Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipment
Legal Metrology Certification guarantees the accuracy and compliance of weights, measures, and measuring instruments used in commerce. Mandatory for manufacturers, importers, and sellers in India, it helps maintain fair trade practices, protects consumer rights, and ensures all products adhere to the regulatory requirements of the Legal Metrology Act.
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical body of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, develops technical standards and specifications for telecom equipment and networks. Its goal is to ensure quality, safety, and seamless interoperability across India’s telecom infrastructure.
As per the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme, all telecom and ICT products that connect to telecom networks must obtain certification based on Essential Requirements before being marketed or deployed in India. Covered products include routers, switches, modems, IoT devices, PABX systems, Wi-Fi access points, and more.
Testing is conducted through TEC-designated or accredited laboratories, and certification is mandatory under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, rejection at customs, and restrictions on sale or usage within India.
Our TEC Approval Services
At VINCULAR, we provide complete assistance for a variety of TEC approval services, ensuring your products comply fully with Indian telecom regulatory standards.
MTCTE Certification
MTCTE Certification (Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment) is a compulsory approval process introduced by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It ensures that telecom and ICT equipment comply with prescribed Essential Requirements related to safety, electromagnetic compatibility, interoperability, and quality.
Products such as routers, switches, modems, IoT devices, Wi-Fi access points, and PABX systems must undergo testing in TEC-designated or accredited labs before being marketed or used in India. MTCTE certification guarantees compliance with national standards, prevents substandard equipment entry, protects consumer interests, and facilitates a secure and reliable telecom ecosystem.
GR & IR Approval
GR & IR Approval (General and Interface Requirements Approval) is a regulatory process mandated by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It ensures that telecom equipment complies with defined General Requirements (GRs) and Interface Requirements (IRs) before deployment in Indian telecom networks.
GRs specify technical standards, safety, and quality benchmarks, while IRs focus on seamless connectivity and interoperability across diverse network elements. Products such as transmission systems, switching equipment, and access devices must obtain this approval. GR & IR compliance assures network reliability, enhances service quality, safeguards user interests, and supports a secure telecom ecosystem.
TSEC Certification
TSEC Certification (Telecom Security Standards Certification) is a mandatory approval process established by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It ensures telecom equipment complies with defined security standards to protect networks against vulnerabilities, cyber threats, and unauthorized access.
Products such as routers, switches, firewalls, and other critical telecom infrastructure must meet TSEC requirements before being introduced into Indian networks. This certification guarantees data integrity, network resilience, and user safety, while promoting a secure digital environment. TSEC certification is vital for manufacturers and service providers to ensure trusted, compliant, and robust telecom solutions.
COMSEC Approval (NCCS)
COMSEC Approval (Communication Security Clearance), issued by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is a mandatory certification for telecom equipment handling encrypted communication or sensitive data. It ensures compliance with national security standards, safeguarding networks from interception, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
Equipment such as encryption devices, secure communication systems, and critical network elements require COMSEC approval before deployment in India. This certification validates that products meet stringent security benchmarks, enabling safe handling of classified communication. COMSEC approval is crucial for protecting national security, ensuring data confidentiality, and supporting a secure telecom ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment) is a certification scheme by the TEC that ensures telecom equipment meets prescribed technical and safety standards before being marketed or used in India.
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is the authority responsible for granting MTCTE certification in India.
Devices such as mobile handsets, routers, modems, switches, transmission equipment, and other telecom gear notified by TEC require MTCTE certification before sale or usage in India.
MTCTE has two certification schemes: General Certification Scheme (GCS) for most telecom equipment, and Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) for equipment with minimal compliance requirements.
Key documents include the application form, technical specifications, product test reports from TEC-designated labs, user manuals, and company authorization certificates.
The timeline varies depending on equipment type and testing requirements. On average, it can take 4 to 8 weeks from submission of documents and test reports to issuance of certification.
Yes, all telecom equipment—whether manufactured in India or imported—must comply with MTCTE requirements before being sold or used in the Indian market.
MTCTE certificates are generally valid for 5 years. Renewal is required before expiry to continue marketing and selling the equipment in India.
Selling telecom equipment without valid MTCTE certification is a violation of DoT regulations and can result in penalties, cancellation of licenses, or seizure of equipment.
Our team provides end-to-end support including document preparation, coordination with TEC-approved labs, application submission, and ensuring timely certification to help you enter the market without delays.