Introduction
India’s telecommunication and electronics sector is booming — and with the boom, accountability. To ensure the devices coming into the Indian market are secure, safe, and do not disrupt the existing networks, the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) has made it compulsory for some products to be certified.
So, if you’re an importer, manufacturer, or anyone who conducts business in telecom equipment — this guide will explain to you what TEC Certification is, why you need it, how to obtain it, and what documents and how much it costs.
Let’s break it all down.
What is TEC Certification, Anyway?
TEC Certification is an official seal of approval by the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC), a wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
Under their MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) program, some telecom products must be tested and certified before being sold in India.
The goal? To obtain:
Devices meet Indian standards
They do not harm telecommunication infrastructure
They’re safe to use
They will not obstruct other equipment
Simply put, TEC ensures that everything “speaks” correctly on Indian networks — without getting into trouble.
Why do I need TEC certification?
There is a reason why TEC Certification is no longer voluntary. With India becoming a technology hub for the world, the government wants to:
Prevent network breakdowns caused by untested devices
Provide safety standards such as low radiation and electrical safety
Protect national security from backdoors or eavesdropping attacks
Maintain the devices and networks compatible
Implement laws and make sure legal devices only reach the market
So, this isn’t merely red tape — this is about ensuring India’s digital future.
Who Should Be TEC Certified?
If your company is in some type of telecom or connected device company, you probably fall under this legislation.
Here’s who needs to get certified:
Indian Network or telecom equipment manufacturers
Overseas agents or Indian agents of overseas companies
Firms offering or leasing telecommunication equipment under regulation
OEMs or new companies creating intelligent, networked products
If your product receives, transmits, or processes signals — TEC certification is coming your way.
What Products Need TEC Certification?
The TEC has an official list of apparatus that is required to be certified. The most frequent among these are:
Smartwatches and smartphones
Wi-Fi routers, access points, and modems
IP-based security cameras
GPS gear
Smart energy meters
Optical fiber devices
LAN switches and servers
IoT devices (with telecom capabilities)
Pro Tip: Visit the TEC portal official website to see the up-to-date phase-wise product list — it’s updated regularly.
Two Kinds of Certification Schemes
According to complexity and risk factors, TEC classifies the products into two general schemes:
1. General Certification Scheme (GCS)
For basic telecom equipment
Involves comprehensive testing and records
More time-consuming
2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS)
For less sensitive devices
Needs fewer papers
Faster approval
To which type your product belongs will be determined by its nature — something which experts at Legal Dalal can determine in a moment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get TEC Certification
Getting certified can be confusing, but here is the step-by-step guide:
✅ Step 1: Register on the TEC Portal
Go to mtcte.tec.gov.in
Sign up and choose your role (OEM, importer, etc.)
✅ Step 2: Choose Your Product
Choose the right product category
Check if it is below GCS or SCS
✅ Step 3: Designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Foreign firms are required to have a local Indian firm represent them.
✅ Step 4: Send Samples for Testing
Your product must be tested by a laboratory that is CAB-approved.
Testing includes safety, EMI/EMC, technical details, etc.
✅ Step 5: Upload Test Reports and Documents
Log in and submit all your reports and supporting documents
✅ Step 6: Pay the Certification Fees
Application and test fees differ by product type
✅ Step 7: Wait for Review
TEC verifies everything mentioned above and can ask for clarification as needed
✅ Step 8: Get Your Certificate
Provided everything goes smoothly, you will be issued a TEC Certificate valid for 5 years
Forms You’ll Need
Whether you are an Indian manufacturer or an importer, the following documents are essentially required:
Business Registration (Company/LLP/Proprietorship)
Technical datasheet of the product
Circuit diagram and interior photos
Product user manual
Test reports from TEC-approved labs
Authorization letter (for importers or AIRs)
Task by AIR (if foreign company)
Factory location & production details
Tip: Always send signed, scanned PDF copies — lost documents can hold up approvals.
How Much Does It Take & How Much Does It Cost?
Timeline
SCS: 3 to 4 weeks
GCS: 5 to 8 weeks
Cost Estimate
Application Fees: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000
Test Fees: ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000+
Consultant Fees (optional): ₹15,000 to ₹50,000
Complete range: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh
This will depend on your product and whether you have it done in-house or outsource it to a professional.
What If You Don’t Get Certified?
Blindly ignoring TEC certification can have serious consequences:
Customs may seize your shipment
You can be legally prosecuted or penalized
Your product may be blacklisted
It could damage your brand image
Bottom line: Don’t risk it — especially when help is available.
What’s New in TEC Certification (2025)?
The TEC keeps changing as India’s technology sector develops. Some of the recent developments include:
Internet surveillance of authorized products
Implementation of AI in the lab for quicker test result verifications
5G, IoT, and smart home devices entered the ranks of essentials
Cybersecurity & electromagnetic compliance now compulsory in the majority of cases Have it renewed or have a trusted advisor renew it for you.
How Legal Dalal Can Help
We understand TEC certification can seem technical — that is why Legal Dalal offers start-to-finish support:
Product categorization and eligibility verification
Documentation support & paperwork
Lab coordination and test scheduling
FOREIGN brand AIR setup
Applications filing and follow-ups
Dedicated consultant until certificate is issued We’ve assisted hundreds of companies in obtaining certification without delay or surprise.
TEC Certification is not only a government mandate — it’s your key to legally and safely marketing telecom products in India.
Whether you’re a new start-up introducing smart devices or a large importer shipping networking equipment — becoming certified the proper way is important.
Keep it simple, fast, and 100% compliant for Legal Dalal.
Stuck on TEC Certification? Call us at +91-80942 37237 Or visit www.legaldalal.com for a free consultation today.
