Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) is India’s nodal body for setting technical standards and ensuring compliance of telecom equipment with Indian regulations. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or telecom service provider, obtaining a TEC Approval or TEC Certificate is mandatory before selling or operating telecom equipment in the Indian market.
What is TEC Approval?
TEC Approval is the official authorisation granted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It confirms that telecom equipment complies with Indian technical standards, ensuring quality, safety, and compatibility with the national telecom network.
The TEC Certificate is proof that a product has undergone mandatory testing and meets the Essential Requirements (ERs) defined by TEC. Without this certificate, manufacturers and importers cannot legally sell telecom equipment in India.
🔗 Official Reference: Telecommunication Engineering Centre – DoT, Govt. of India
Types of TEC Approvals
TEC offers multiple types of approvals and certifications depending on the product and service:
- Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE): Compulsory for telecom equipment sold/used in India, Covers compliance with Essential Requirements (ER).
- Interface Approval: For equipment that interacts with telecom networks, ensuring compatibility.
- Service Provider Approval: For telecom operators, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory requirements.
- Mobile Handset Approval: For smartphones and handsets, ensuring consumer safety and technical compliance.
- Testing for Specific Technologies: Certifications for optical fiber cables, GPON, IP-based devices, routers, smart meters, etc.
What is MTCTE (Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment)?
MTCTE is the most important TEC approval scheme. It ensures that telecom products are tested in India and certified before being sold.
Products covered under MTCTE (different phases) include:
- Telephones, modems, cordless phones
- Routers, LAN switches, Wi-Fi access points
- Smart devices like cameras, watches, meters, IoT equipment.
- Base stations, repeaters, compact cellular networks
- Optical fibre cables, microwave equipment
- Tracking devices, GPS equipment
- Set-top boxes, digital TV, signalling gateways
🔗 Official Reference: The list keeps expanding – always check the latest updates on the TEC MTCTE Portal.
Documents Required for TEC Certification
To apply for the TEC Certificate, the following documents are generally required:
- Company Registration Documents (Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, AOA)
- Manufacturer Authorization Letter (if importer)
- Product Catalogue & User Manual
- Technical Specifications (circuit/block diagrams, datasheet)
- Bill of Materials (BoM)
- Compliance Statement to TEC Essential Requirements
- Test Reports from Accredited Labs
- Proof of Address & Undertaking
Our team ensures your documentation is error-free and compliant, avoiding delays or rejections.
Step-by-Step Process of Getting TEC Certification
The TEC Certification process is fully online through the MTCTE Portal.
- Step 1- Portal Registration – Register on the MTCTE Portal to create a company profile.
- Step 2- Application Submission – Fill in the details of the product and upload necessary documents.
- Step 3- Scrutiny of Application – TEC reviews and may ask for clarifications.
- Step 4- Fee Payment – Pay the applicable testing and certification fees online.
- Step 5- Product Testing – Select a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for testing.
- Step 6- Upload Test Reports – Submit test reports from TEC-approved labs along with compliance statements.
- Step 7- Evaluation by TEC– TEC verifies test results and compliance with Essential Requirements (ER).
- Step 8- Grant of TEC Certificate– If everything is satisfactory, TEC issues the TEC Approval Certificate.
The certification may take around 30–60 days, depending on the product category and testing requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
1. What is TEC?
TEC stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre, established in 1991 under the DoT. It sets technical standards and certifies telecom equipment.
2. What is MTCTE?
MTCTE is the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment scheme, making it compulsory to test and certify telecom products in India.
3. How long does TEC Certification take?
Generally, 30–60 days, depending on product type and testing.
4. What is a TEC Certificate Number?
It is the unique identifier assigned to certified telecom equipment.
5. Where can I apply for a TEC Certificate?
Applications must be submitted on the official MTCTE Portal.
