MTCTE Procedure v3.0: Certification and Import, Export Guidelines

The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) is a regulatory framework established by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It ensures that all telecommunication and related ICT equipment sold, imported, or used in India comply with essential requirements (ERs) for safety, security, and technical standards. This blog provides a detailed overview of the MTCTE Procedure v3.0 (TEC 93009:2024), including its objectives, scope, certification process, and import/export guidelines.

What is MTCTE?

MTCTE is a mandatory certification process for telecommunication equipment in India, introduced under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. It ensures that telecom equipment meets prescribed standards for safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), security, and technical requirements. The certification process is applicable to all notified telecom equipment and is administered by TEC, the designated Appropriate Authority (AA).

Objectives of MTCTE Certification

The MTCTE certification process is designed to achieve the following objectives:

Network Performance: Ensure that telecom equipment does not degrade the performance of existing networks.
User Safety: Protect end-users from potential hazards associated with telecom equipment.
Network Security: Safeguard the security of telecommunication networks.
Compliance with Standards: Ensure telecom equipment adheres to national and international regulatory standards.
Radio Frequency Emissions: Protect users and the public by ensuring radio frequency emissions do not exceed prescribed limits.

Scope of MTCTE Certification

The MTCTE certification covers all types of telecoms and related ICT equipment sold or used in India. The scope includes:

Notified Products: All telecom equipment listed in Annexure-A of the MTCTE Procedure v3.0.
Exemptions:
- Equipment imported for research, development, demonstration, or prototype testing.
- Uncertified equipment for personal use brought during foreign travel.
- Equipment manufactured/imported exclusively for export, provided the model number is distinct from those sold in India.

Certification Schemes

MTCTE offers two certification schemes:

1. General Certification Scheme (GCS):

Applicable for equipment listed in Table A.2 of Annexure-A.
Requires submission of test reports from TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
Certificates are issued within 4-8 weeks after evaluation from the date of submission of complete test results/ reports, depending upon complexity of equipment.

2. Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS):

Applicable for equipment listed in Table A.1 of Annexure-A.
Test reports are submitted but not evaluated by TEC.
Certificates are issued within 15 working days from the date of submission of complete test reports.

Certification Process

The MTCTE certification process is divided into five stages:

Stage I: New User Registration

Stage II: Applicant/OEM Profile Registration

Submit company details, authorization letters, Articles of Association (AoA), Memorandum of Association (MoA), and other required documents.
Foreign OEMs must provide a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Stage III: Product Details & Bill of Materials (BoM)

Enter product details, variants, model information, hardware version, and upload the BoM file.
Submit the application for pre-check evaluation.

Stage IV: Application Submission

Pay applicable fees through the Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP).
Upload test reports and submit the application for evaluation.

Stage V: MTCTE Certification

Upon successful validation of test reports, TEC issues the MTCTE certificate, which is valid for 10 years.

Import/Export Guidelines for MTCTE-Covered Products

Import Guidelines

Certification Requirement: All notified telecom equipment must be certified under MTCTE before import into India.
Exemptions:
- Equipment imported for research, development, demonstration, or prototype testing.
- Equipment imported for personal use during foreign travel.
- Equipment exclusively meant for export, provided it has a distinct model number from those sold in India.
Documentation:
- Importers must provide valid MTCTE certificates for notified products.
- AIRs must submit authorization letters from foreign OEMs and MoUs for MTCTE-related responsibilities.

Export Guidelines

Exemption from MTCTE: Equipment manufactured or imported in India exclusively for export is exempt from MTCTE certification.
Distinct Model Numbers: Exported equipment must have distinct model numbers from those sold in India under MTCTE.
Supporting Documents: Exporters must provide state/central government-issued documents to the Appropriate Authority (AA) to confirm the equipment is for export purposes.

Key Definitions

Associated Model: A telecom equipment model with identical software but different hardware configurations derived from a certified main model.
Family: A collection of modules and chassis that can be used interchangeably to achieve different configurations, certified as a whole.
Provisional Certification: Issued when equipment complies with some ERs but lacks complete testing infrastructure in India. Valid for two years.

Fees Structure

The MTCTE certification process involves the following fees:

Administrative Fee:
- Group A: ₹10,000
- Group B: ₹20,000
- Group C: ₹30,000
- Group D: ₹50,000
- Exemption: Government R&D institutes are exempt from administrative fees until 31.03.2028.
Certificate Modification Fee: Same as the administrative fee for the respective product group.
Certificate Renewal Fee: Same as the administrative fee for the respective product group.
Testing Fee: Paid directly to TEC-designated CABs or RTEC labs.
Contravention Fee: Ten times the applicable administrative fee.

Labelling Guidelines

Certified equipment must display a TEC certification label that includes:

TEC Logo: Must be engraved, embossed, or printed on the equipment.
Certificate Number: Displayed as “MTCTE:XXXXXXXXX” (9-digit certificate number).
E-labeling: Allowed for equipment with integrated displays, provided it is easily accessible and cannot be modified.

Surveillance and Compliance

The Appropriate Authority (AA) reserves the right to inspect and test certified equipment at any time to ensure compliance with MTCTE requirements. Surveillance may include factory inspections, market checks, and user complaints. Non-compliance may result in penalties, withdrawal of certification, or destruction of uncertified equipment.

Conclusion

The MTCTE portal is a vital tool for ensuring compliance with telecom equipment certification requirements in India. By following the detailed instructions provided in this guide, users can efficiently navigate the portal, submit applications, and manage certifications. For importers and exporters, adhering to the MTCTE

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, Govt. of India

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Ministry of Communications NotificationDownload

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sjeximIndia

Subscribe our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaTxDT8JZg4CHEOSoK47

Subscribe our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/sjeximindia

S J EXIM Services