Sell Telecom Equipment in India with Confidence—Get Your TEC Approval Fast.

• TEC Approval (MTCTE) is mandatory for selling telecom equipment in India.
• Without it, your products face customs seizure and legal bans under Indian law.
• Solution: Silvereye Certifications manages the entire GCS/SCS lifecycle, from testing to certification.

Introduction

To sell telecommunication equipment in India, you need more than just a willing buyer; you need strict regulatory compliance. Under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) mandates, TEC Approval (MTCTE) is not optional—it is a legal necessity for any hardware that connects to the Indian telecom network. Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or an international brand, your product must be tested and certified before it can be sold or imported.

The Booming Telecom Market in India

India is currently the world’s second-largest telecommunications market. With the rollout of 5G and the explosion of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, the demand for certified equipment is skyrocketing. But with great opportunity comes strict oversight. The government wants to ensure that every device plugging into the national network is safe and secure.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Why Compliance Matters

Navigating Indian regulations can feel like walking through a maze blindfolded. You have BIS for safety, WPC for frequency, and TEC for performance and security. Mixing them up is a rookie mistake that costs millions in delays. At Silvereye Certifications, we turn this complex regulatory web into a simple checklist for you.

What is TEC Approval? | TEC Certification Full Form

TEC Full form stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre. It is the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), responsible for drawing up standards (called Essential Requirements or ERs) for telecom equipment in India.

The Role of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

The DoT mandates that no telecom equipment can be sold, imported, or used in India unless it has been tested and certified. To enforce this, they launched the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) portal. Think of the MTCTE portal as the gateway—if your product doesn't pass through here, it doesn't enter the Indian market.

Who needs a TEC Certificate?

This is one of the most critical parts of the compliance puzzle. The responsibility isn't just on the factory floor; it extends to everyone in the supply chain.

Domestic Manufacturers (Indian OEMs)

If you manufacture routers, modems, or IoT sensors in Noida, Bangalore, or anywhere in India, you must get your products tested at a designated lab and certified before you ship them to distributors.

Foreign Manufacturers (Foreign OEMs)

Brands based in the USA, China, Taiwan, or Europe cannot apply directly. You need an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)—like Silvereye Certifications—to handle the liability and paperwork on your behalf.

Importers and Traders of Telecom Equipment

Even if you don't make the product, if you are the one bringing it into India to sell, the legal burden of TEC Registration falls on you. You cannot retail uncertified gear.

Types of TEC Approval

Interface Approval: Ensuring Network Compatibility

This is for products that connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). It ensures your device doesn't harm the service provider’s equipment.

Type Approval: Verifying Product Specifications

This is the most common approval. It certifies that a specific model of equipment (e.g., a specific model of a Cisco router) meets all the technical standards set by the TEC.

Technology Approval: For Product-Specific Standards

This is rarer and applies when a product uses a specific technology that needs validation before being deployed in the network.

Products Under TEC Approval

Common Communication Devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IoT)

• Smartwatches & Smart Cameras
• Wi-Fi Routers & Modems
• POS (Point of Sale) Machines
• Laptops and Tablets (with SIM/cellular capability)

Network Infrastructure Equipment (Routers, Switches, Base Stations)

• Large scale Routers and LAN Switches
• Optical Fiber Cables
• Microwave Radio Systems
• DWDM Equipment

Tracking and Smart Electronics

• Vehicle Tracking Devices
• Smart Electricity Meters
• IoT Gateways

The Two Paths to Certification: GCS vs. SCS

The MTCTE scheme divides products into two categories based on complexity.

General Certification Scheme (GCS): Process for Complex Equipment

• For: Routers, Base Stations, Switches, Firewalls.
• Process: Requires mandatory testing at a TEC-designated lab in India + Technical Evaluation by TEC officers.
• Time: Takes longer (8–12 weeks).

Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS): Process for Low-Risk Products

• For: 2-Wire Phones, Modems, specific IoT sensors.
• Process: Relies on a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). While you still need test reports, the bureaucratic evaluation is faster (2–4 weeks).

Eligibility Criteria for TEC Approval

Getting TEC certified isn't just about having a great product; you also need to meet specific administrative criteria to even open an application on the MTCTE portal. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has strict rules about who can apply to ensure accountability.

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Requirement for Foreign Brands

This is the most critical rule for international businesses. If your manufacturing unit is located outside India (e.g., USA, Vietnam, Taiwan), you cannot apply for TEC certification directly.

According to Indian regulations, foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

• Who is an AIR? An AIR is an Indian company (like Silvereye Certifications) that represents the foreign manufacturer legally in India.
• What do they do? They hold the responsibility for your product’s compliance and serve as the point of contact for the government.
• The Requirement: The AIR must have a valid PAN card and a registered office in India.

Trademark and Brand Owner Guidelines

The MTCTE portal is designed to protect intellectual property. Generally, only the Brand Owner or the OEM is eligible to apply.

• If you own the brand: You can apply directly (or through your AIR).
• If you are a trader/importer: You cannot apply using your own credentials unless you have a formal authorization letter or MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) from the original brand owner or OEM, explicitly giving you permission to certify and sell their products in India.

What is MTCTE Approval?

MTCTE stands for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment. It is a regulatory framework notified by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.

Under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 and the Telecommunications Act, 2023, any telecom equipment capable of being used in the Indian telecom network must undergo mandatory testing and certification before it can be sold, imported, or deployed in India.

The scheme is administered by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC). Its primary goal is to ensure that equipment is safe for end-users, does not degrade the national network, and meets national security standards.

Products Covered Under MTCTE Phases

The DoT has rolled out this certification in "Phases" to give manufacturers time to comply.As of late 2025, we are currently navigating Phase VI.

Exempted Product List

Not every piece of hardware needs a TEC certificate. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has created specific exemptions to ensure that innovation (R&D) isn't stifled and that regular users aren't harassed for bringing a single gadget home. However, these exemptions come with strict conditions—you can’t just claim them; you often have to prove them.

Exemptions for Research and Development (R&D)

If you are an engineer or a manufacturer importing units solely for testing, prototyping, or research, you do not need full MTCTE certification.

• The Rule: You can import small, defined quantities (typically up to 10–50 units depending on the product category) without testing.
• The Catch: These units cannot be sold commercially in India. You must apply for a specific “R&D Exemption Letter” from TEC before the shipment arrives.
• Required Action: You must submit an undertaking confirming the products are for internal use only and will be re-exported or scrapped after testing.

Personal Use and Non-Commercial Imports

Bringing one router for your home? You might get an exemption, but commercial quantities are strictly regulated.

• The Rule: Individuals entering India with personally accompanied telecom equipment (such as a single smartwatch or Wi-Fi router for personal use) are generally exempt from providing a TEC certificate at customs.
• The Limit: This exemption applies strictly to non-commercial quantities. Multiple units imported via courier may be treated as commercial shipments and can be seized without a valid TEC certificate.

Passive Components and Spare Parts

The MTCTE scheme focuses on "smart" or "active" equipment that can generate or manipulate signals. "Passive" infrastructure is largely exempt.

• What is Exempt? Simple electrical cables (non-fiber), chassis parts, antennas, waveguides, and towers do not require TEC approval.
• Spare Parts & Modules: Individual components or spare parts imported separately for assembly or repair generally do not require a separate TEC certificate, provided they are part of an already certified system or meant for manufacturing, subject to applicable WPC regulations.

How to Get TEC Certificate

Step 1: Registration on the MTCTE Portal

We create your user profile on the official government portal, linking your AIR (if foreign) and manufacturing unit details.

Step 2: Selecting a Designated CAB (Testing Lab)

You cannot test just anywhere. We help you select a TEC-designated "Conformity Assessment Body" (CAB) that has the slot availability and scope for your specific product.

Step 3: Product Testing and Evaluation

Your samples are shipped to the lab. They undergo rigorous testing for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), Safety, and Technical parameters.

Step 4: Submission of Reports and Final Grant

Once the lab uploads the test results, we submit the final file to TEC. Their officers review the data and, upon approval, issue the digital TEC Certificate.

Required Documents for TEC Approval

Legal Entity Documents (CoA, MoU, PAN)

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN Card of the Company and Authorized Signatory
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Manufacturer and AIR

Technical Documents (Bill of Materials, Datasheets, PCB Layout)

• Comprehensive BoM (Bill of Materials)
• Schematics and PCB Layouts
• User Manuals and Datasheets

Authorization Letters and AIR Documents

Standardized letters authorizing the AIR to sign applications on behalf of the OEM.

Why Brands Trust Us for Their TEC Compliance

In a market flooded with consultants who merely forward emails, Silvereye Certifications stands out because we act as your strategic compliance partner. Here is why industry leaders choose us.

Our Expertise in Handling Complex GCS Applications

We don't just do the easy stuff. While many agencies stick to simple SCS applications, we specialize in the General Certification Scheme (GCS)—the rigorous path required for major telecom infrastructure like Base Stations, Core Routers, and Satellite equipment.

• The Difference: GCS applications often trigger intense technical scrutiny from TEC officers. We know how to interpret the specific Essential Requirements (ERs) and answer those technical queries precisely, preventing unnecessary rejections and delays.

End-to-End Support: From Lab Testing to Final Certificate

Certification is rarely a straight line; it’s often a zig-zag of testing, failures, and re-testing. We don't just file papers; we manage the chaos.

• Lab Coordination: We have established relationships with top TEC-designated labs across India, allowing us to secure testing slots faster.
• Technical Debugging: If a sample fails a specific parameter during testing, our team steps in to coordinate with your engineers and the lab to understand why, helping you fix the issue rather than just handing you a "Fail" report.

Dedicated Support for AIR Services

For our international clients in the USA, Europe, and Asia, navigating Indian liability laws can be daunting. Silvereye Certifications provides a reliable, legally compliant Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) service.

• Your Partner in India: We don't just lend our name; we act as your boots-on-the-ground partner. We handle the legal undertakings, sign the affidavits, and ensure that your brand remains compliant with Indian law without you needing to open a local office.

Conclusion

TEC Approval is more than just a certificate; it is your product's passport to the Indian market. It proves your equipment is safe, secure, and legally compliant. Without it, you face customs seizures and legal bans. In short: Compliance is the key to unlocking India's massive telecom potential.

Take the Next Step: Start Your Certification Journey Today

Don't let complex paperwork block your sales. Whether you need a reliable Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) or full support for GCS/SCS certification, Silvereye Certifications handles the heavy lifting for you.

Ready to launch? Contact us today and let’s get your products India-ready.