TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) Certification is a vital quality and safety certification process for telecommunications equipment in India. Telecommunication Engineering Centre is an autonomous body under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and it is responsible for developing standards and specifications for telecommunications equipment and services. TEC Certification ensures that telecom products meet the necessary technical and safety requirements, enhancing the quality and reliability of telecom services in the country.

The TEC certificate is granted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre following the mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment as per the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme. The certification process involves testing and evaluation of telecom equipment to ensure that it complies with the technical standards and regulations set by TEC. This includes assessments of electromagnetic compatibility, safety and performance parameters. Products that receive TEC Certification are deemed fit for use in the Indian telecommunications network.

TEC Certification is particularly significant for manufacturers, importers and service providers in the telecommunications industry. It assures compliance with Indian regulations and provides a competitive edge by demonstrating product quality and safety to potential customers and partners. It contributes to the overall reliability and efficiency of the telecommunications infrastructure, benefiting both businesses and consumers by ensuring the uninterrupted and secure operation of telecommunication services in India.

TEC has released guidelines outlining quality measures for telecom equipment. These specifications are categorized into three types: Generic Requirements (GRs), Interface Requirements (IRs) and Service Requirements (SRs). TEC provides various voluntary certification schemes aligned with its product and interface technical standards. These programs involve the certification of products and equipment by assessing their compliance with the specific parameters and conditions outlined in the corresponding TEC technical standards.

Types of Voluntary Certification Schemes

The various schemes available within the Voluntary Certification Regime include:

Type Approval involves evaluating and certifying telecom products to determine their compliance with the Standard for Products/Equipment, known as Generic Requirements (GRs), as specified by TEC. The testing process is generally conducted either on-site at the OEMs' facilities or within a controlled laboratory setting. These certifications may also accept test reports related to EMC, safety, environmental testing and more from ILAC signatory-accredited labs.

Interface Approval involves the evaluation and certification of telecommunications products to ensure their compliance with the Standards for Interfaces, known as Interface Requirements (IRs), set forth by TEC. This process follows the Test Schedule and Test Procedure (TSTP) of TEC. It involves testing conducted on-site at the OEMs' facilities or in a laboratory setting. In some cases, certification may require the submission of test reports, such as those related to EMC, safety, and environmental testing, from accredited laboratories under the ILAC framework. Interface Approval can be mandatory in certain situations due to licensing conditions, government regulations or service provider requirements.