India Delays Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment to 1 August 2019

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Indian Ministry of Communications issued a notification on 12 March 2019 to extend the enforcement date of the mandatory testing and certification of telecommunications equipment (MTCTE) to 1 August 2019.

The MTCTE requirements were announced as “Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules” in September 2017 and require that all telecommunication equipment must undergo testing and certification prior to sale, import, and use in India. Exemptions include products used for R&D, demonstration, and samples for testing or those for personal use.

The DoT aims to improve the safety of users, networks, and the country with this regulation. Testing is carried out by accredited laboratories designated by DoT’s Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) or accredited labs from partner countries with mutual recognition arrangements (MRA). TEC issues certificates based on the laboratories’ test reports. Testing takes place against essential requirements, covering aspects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), safety, security, and further requirements.

Originally, the MTCTE was due to come into effect on 1 October 2018 but was subsequently delayed several times. Further information can be found on the MTCTE information portal at www.mtcte.tec.gov.in, which can only be used for trial so far.