MTCTE Compliance in India 2025- Complete Guide to Telecom Equipment Testing & Certification Rules

India has formally strengthened its telecom compliance regime with the notification of the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

These rules legally institutionalise the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment) ecosystem and make certification mandatory before sale, deployment, import, or use of telecom equipment in India.

This article provides a complete practical guide for manufacturers, importers, telecom operators, and compliance professionals.

1. Background – Why These Rules Were Introduced

The telecom sector today forms the backbone of:

Digital economy
National security
Critical infrastructure
Data protection and cybersecurity

To strengthen safety, security, and quality assurance, the Government introduced a formal legal framework for telecom equipment certification.

The Rules are issued under:

Telecommunications Act, 2023
Replace testing provisions of Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951

They create a single framework for standards notification, testing, certification, inspection, and enforcement.

2. What is MTCTE?

MTCTE stands for:

Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment

It ensures telecom equipment:

Meets Indian technical standards
Is secure and safe for networks
Does not compromise national security
Meets interoperability and performance requirements

Under the new rules, MTCTE moves from policy to enforceable law.

3. Authorities Responsible

The Rules designate the following as Appropriate Authorities:

Primary Authorities

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS)

The Government may notify additional authorities in future.

4. Scope – Who Must Comply

The rules apply to every person or entity dealing with telecom equipment in India.

Covered stakeholders

Manufacturers

Indian and foreign telecom equipment makers.

Importers & Distributors

Equipment cannot be imported or sold without certification.

Telecom Service Providers / ISPs

Operators cannot allow uncertified equipment on networks.

Enterprises using telecom equipment

Includes:

Data centres
IoT deployments
Enterprise networking
Smart infrastructure

5. Mandatory Requirement – No Certification, No Market Access

A major shift introduced:

Telecom equipment cannot be:

Sold
Installed
Connected to networks
Used in India

Unless it has a valid Certificate of Conformity.

This makes MTCTE compliance equivalent to:

BIS certification in electronics
WPC approval in wireless devices

6. Exemptions Under the Rules

Certain categories are exempt from certification:

Equipment for R&D and Testing

Equipment imported topics such as:

Research & Development
Demonstration
Sample testing
Regulatory sandbox

Personal Use Equipment

Devices brought for individual use are exempt.

Re-certification not required when

Same certified model continues
Only labelling changes occur

Government may notify additional exemptions later.

7. MTCTE Portal – Where All Approvals Are Filed

All approvals are processed digitally via:

👉 https://www.mtcte.tec.gov.in/

Portal functions

The portal acts as a single-window system for:

Standards publication
Application filing
Fee payment
Lab listing
Certification body listing
Compliance notices
Orders and directions

This marks the complete digitisation of telecom certification.

8. Step-by-Step Approval Process

Here is the simplified workflow businesses must follow.

Step 1 – Identify Applicable Standards

TEC publishes applicable standards for telecom products.

Step 2 – Testing by Approved Labs

Equipment must be tested by Recognised Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).

Labs may be:

Indian accredited labs
Foreign ILAC-accredited labs
(except labs from land-border countries)

Step 3 – Apply for Certification

Applicant submits:

Test reports
Technical documentation
Application form
Applicable fees

Step 4 – Evaluation by Authority

Authorities review:

Test results
Compliance documents
Safety & security parameters

Step 5 – Certificate Issuance

Certificate is issued for a specified validity period.

Step 6 – Renewal

Certificates must be renewed periodically with:

Continued compliance
Fee payment

9. Fees Applicable

Fees are specified on the MTCTE portal and apply to:

Certification application
Renewal
Compliance procedures

Important Penalty Provision

If equipment is found uncertified:

Certification allowed only after paying 10× fees.

10. Inspection & Monitoring

Authorities may:

Inspect facilities
Seek product information
Monitor compliance periodically

Businesses must cooperate and provide access.

11. Consequences of Non-Compliance

The Rules introduce strict enforcement.

If uncertified equipment is detected

Stage 1 – Notice

User must stop usage within 7 days.

Stage 2 – Network Disconnection

Telecom operators must:

Suspend service/connectivity.

Stage 3 – Late Certification Option

Entity may apply within 180 days by paying 10× fees.

Stage 4 – Severe Enforcement

Authorities may:

Seize equipment
Destroy equipment
Initiate legal proceedings

This makes MTCTE one of the strictest telecom compliance regimes globally.

12. Industry Impact

These rules will significantly impact:

Telecom equipment manufacturers
Importers and distributors
IoT and smart device companies
Data centres & enterprises
Telecom operators and ISPs
Testing labs and certification bodies

India is clearly moving toward a secure and self-reliant telecom ecosystem.

Labs Empanelled for Testing as available on MTCTE Portal on 19.02.2026

MTCTE Labs List

13. Conclusion

The Telecommunications Certification Rules, 2025 transform MTCTE into a full legal compliance framework.

For businesses, this means:

Certification must be planned at product design stage
Import without compliance is risky
Network deployment without certification is illegal

Early compliance will become a competitive advantage in the Indian telecom market.

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:

The Telecommunications
(Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 Download

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