TEC Certificate

The Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC), a government-backed entity, is helmed by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT). It accords certification for telecommunication products for testing them for quality and safety. The testing is performed as per the Mandatory Testing Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) regulations.

The Indian Telegraph Amendment Regulations require telecommunication products and notified equipment to pass mandatory testing before making their way to the market.

This certification is now mandatory and must be obtained for notified products without exception. The supply, sale, and import of telecommunication equipment are impossible without a TEC license. This article provides insights into all the legal aspects associated with the TEC certificate.

What roles does TEC serve in the telecommunication realm?

TEC fulfills various roles as part of its responsibilities, which include:

• Releasing norms related to telecommunication products and services.


• Ensuring coordination with multilateral organizations to harmonize and upgrade testing and quality.


• Joining hands with authority like DoT to formulate new policies.


• Seeking technical bolster from the DoT.


• Testing and certifying notified equipment.

Which products fall under the TEC certificate?

The following is a list of products that fall within the scope of the TEC certificate:

• IoT gateways: IoT Gateways bridge the connectivity gap between Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the Internet, facilitating data processing, communication, and management of connected devices.


• Modems: Modems refer to communication devices that transform digital computer data into analog signals. These signals are then transmitted over telephone lines, ensuring internet connectivity.


• DSL devices: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) devices ensure high-speed internet connectivity access over conventional telephone lines by leveraging a digital signal, allowing simultaneous phone and internet usage.


• Executive phone systems: Executive phone systems refer to a sophisticated telephone setup used by business executives, offering advanced features such as call routing, conferencing, and voicemail.


• CLIP phones: CLIP (Calling Line Identification Presentation) phones reflect caller ID information, permitting users to witness the caller's number before picking up the call.


• Electronic telephone instruments


• NSD / ISD coin phones


• Key telephone systems


• Payphones


• Terminals for connection to the public telephone network


• Telephones with two lines


• ISDN customer premises equipment (CPE)


• G3 fax machines


• Private automatic branch exchange (PABX)


• Cordless phones


• Communication devices with microwaves

Some products on this list may require a BIS license in addition to a TEC license. The Telecommunication Engineering Center may exempt the requirement for TEC registration for products with a BIS license. Products incorporating Wi-Fi technology may also need to obtain a WPC certificate.

Understanding the TEC Certificate Process

TEC has two fundamental certification schemes, depending on the complexity and structure of the product:

• General Certification Scheme

In this category, license seekers must submit a test report issued by a certified lab along with the required paperwork. Almost all products falling under the TEC license belong to this category.

• Simplified Certification Scheme

Under this scheme, license seekers must submit a declaration confirming the product's conformity with TEC norms. The following products fall under this scheme:

• Fax machines


• Modems (connectable to 2-wire analog lines)


• SDN subscriber terminals


• Telephones with two lines

Steps to Obtain a TEC Certificate

• Step 1: Prepare the TEC Application and Necessary Paperwork

Before delving into the licensing process, the first step is to prepare the TEC application and arrange all the necessary dossiers. This paperwork primarily includes technical specifications, a dossier on the product's design and functionality, and any other relevant documents. Ensuring the completeness and legitimacy of such paperwork is a must, as any error or missing information can trigger delays in the certification process

• Step 2: Conduct Product Testing According to MTCTE Norms

Post paperwork arrangement, the next step is to undertake the product testing. This involves subjecting the equipment to testing methods as per the MTCTE norms. These tests determine the product's performance, safety, and compliance with underlying norms. Testing is a critical phase, as it determines whether the product adheres to the standards necessary for a TEC certificate

• Step 3: Submit the Paperwork Along with the Test Report from the Certified Lab

The next task is to compile all the documents, including the detailed test report issued by a certified lab. This report acts as tangible evidence of the product's performance and compliance with the underlying norms. Alongside the paperwork, the test report is furnished to the certification authority for evaluation. Timely submission of these documents is vital to maintaining the licensing process's momentum.

• Step 4: Receive the License

Upon application and paperwork submission, the certification authority shall examine the materials for accuracy and legitimacy. Once the authorities are satisfied, they grant the TEC license. Receiving this license implies that the product can now be officially sold, imported, and used in India.

• Step 5: Mark and Label the Product with the Required TEC Logo

Upon securing the TEC approval, the licensee can start marking their product with the TEC logo. This logo serves as an indicator to end-users, distributors, and authorities that the product is compliant with Indian telecommunication standards. Proper labeling ensures transparency and fosters trust among stakeholders.

Note: Currently, no on-site verification is necessary as part of the certification process, although this may change in the future.

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