Know About - TEC Certification, It’s Importance and Process
The telecommunication industry is responsible for driving global connectivity, constantly adapting with innovative technologies and expanding networks. But with the rapid growth comes the need for ensuring the safety, security and compatibility of the equipment that keeps us connected. TEC certification is becoming a key factor in protecting these vital aspects in the Indian market.Telecom equipment's quality, safety, and interoperability are assured through a rigorous process, resulting in a smooth and secure communication flow across the nation. Explore the necessity, uses and the significant advantages it offers to both manufacturers and consumers.
About TEC Certification
The Indian government's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) relies on the Telecommunication Engineering Center, which is referred to as TEC. Its primary role is to aid in the formulation and execution of various guidelines and regulations that ensure the responsible and secure utilization of emerging technologies in the telecommunications industry.
In 1991, the TEC certificate/TEC certification was voluntary, but now, as per the No. 10-1/2017-IT/TEC/ER law started in 2019, the Mandatory Testing Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) law has been implemented incrementally.
In India, the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) acts as the governing body for certifying telecommunication equipment. This certification adheres to the strict guidelines set forth by the Mandatory Testing Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) program.
There are 3 types of specifications for telecom equipment quality measures:-
- Generic Requirements (GRs)
- Interface Requirements (IRs)
- Service Requirements (SRs)
Note: The issuance of TEC Certification procedure can take up to 30 days after the application date, depending on the product category, testing requirements, and other factors.
Why is a TEC Certificate Important?
To ensure the quality, safety, and conformity of telecommunication equipment on the Indian market, TEC certification is a crucial process. Below given are some reasons stating the importance of TEC Certificate:
- Guaranteeing quality and safety: TEC Certification ensures telecom equipment in the Indian market meets quality standards, safety requirements, and performance criteria. It protects consumers and ensures reliable and secure equipment usage.
- Fulfilling administrative regulations: TEC Certification is required for telecom equipment used in India. Producers must test and authenticate their products to market them in India.
- Promoting equitable rivalry: TEC Certification promotes fair competition by ensuring that telecom equipment manufacturers meet criteria and regulations. This fuels honest competition and drives advancement in the industry.
- Defending national interests: TEC Certification ensures that telecom equipment used in India meets the necessary criteria and regulations, protecting national interests and ensuring proper functioning of the telecom infrastructure.
Benefits of TEC Certification
TEC certification has numerous benefits that can be classified under the categories of trust, competition, and customer assurance. Let’s discuss how each category contributes to the overall significance of TEC certification:
- Enhancing Trustworthiness: The TEC certification mark signifies reliable, safe products, giving customers confidence in your brand.
- Intensifying Customer Reliance: The TEC certification mark signifies reliable, safe products, giving customers confidence in your brand.
- Customer Assurance: TEC certification gives customers assurance that telecom equipment meets safety and performance standards, providing invaluable peace of mind in today's competitive market.
List of Products Require TEC Certification
| Below given are some general items that requires TEC Certification:- |
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Who can apply for TEC Certification?
Any original equipment manufacturer (OEM), importer, or dealer who wishes to sell or import any telecom equipment in India, is required to obtain a certificate from the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) that requires that the equipment be marked or attached with the correct certification label.
To acquire TEC Certification, the manufacturer or supplier must fulfill the following requirements:
- The manufacturer is required to either be registered in India or have an authorized representative in India.
- The product must undergo testing at a TEC testing laboratory that is authorized.
- All necessary documents and fees must be submitted by the manufacturer.
- The product must meet the required technical and safety standards in India.
Process of TEC Certificate Registration
The TEC Certification process involves several steps to ensure that telecom equipment complies with the required standards and regulatory requirements for sale or import into the Indian market. Here is a brief overview of the process:
Step 1: Register on the TEC Portal
This is the first step where you need to create an account on the TEC portal.
Step 2: Allotment of testing laboratory
TECTEC assigns a testing laboratory to evaluate your equipment based on its category.
Step 3: Submitting sample for testing
Send samples of your equipment to the designated lab for rigorous testing against TEC's Essential Requirements (ERs).
Step 4: Test report acquisition
Once testing is complete, obtain a comprehensive test report from the lab detailing the results.
Step 5: Application and Documentation
Make sure to include the test report and all necessary documents, including technical specifications, when submitting a formal application to TEC. Fees may also be included.
Step 6: Verification and Approval
The TEC certificate is given to you upon successful verification of your application and test reports.
Note: If you are registering as a CSC VLE, it is mandatory to have a TEC Certificate Number. You can register at the given site for TEC. The provided contact information must be distinct and not reused.
Documents Required for TEC Approval
The documents required for TEC (Telecom Engineering Centre) Certification are as follows:
- Application form
- Test reports from TEC-approved laboratories
- Technical Documents
- Authorization letter
- Compliance Declaration
- Manufacturing Process Details
- Sample equipments
- Bill of Material (BoM)
- User Manual
- Copy of Trademark registration
- Copy of valid factory license
- Legal address proof concerning the production facility
Fees required for TEC Certification
The government fees for TEC Certification in India are determined by the category of your equipment:
| Group of Equipment | Administrative Fees/ Certificate Modification Fees/ Renewal Fee | Test Report Evaluation Fee | Total |
| Group A | Rs. 10,000 (INR) | Rs. 50,000 (INR) | Rs. 60,000 (INR) |
| Group B | Rs. 20,000 (INR) | Rs. 1,00,000 (INR) | Rs. 1,20,000 (INR) |
| Group C | Rs.30,000 (INR) | Rs. 2,00,000 (INR) | Rs. 2,30,000 (INR) |
Service Charge and Duration:
TEC Certification fees can be different depending on the product's complexity. Typically, they include application fees, testing fees, and certification expenses, as mentioned below -
| Scheme/ Group | Duration (Indicative Working Days) Including Testing & Application to TEC | Professional Fees |
| SCS/ Group A | 30-35 | Rs. 50,000 (INR) |
| GCS/ Group A | 30-45 | Rs. 50,000 (INR) |
| GCS/ Group B | 45-55 | Rs. 50,000 (INR) |
| GCS/ Group C | 55-65 | Rs. 50,000 (INR) |
Types of TEC Approvals
The Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) in India offers various approvals for telecom equipment and services:
- Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom equipment (MTCTE): Mandatory for telecom equipment sold or used in India, ensuring compliance with technical parameters and Essential Requirements (ERs).
- Interface Approval: Ensuring seamless connectivity with other telecom systems is necessary because equipment interacts with standard network interfaces.
- Service Provider Approval: Licenses that permit telecom service providers to operate in India, with a focus on adhering to technical and regulatory requirements.
- Mobile Handset Approval: The approval of mobile handsets and smartphones is crucial to ensure compliance with technical standards and consumer safety.
- Testing and Certifications for Specific Technologies: Certification for specific telecom technologies like Optical Fibre Cables (OFC), GPON equipment, and IP-based devices.
- Generic Requirements (GR) and Interface Requirements (IR): TEC approvals must be obtained by obtaining published technical specifications and standards for telecom equipment.
Responsibilities of Telecommunication Engineering Center
The telecommunication engineering center undertakes a variety of responsibilities, which includes;
- Formulating and enforcing potential standards for telecom equipment and series to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Working together with multilateral organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to stay on top of international developments and standards in the field of telecommunications.
- Contributing to policy planning initiatives with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Telecommunications industry.
- Conducting tests and certifications of telecommunication products to guarantee compliance with specified standards and regulations, and then issuance of certificates as proof of compliance.
- Providing technical support to the DoT in various capacities to facilitate the smooth operation and advancement of telecommunications infrastructure and services.
Conclusion
In summary, the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) is a pillar of the Indian telecommunication industry. TEC is responsible for overseeing the Mandatory Testing Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) program, which ensures the quality and safety of the equipment. This regulation ensures all the telecom equipment used within India undergoes accurate testing and meets established standards.
This meticulous process is used by TEC to safeguard consumer interests, encourage fair competition among manufacturers, and ensure the integrity of India's national telecommunications infrastructure. TEC certification is a process that involves registration, equipment testing, comprehensive documentation submission, and final approval. By successfully navigating these steps, manufacturers, importers, and dealers demonstrate their commitment to quality and compliance with Indian regulations.