In the digital era, the safety, security, and compliance of telecommunication equipment are critical. To address this, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, issued the MTCTE Certification (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment), as notified under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, via Gazette Notification G.S.R. 1131(E) dated 5th September 2017.
According to the TEC-MTCTE regulatory framework, all telecommunication equipment intended for deployment in licensed networks in India must undergo compulsory testing and certification. This is to ensure that the equipment does not negatively impact the performance of the network or pose any risks to end-users or the public.
Objectives of MTCTE
The primary aim of the MTCTE framework is to ensure that:
- Ensure Compliance: Equipment must comply with the technical standards prescribed by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC).
- Maintain Network Integrity: The equipment should not degrade the performance of telecommunication networks.
- Protect Users and the Public: It ensures that the equipment does not pose any risks or hazards to end-users or the general public.
- Promote Interoperability: Equipment should be compatible with other devices and systems used within the network.
While this certification confirms compliance with TEC-prescribed Essential Requirements, this certification does not ensure overall quality & reliability of the product. OEMs and dealers are still responsible for product claims like that. Furthermore, the appliances designed for use by Licensed Telecom Service Providers, ISPs or VNOs may require further testing according to the licensing regulations.
MTCTE Certification Process
The step-by-step procedure to obtain MTCTE certification includes:
- Stage 1: New user registration on the TEC portal.
- Stage 2: Applicant/OEM profile registration on the portal and approval of the registration by the TEC department.
- Stage 3: Submission of product details and BOM (Bill of Materials) for pre-check evaluation.
- Stage 4: Allotment of a TEC Designated Testing Laboratory for product testing.
- Stage 5: Application submission along with technical documents and comprehensive test reports covering all tested parameters.
- Stage 6: Grant of Certification by TEC.
Technical Regulations & Required Test Reports
Under MTCTE, compliance with the following Essential Requirements (ERs) is mandatory:
- EMI/EMC Compliance
- Safety Testing
- Technical Parameters Testing
- Additional Parameters as notified by TEC/DoT
- Security Requirements as prescribed by DoT notifications
Documentation Required from OEM/Applicant
To apply for MTCTE Certification, the following documents must be submitted:
- Factory Registration License (in local language and English)
- Trademark Registration Certificate and Brand Authorization Letter (if applicable)
- Soft copy of the product marking label
- Accredited RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report(If Applicable)
- Product samples and user manual
- List of safety-critical components
- PCB layout and circuit diagram
- Mains power/SMPS layout and circuit diagram
- Supporting documents for series formation and lead sample selection
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
Basic Documents for MTCTE (Mandatory Certification)
Applicants must also submit:
- Company Registration Documents
- Authorization Letter from the company (Indian OEM/AIR for Foreign OEMs)
- Signed AoA and MoA
- Latest Shareholding Pattern
- MoU between foreign OEM and Indian AIR (for sales and MTCTE responsibility in India)
Types of TEC Certification under MTCTE
The MTCTE scheme includes several types of certifications to meet varied compliance needs:
- Mandatory TEC Certification
- Voluntary TEC Certification
- Voluntary Security Certification
- CAS/SMS Certification
- Interface Approval
Aleph INDIA : Your Compliance Partner for TEC Certification
It can be difficult to get a handle on MTCTE. This is where Aleph INDIA system comes in. Aleph INDIA has supported telecom manufacturers throughout the years to obtain TEC certification in an efficient manner.
From testing coordination and compliance auditing to application support, Aleph INDIA provides the support you need to get your product to market quickly and confidently, all while being a single source for your MTCTE needs. Time to have your telecom equipment certified? Let Aleph INDIA be with you at every turn.
