Acceptance of ILAC Test Reports Under MTCTE

Introduction to the ILAC Test Reports Under MTCTE

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has recently issued a notification regarding the acceptance of ILAC-accredited laboratory test reports under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework.

MTCTE mandates testing as well as certification of telecom products before their sale, import, or regulation in India. This notification provides temporary regulatory relief by allowing the use of ILAC test reports from non-border sharing countries for specific telecom products, thereby facilitating smoother certification processes for businesses dealing with the same.

Key Provisions of the Notification

1. ILAC test reports that have been issued by laboratories from non-border sharing countries shall be accepted under MTCTE.
2. This acceptance is valid until 30th June 2025.
3. The relaxation applies only to technical parameters for the following notified telecom products:
   1. Base Station for Cellular Network (up to 4G)
   2. Base Station for Cellular Network (5G)
   3. SIM
   4. VHF/UHF Radio Equipment System
   5. E-band Fixed Radio Relay Systems
4. The ILAC test reports must not be older than two (2) years from the date of submission on the MTCTE portal.

What is the Date of Implementation?

• The notification is effective from 01st January 2025.
• The acceptance of ILAC test reports is time-bound and valid up to 30th June 2025.
• After this date, compliance requirements may revert to domestic testing or revised guidelines, unless further extended by DoT.

Benefits to Businesses of This Relaxation

1. Reduced testing timelines for MTCTE certification.
2. Lower compliance costs, as retesting in Indian laboratories may be avoided by businesses.
3. Faster market entry for telecom products, especially advanced technologies such as 5G and E-band systems.
4. Operational flexibility is needed for global manufacturers using internationally accredited laboratories.
5. Improved ease of doing business, particularly for foreign OEMs as well as system integrators.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers planning MTCTE certification should use this relaxation before 30th June 2025 by ensuring that their ILAC test reports meet the country eligibility as well as age criteria. It is quite crucial in order to verify laboratory accreditation status, report validity, as well as product coverage prior to portal submission.

Brand Liaison assists telecom manufacturers with a comprehensive MTCTE certification strategy, ILAC report validation, product mapping, documentation review, as well as complete and smooth liaison with TEC authorities, ensuring error-free and absolutely timely compliance under this temporary acceptance framework.