Guide to TEC Certification Numbers for Indian Telecom Equipment

In the constantly evolving world of telecommunications, adhering to strict standards and regulations is crucial to guaranteeing the smooth operation and reliability of equipment and services. The Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) is the primary authority in India responsible for certifying telecom equipment and is at the forefront of compliance certification.

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology established it in 1991 with the purpose of assisting the Department of Telecommunication. Its primary goals are to create, implement, monitor, and regulate standards, as well as develop policies that ensure the safe and secure utilization of new and innovative technologies within the telecommunications industry.

A TEC Number is a distinct identifier provided by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), which serves as the technical division of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. This number is allocated to telecom equipment and devices that have undergone testing and received approval for adherence to Indian standards concerning safety, quality, and performance.

The TEC Number guarantees that telecom equipment satisfies technical specifications and is deemed safe for utilization in India. It is obligatory for manufacturers, importers, or vendors to secure this number prior to the legal use or marketing of their equipment within the nation.

This certification serves as evidence that the equipment has successfully completed TEC’s assessment and conforms to Indian telecom regulations, rendering the TEC Certification vital for both legal and operational authorization in India.

Mandatory certification is an essential procedure for acquiring a TEC Certification Registration for telecom equipment. This procedure guarantees that all devices adhere to the safety, performance, and quality standards established by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC). Through comprehensive testing, which includes electromagnetic compatibility, performance assessment, and safety evaluations, manufacturers and importers prove that their equipment is dependable and conforms to Indian regulations.

The certification process not only safeguards users from possible dangers but also ensures that telecom devices can work seamlessly with existing networks. In the absence of mandatory certification, equipment is prohibited from legally entering the Indian market, and non-compliant products may encounter rejection or legal repercussions.

In conclusion, mandatory certification serves as a verification system, instilling confidence in regulators, manufacturers, and consumers that telecom equipment displaying a TEC Certification Registration is safe, of high quality, and fully adheres to national standards.

Applying for a TEC certificate requires adhering to certain requirements, which are as follows:

• Proof of registration for a business entity if the manufacturer is from India.
• The manufacturer will appoint an authorized signatory if they are an Indian manufacturer of the product.
• The certification process for foreign manufacture should be handled by an authorized Indian representative or an AIR appointed manufacturer, which must be an Indian business entity.
• The AIR may require a memorandum of understanding between the foreign manufacturer and the AIR, if it applies
• TEC-approved Indian lab producing test reports in compliance with the norms
• Details as to registration of the company.
• Details of the trademark of the company.
• Details of Brand of the company.

Applying for a TEC Certificate Number in India is a mandatory process to ensure telecom equipment complies with TEC standards and regulations.

• Register on the TEC Portal: The first part of the TEC certificate procedure is to acquire a profile on the TEC registration portal. One can initiate the certification process by registering on the TEC Portal.
• File the Online Application: File the online application before downloading it. Submit all the necessary documents and make the required payments as per TEC guidelines.
• Print the Application Form: Take the printout of the application form after downloading it.
• Send the Telecom Equipments: Attach the application form to the documents needed and the telecom equipment and mail it to the TEC head office.
• Processing of the Application: The Telecommunication Engineering Center will initiate processing the application and the telecom equipment.
• Testing the Equipment: The testing will be performed by Indian Accredited Labs designated by TEC to ensure the equipment meets essential requirements.
• Issuance of the Certificate: Based on the test reports from the labs, a certificate shall be issued by TEC.

Note: Please note that the specific procedure for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) in accordance with these rules has been made known separately

To obtain a TEC Number, the following documents are required to verify the telecom equipment’s compliance, technical specifications, and ownership details.

• Letter of authorization to a representative
• Address proof of manufacturing unit
• Technical literature on the telecom equipment
• Copy of Trademark registration certificate
• Authority letter of the brand owner
• Material Bill in the spreadsheet format
• Report on testing the GCS and SCS products
• TEC Certification processing fee

Eligibility for a TEC Certificate Number is limited to manufacturers, importers, or vendors whose telecom equipment complies with the safety, performance, and technical standards set by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC).

• Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX)
• Two-wire Telephone Equipment
• Group 3 FAX Machine
• Datum/ Data modulator-demodulator
• Cordless Telephone
• The broadband equipment group that includes Passive Optical Network (PON)
• Feedback devices
• ISDN Customer premises equipment
• Transmission Terminal equipment

Below given are the list of equipments not covered under MTCTE Testing:

• Spares/ Components/ Modules/ CKD/ SKD
• Test Instruments
• R&D related equipment
• Personal Use Equipment
• Passive Telecom Equipment
• Integrated systems
• UPS, Power Supply, Batteries, and Solar Equipment

The TEC Certificate Number is a unique ID issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) for telecom equipment. As per the Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, it’s mandatory for all telecom equipment to be registered, tested, and certified before being deployed in the Indian Market. This ensures that the equipment is safe for use and meets the national and international standards both.

The TEC certificate number signifies that the equipment complies with the necessary standards and product specifications laid down by TEC. This process is crucial for maintaining the safety of consumers and integrity of the Telecom industry.

In summary, the TEC Certificate Number is an important indicator that demonstrates compliance with the stringent standards established by the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC). The use of this alphanumeric code ensures that consumers are assured of product quality and compliance with regulatory mandates, while also protecting against potential hazards and ensuring interoperability. Both CSC VLEs and manufacturers are required to have a TEC Certificate Number, which represents their commitment to excellence and industry integrity. TEC certification ensures that telecom equipment is not only considered safe for usage, but also complies with both national and international standards. This helps to build consumer trust and strengthen the telecommunications industry for the future.