Explaining What TEC Certification Is and Why It Is Important
For telecommunications and information technology equipment, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), which falls under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India, is the entity that is responsible for the mandatory approval process known as TEC certification. This certification guarantees that the items are safe for use in Indian telecom networks and that they comply with the Essential Requirements (ERs) that have been published by the Telecom Regulatory Office (TEC).

TEC certification is required for any firm, whether local or foreign, that intends to sell, import, or deploy telecom equipment in India. This includes both domestic and multinational manufacturers. Consequently, this not only maintains the safety and security of the national telecom infrastructure, but it also guarantees the quality of the products and ensures that they are standardized.

What Kinds of Products Need to Be Certified by the TEC?
The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework established by the TEC stipulates that a number of different product types are required to undergo testing and certification. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Devices that are mobile

Gateways, Routers, and Modems as Equipment

Equipment Utilizing Optical Fibre

Transmission Gearbox Components

Stations, or Bases

Smart watches that are equipped with a SIM card and Bluetooth

Internet of Things Devices

Observational and Surveillance Technology

Systems that use IP Phones and EPABX

In the process of product classification, products are divided into phases and product groups. Each product group has its own unique certification timeframe and necessary testing requirements.

Comparison of the GCS and SCS Forms of TEC Certification
Among the certification programs offered by MTCTE, there are two:

1. The General Certification Scheme (GCS), which is applicable to both core and high-risk telecom products respectively

have to be tested by laboratories designated by the TEC in India

The review of the technical documentation, test reports, and sample testing are all included.

A more drawn-out procedure, often lasting between four and six weeks

2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) an appropriate certification system for low-risk devices

self-declaration and test results from recognized labs are the only sources of information.

Quicker approval, typically accomplished within two to three weeks

It is dependent on the product category and the risk level that is determined by TEC to determine which certification process is the appropriate one to take.

The TEC Certification Process, Broken Down Into Steps
The acquisition of a TEC certificate requires completion of several crucial stages:

Sign up for an account on the MTCTE Portal.
The MTCTE portal (https://www.mtcte.tec.gov.in) requires that manufacturers or their authorized Indian agents create an account in order to have access to the platform.

2. Determine the Product Type and Scheme to Use
Determine which certification scheme (GCS or SCS) is appropriate for the product category that you can use. It is possible for a misclassification to result in delays or rejection.

3. Create Documentation for Technical Purposes
The documentation consists of:

Manuals for users

Schematics of blocks

Schematics of circuits

Material Bill of Materials (BoM)

Review images of the setup

The marking and labeling of products

Certifications for the safety of products

4. Deliver your samples for examination.
In accordance with the plan, the product is evaluated in the following:

GCS or TEC-designated laboratories

ILAC and NABL-accredited laboratories (SCS)

The Essential Requirements (ERs) are the focus of testing, which includes the following:

EMI and EMC

Security

Performance of Radio Frequency

S.A.R.

Specifications for safety

5. Upload both the documents and the test reports.
Please ensure that all of the necessary paperwork and test reports are uploaded to the site.

6. Pay the Application Fee; 8.
The cost is determined by the different types of testing, the number of models, and the product category.

7. Criteria for TEC Approval and Evaluation
The submission is evaluated by TEC, which may inquire about clarifications. After the requirements have been met, the certificate will be issued digitally and for a period of five years.

The Import Export Code (IEC) Certification Documents That Are Required for TEC Certification

Letter of Authorization (for candidates from other countries)

The Datasheets of Products

Accounts of Tests

Documents For The Registration Of A Company

Taking Responsibility for Compliance

Information Regarding the Indian Representative (AIR) (for Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers)

Timeline for TEC Certification and the Duration of Each Step in the Validity Process
One to two days for portal registration
Preparation of Documents for One Week
1–3 Weeks’ Worth of Sample Testing
TEC Review One to Two Weeks,
The issuance of certificates Validity of Five Years

Depending on the intricacy of the product and the availability of testing, timelines may be different.

The TEC Certification for Manufacturers from Other Countries
An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is required to be appointed by firms that are not Indian. As the interface between the foreign producer and TEC, the AIR is responsible for the following responsibilities:

Management of certification-related activities

Providing the necessary documentation

dealing with TEC's communication management

In the absence of an AIR, foreign entities are unable to submit certification applications.

As a result of non-compliance, penalties
Under the laws of the Department of Transportation, it is illegal to sell or import uncertified telecom equipment in India. There may be consequences such as:

Product confiscation

Penalties and monetary sums

Prohibited from use in subsequent applications

In accordance with Indian telecom laws, legal action

Therefore, compliance with TEC requirements is not a choice but rather a requirement that must be met by law.

The advantages of TEC Certification Regulatory Compliance: The requirement to comply with in order to sell in India

Access to the Market: Makes it easier to conduct business in one of the most important telecom markets

Establishes the dependability and safety of your product through quality assurance measurements.

Your brand's credibility with Indian consumers and telecom providers is improved through the process of trust building.

When it comes to TEC Certification, How to Select the Appropriate Consultant
Because of the difficulty of the procedure, many businesses find it more beneficial to collaborate with certification experts. As a trustworthy consultant, they will:

The product should be appropriately classified.

Create documentation for technical purposes.

Interact with the TEC and the labs

Reducing both time and money

Guarantee that the approval will be granted on the very first try.

Check for the following while selecting a consultant:

Familiarity with projects involving MTCTE

Having an understanding of the telecom legislation in India

Strong presence in the local community

Final Thoughts
Any telecom or information technology product that intends to enter the Indian market must first obtain TEC certification. Not only does it guarantee compliance, but it also paves the way for completely new business opportunities. You will be able to successfully navigate the TEC approval process if you have a good understanding of the certification scope, choose the suitable scheme, prepare accurate paperwork, and complete extensive product testing.