, against safety requirements; acceptance of test reports from laboratories accredited by ILAC signatories under specified conditions; and exemptions or non-applicability of certain parameters for particular products. These circulars change, so confirm the current position for your product.
4. Certification Schemes: GCS vs SCS
TEC categorises notified products into the General Certification Scheme (GCS) and the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS). TEC issued a circular re-categorising notified products into these two categories, with reduced fees for ER-based applications, effective 1 January 2024. The table below reflects how industry sources describe the two schemes. The binding position is whatever TEC's current procedure and circulars say for your product.
| Aspect | General Certification Scheme (GCS) | Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Products needing comprehensive testing | Products TEC has categorised as lower risk |
| Testing evidence | Full test reports and compliance summary from a TEC-designated laboratory | Test-wise compliance sheet with a self-declaration of conformity; TEC may still ask for reports |
| Who decides the route | The scheme is determined by how TEC has categorised the notified product, not by the applicant's preference | |
5. TEC Certification Process Step by Step
The steps below follow the general MTCTE route. The exact requirements depend on the product, its ER and its scheme category.
Mandatory certification applies only to telecom equipment notified under MTCTE. Check the notified product lists on the official TEC and MTCTE portals before planning anything else. If your product is not notified, MTCTE does not currently apply to it, but you should monitor future notifications.
Find the Essential Requirement (ER) document for your product and confirm whether the product falls under the General Certification Scheme (GCS) or the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS).
The application is made by an Indian OEM or, for a foreign manufacturer, by an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Foreign manufacturers should appoint their representative before starting the application.
Register the applicant on the MTCTE portal. TEC publishes a list of documents needed to create a profile and a flowchart for profile registration and a fresh application.
For products requiring laboratory testing, have the equipment tested against the ER by an Indian laboratory designated by TEC. For products under SCS, prepare the self-declaration of conformity in the format specified by TEC.
File the application on the MTCTE portal with the technical documents, test reports or declarations, and other items specified for your product.
TEC evaluates the submission. Respond promptly and consistently to any queries and revise documents if required.
Once TEC issues the certificate, follow the labelling guidelines in the MTCTE procedure, ensure importers meet customs requirements and notify TEC of changes where the rules require it.
For questions during the process, TEC lists an MTCTE helpdesk on its official MTCTE page. TEC also has a procedure for handling appeals under the MTCTE regime.
6. Documents Required for TEC Certification
The exact list depends on the product and scheme, and TEC publishes the documents needed for profile creation on the MTCTE portal. Industry sources commonly list the following for an MTCTE application. Confirm the current list on the portal for your product.
- Applicant details and, for a foreign manufacturer, documents appointing the Authorised Indian Representative.
- Documents needed to create the applicant profile on the MTCTE portal.
- Product details: model name, variants, interfaces and technical specifications.
- Test reports from a TEC-designated laboratory, where the scheme requires them.
- Compliance sheet and self-declaration of conformity in TEC's prescribed format, where the scheme allows it.
- Bill of materials, block diagrams, user manual and other technical documentation requested for the product.
- Details of family or associated models, where you want them covered.
- Any supporting BIS certificate or test report accepted by TEC for safety requirements.
7. TEC Certification Fees
There is no single fee for every application. The overall cost typically has three parts:
- TEC application fee — set by TEC and dependent on the scheme and product category. TEC re-categorised notified products into GCS and SCS and reduced fees for ER-based applications with effect from 1 January 2024.
- Laboratory testing charges — set by the designated laboratory and dependent on the ER and the number of parameters and models tested.
- Professional or consultant fees — if you engage support for documentation and coordination.
Use TEC's current fee circular and written quotations from designated laboratories when budgeting. Treat fee figures quoted on third-party websites with caution, as they may be out of date.
8. TEC Certification Timeline
TEC does not guarantee one timeline for every application. Industry sources commonly cite figures in the range of roughly 40 to 60 days for TEC's evaluation or for the overall process under the general scheme, but these are not official commitments. The real duration depends on:
- Whether the product falls under GCS or SCS.
- Laboratory scheduling and the number of parameters to be tested.
- Completeness and consistency of your documents.
- Time taken to respond to TEC queries.
- The number of models in the application.
Plan testing and documentation well before your launch date, and avoid committing customers or tenders to a certification date until TEC has issued the certificate.
9. Validity, Labelling and Post-Certification Requirements
Validity
TEC has published a circular on enhancing the validity of a regular MTCTE certificate from five years to ten years. Terms can depend on the certificate type, so check the certificate itself and the current circulars.
Labelling
TEC has revised the labelling guidelines in the MTCTE Procedure. Follow the current guidelines when labelling certified equipment.
Importers and customs
TEC has issued a circular on mandatory registration of importers on the ICEGATE customs portal for submission of the MTCTE certificate. Importers should confirm the current customs process before shipping covered equipment.
Changes and associated models
TEC has circulars on adding associated models to already certified equipment and on end-of-sale and end-of-life products. If you change the design, firmware or configuration of a certified product, or want to add a model, confirm what TEC requires before selling the changed version.
10. TEC vs BIS vs WPC Approval
TEC, BIS and WPC approvals address different regulatory questions. A single product can need more than one of them.
| Aspect | TEC (MTCTE) | BIS | WPC ETA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authority | Telecommunication Engineering Centre, DoT | Bureau of Indian Standards | WPC Wing, DoT |
| Focus | Conformity of notified telecom equipment to TEC's Essential Requirements | Product safety and quality under BIS schemes such as CRS and ISI | Radio-frequency compliance of wireless equipment in licence-exempt bands |
| Applies to | Telecom equipment notified under MTCTE | Products notified under the relevant BIS scheme | Wireless devices operating in licence-exempt frequency bands |
| Route | MTCTE portal | BIS portal | Saral Sanchar portal |
Three points are worth knowing. First, TEC has issued a circular accepting a valid BIS certificate, or test reports from BIS-recognised laboratories, against the safety requirements of an ER, which can reduce duplicate safety testing. Second, a DoT office memorandum on procedure provides that products needing both MTCTE and ETA are handled jointly by TEC and the WPC Wing. Third, a DoT office memorandum dated 9 September 2024 provides that ETA for licence-exempt wireless equipment is granted on a self-declaration basis, and that ETA holders must obtain any required DGFT clearances before importing.
For products that also fall under BIS schemes, see our BIS certification services.
11. TEC Type Approval vs MTCTE Certification
TEC runs two kinds of certification. MTCTE certification is mandatory for notified equipment, and it is the route most manufacturers and importers mean today. Alongside it, TEC offers voluntary testing and certification, including Type Approval Certificate, Interface Approval Certificate, Certificate of Approval and Technology Approval. Voluntary certification has no sale-barring effect for products outside MTCTE, though buyers and tenders sometimes ask for it. If a product is notified under MTCTE, the mandatory route applies. Check TEC's voluntary certification page for the current scope.
12. Common TEC Certification Mistakes
Only notified equipment needs MTCTE certification. Check the notified list before starting, and again before launch because new products are added over time.
Whether a product is under GCS or SCS depends on how TEC has categorised it. Do not assume the lighter route applies.
ERs can be revised or withdrawn. Test against the current version listed on the official portal.
A product may need MTCTE and also BIS or WPC ETA. Plan the approvals together to avoid launch delays.
Model names, interfaces and configurations must match across test reports, declarations and the application.
Labelling, importer registration for customs and handling of model changes should be planned before shipments begin.
13. How Rego Services Can Help
Rego Services Private Limited helps manufacturers, importers and foreign manufacturers navigate India's product compliance landscape, including telecom approvals. With our TEC certification assistance in India, we can:
- Check whether your product and model are notified under MTCTE and which ER and scheme apply.
- Plan testing with TEC-designated laboratories and coordinate with them.
- Prepare the documentation and the application on the MTCTE portal.
- Support foreign manufacturers working through an Authorised Indian Representative.
- Align MTCTE with BIS, WPC ETA, EPR and other approvals your product may need.
- Track circulars, model additions and renewals after certification.
The testing agency or authority makes the final certification decision, and consultant support does not guarantee approval or a particular timeline.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is TEC certification in India?
TEC certification generally refers to certification issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. Notified telecom equipment is tested against TEC's Essential Requirements and, on successful evaluation, a certificate is issued by TEC.
2. Is TEC certification mandatory in India?
It is mandatory for telecommunication equipment that has been notified under MTCTE. According to the MTCTE portal, such equipment cannot be sold, deployed in a telecom network or otherwise used in India without a valid Certificate of Conformity Assessment. Equipment that has not been notified is not covered, so check the current notified list.
3. What is MTCTE?
MTCTE stands for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment. It is the scheme under which notified telecom equipment must meet TEC's Essential Requirements before it can be sold, deployed or used in India.
4. Which products need TEC certification?
Only products notified under MTCTE. TEC's circulars refer to product lines such as IP routers, WiFi CPE, LAN switches, PON family broadband equipment, optical fibre and optical fibre cable, repeaters and base stations for cellular networks, media gateways, PABX and IoT gateways. The list changes, so confirm your exact product on the official MTCTE portal.
5. What is the difference between GCS and SCS?
The General Certification Scheme (GCS) and the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) are the two certification categories used under MTCTE. Industry sources describe GCS as the route that involves full test reports from a TEC-designated laboratory, and SCS as a lighter route based on a self-declaration of conformity. The scheme applicable to a product depends on how TEC has categorised it.
6. Who can apply for MTCTE certification?
The DoT's description of MTCTE states that applications are made by an Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or by the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) of a foreign OEM.
7. How long does TEC certification take?
There is no single official timeline for every application. Industry sources commonly cite figures in the range of roughly 40 to 60 days for TEC's evaluation or overall process, but laboratory testing time, document readiness and TEC queries can change this. Treat any estimate as a planning indication, not a commitment.
8. How much does TEC certification cost?
The cost depends on the scheme category, the number of models, laboratory testing charges and any consultant fees. TEC has issued a circular re-categorising notified products into GCS and SCS and reducing fees for ER-based applications with effect from 1 January 2024. Check TEC's current fee circular and obtain laboratory quotations before budgeting.
9. Is TEC certification the same as BIS or WPC approval?
No. TEC certification under MTCTE covers notified telecommunication equipment. BIS certification covers product safety under BIS schemes, and WPC's Equipment Type Approval (ETA) covers wireless equipment operating in licence-exempt bands. Some products may need more than one approval.
10. How long is an MTCTE certificate valid?
TEC has published a circular on enhancing the validity of a regular MTCTE certificate from five years to ten years. Validity conditions can depend on the certificate type and terms, so confirm the current position on the TEC website before relying on it.
11. Where can I find official information on MTCTE?
Use the official TEC website, the MTCTE portal and the Department of Telecommunications MTCTE page, including the MTCTE procedure, Essential Requirements, notified product lists and circulars.
✓ Key Takeaways
- TEC certification generally means certification under MTCTE for notified telecom equipment
- Notified equipment cannot be sold, deployed in a telecom network or used in India without a valid certificate
- Products are tested against TEC's Essential Requirements by TEC-designated Indian laboratories
- Applications are filed on the MTCTE portal by an Indian OEM or the Authorised Indian Representative of a foreign OEM
- Notified products fall under the General or Simplified Certification Scheme
- TEC, BIS and WPC approvals are different, and a product may need more than one
- Fees and timelines vary by product, so rely on current circulars and written quotations
- Verify the notified list, scheme category and certificate terms on official sources before acting
Reviewed by the Rego Services Compliance Team | Last Updated: October 2026 | Sources: TEC, MTCTE portal, Department of Telecommunications
TEC Certificate Number, Sample Certificate and How to Verify It
A TEC certificate is the Certificate of Conformity Assessment issued under MTCTE after an application is approved. Many businesses search for this as "TEC registration" or "TEC certificate registration"; under MTCTE it is the same certification process described in this guide. The certificate is issued for a specific model, and certification details are displayed on the Certified Equipment tab of the MTCTE portal.
A TEC certificate typically identifies the applicant or OEM, the product and model, the applicable Essential Requirement, and the certificate number and date. Layouts can change, so treat any sample as illustrative and rely on the certificate actually issued. To verify a certificate, match the model, applicant and certificate details against the Equipment Certified Under MTCTE list, and read our guide on how to check the MTCTE product list to confirm that your product category is notified in the first place.
Mandatory vs Voluntary TEC Certification
- Mandatory certification (MTCTE): applies to equipment notified under MTCTE. Testing is against the applicable Essential Requirements, under the General (GCS) or Simplified (SCS) certification scheme.
- Other certification types: the MTCTE portal provides for certification types besides mandatory certification. Eligibility and conditions are set in the current procedure, so check it before applying for a product that is not yet notified.
- Security certification: some products, including ONT, OLT, IP routers and Wi-Fi CPE, have a separate security-certification track. See our guides on ONT and OLT and routers and Wi-Fi CPE.
MTCTE Phases and Mandatory Dates
MTCTE has been rolled out in phases. Phase I and Phase II products became mandatory from 1 October 2019 and 1 October 2020 respectively. Later phases added further categories, for example IoT gateways, LAN switches, routers, and 5G base stations and microwave E-band radio, and TEC has extended some mandatory dates through amendment notifications. Because dates are product-specific and change, confirm the mandatory date for your exact product on the phase-wise product list. Our guide to products requiring TEC certification explains how to match your product to the list.
Note: Requirements, dates and exemptions are set by TEC notifications and can change. Confirm the current position on the official MTCTE portal before relying on this summary.
Official References
- Telecommunication Engineering Centre: tec.gov.in
- TEC Functions: tec.gov.in/tec-functions
- TEC Essential Requirements: tec.gov.in/essential-requirements-2
- TEC Mandatory Testing and Certification (MTCTE): tec.gov.in MTCTE page
- MTCTE Portal: mtcte.tec.gov.in
- About MTCTE: mtcte.tec.gov.in/aboutMTCTE
- DoT MTCTE page: eservices.dot.gov.in
Your Next Step
If your product connects to or works with telecom networks, first check whether it is notified under MTCTE, then plan testing and documents around your launch date. Our team can review your product and tell you which approvals apply through our TEC Certification Services.
Explore the Complete TEC Certification Guide Series
Each guide below covers one stage of getting your TEC certificate in India under MTCTE.
- TEC certification process in India — the 10-step MTCTE application process
- Products requiring TEC certification — which telecom and ICT products are covered
- Documents required for TEC certification — OEM, AIR and product document checklist
- TEC certification fees in India — administrative, evaluation and lab testing costs
- TEC vs BIS vs WPC approval — which approval applies to your product
- How to check the MTCTE product list — verify notified products and mandatory dates
- TEC certification for routers and Wi-Fi CPE — IP router and Wi-Fi CPE testing and security
- TEC certification for LAN switches — L2, L3 and unmanaged switch requirements
- TEC certification for ONT and OLT — MTCTE and ComSec security tracks
- TEC certification for optical network equipment — DWDM, OTN and PON equipment requirements