Updated TEC Certification Labelling Guidelines 2024

Introduction to the TEC Certification Labelling

TEC Certification Labelling is a mandatory compliance requirement for telecom and network equipment in India, which is basically governed by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It makes sure that the certified products conform to the applicable technical, safety, as well as interoperability standards before being marketed or deployed in India. Once a product is certified under the relevant TEC scheme, it must bear the prescribed TEC label, which serves as visible proof of compliance as well as regulatory approval, enabling smooth market entry, network acceptance, and regulatory trust for businesses dealing with telecom products. 

The TEC certification labelling guidelines have been updated for 2024 by the Department of Telecommunications. 

Key Provisions of the TEC Certification Labelling Guidelines 2024

TEC has added many new ‘TEC certification label requirements’ under clause 9.1 of MTCTE in the issued certificate on April 3, 2024. It includes guidelines regarding placing both the physical logo and the e-label. 

All the updates regarding the same are given below: 

• The "e-label" of TEC Certification in place of physical labeling is also allowed for not only mobile handsets and tablets, but also telecom and associated ICT equipment with integrated displays.
• The TEC logo's height must be at least 6 mm, and it must be one-fourth the size of the product's brand name. But if the brand name is less than 6 mm because of space constraints, the TEC logo's height can be maintained at the same level as the brand name.
• The "TEC certification label" must be readable, permanent, long-lasting, and clearly recognizable in normal lighting. Similarly, it should be impossible to delete e-labelling.
• The product's technical manual shall state that it satisfies the applicable Essential Requirements of TEC, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Govt of India, New Delhi-110001.
• As shown in the graphic below, the "TEC certification e-label / physical label" is composed of the TEC logo, MTCTE, and Certificate Number, where ‘XXXXXXXXX’ represents the nine-digit certificate number provided by the MTCTE portal.

• All necessary regulatory information for the user handbook and packaging may also be included in electronic media (CD, online access, QR code, memory devices, or any other format for user convenience).

What is the Date of Implementation? 

The date of implementation remains the same as this notification regarding the TEC Certification labelling guidelines has been issued on 3rd April, 2024, applicable with immediate effect. 

Now What To Do? 

With the updated TEC Certification Labelling Guidelines 2024 now in effect, businesses must take prompt action in order to ensure full compliance and avoid regulatory challenges. To stay market-ready and ensure uninterrupted operations, manufacturers and importers are advised to:

• Review existing MTCTE/TEC-certified products and align physical or electronic labels with the revised 2024 labelling requirements.
• Implement the approved TEC logo, MTCTE reference, and certificate number in the prescribed size, format, as well as placement.
• Enable e-labelling for eligible telecom and ICT equipment with integrated displays, ensuring the label is permanent and non-removable.
• Update technical manuals, user handbooks, packaging, and electronic documentation.
• Verify the accuracy of certification details on the MTCTE portal and maintain records for inspections or audits.

Brand Liaison provides expert assistance in TEC/MTCTE certification, labelling compliance, documentation updates, and complete regulatory advisory. With over a decade of experience in telecom compliance, we help businesses achieve smooth, timely, as well as cost-effective adherence to TEC labelling guidelines across all applicable product categories in India.