December 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) comes under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) which formulates standards, conducts testing, and provides certification for telecommunication products. The TEC approval rules ensure that the telecommunication equipment in India complies with the safety, security, and performance standards before it enters the Indian market. 

TEC certificate rules and regulations help producers, importers, and brand owners comply with them and legally sell their products in the Indian market. Products that are TEC-certified are fit to be used in the Indian telecommunications network. Also, it is beneficial for both manufacturers and consumers as it ensures the uninterrupted operation of their services.

This blog discusses the importance and key guidelines for obtaining TEC certificates in India.

Importance of TEC Certification in India

In today’s day and age, the use of telecommunication equipment has increased which means that there is even a higher requirement of circulating the products that are safe and reliable. For this purpose, it is crucial today to obtain the TEC certification. Let us understand the importance of TEC certification: 

    • Legal compliance Adhering to TEC approval rules for telecom is a legal requirement for manufacturers who wish to sell telecom products in the Indian market. Noncompliance with these rules and regulations increases the risk of legal penalties and fines. It may also interfere with the sales of your products in the market.
    • Secure networkComplying with the TEC certification guidelines ensures that the telecom products have gone through the testing process before being sold in the Indian market. The testing procedure ensures that the equipment will be safe for use and will operate without disturbing the telecommunication network.
    • Standard QualityTelecom products that comply with the TEC approval regulations maintain a standard quality and safety. It helps the consumers to trust that brand and make repeat purchases. There is less chance of failures or defective quality if the product is certified.
    • Easy Market AccessBusinesses that have obtained the TEC certificate for their telecom products comply with the TEC approval rules and therefore get an easy market entry and consumer’s trust.
    • Business GrowthObtaining a TEC certificate for telecom products is a mandatory requirement for manufacturers and brand owners. It helps businesses gain new opportunities and expand their trade in new markets along with gaining customer confidence.
    • Regulatory ComplianceThe TEC regulations mandate certain telecom products to be TEC-certified to keep a secure network and meet national standards. The certification ensures that the products have been tested by an accredited laboratory and are reliable. Obtaining TEC certification for telecom products saves businesses from legal penalties, fines, and disruptions in sales.

    Also Read: Guide on How to Renew Your TEC Certificate?

    Guidelines for TEC Certification 

    Businesses need to take care of the guidelines for TEC Certification, which are as follows:

    • Any manufacturer, importer, or distributor who is looking to sell their telecom products in the Indian market must display the TEC label on the telecom equipment after acquiring the TEC certification.
    • The TEC certificate is important to obtain for the certified model and is valid for any number of quantities of the same variant. Any additional model requires a separate certification.
    • Starting from the date of the issuance of the certificate, the TEC certificate is valid for 10 years.
    • In cases of noncompliance or violation of the rules and regulations of the TEC standards, the TEC authorities are at the discretion of canceling the license of the manufacturer.
    • Two types of TEC certifications are included under the guidelines of TEC certification. Firstly, the MTCTE certification scheme requires all telecom products must comply with compulsory testing and verification before entering the Indian market. Additionally, there are other certification types under the voluntary registration scheme such as Type approval, Interface approval, certificate approval, and technology approval. These different approvals cover a wide range of products, ensure that the devices comply with the TEC regulations, operate compatibly within the existing networks without interference, ensure that the telecom products adhere to the interface standards, and approve a specifically required technology.
    • These guidelines and approvals are required to promote new and innovative technologies in the network system of India. Apart from that, it enables manufacturers to comply with the TEC regulatory standards, sell their products legally, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

    Also Read: Revision of Fees for TEC Under Communication Security Certification Scheme?