Overview
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has issued an important clarification under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework on 29 December 2025. This update relates to documentation and testing requirements for specific Essential Requirement (ER) parameters applicable to the PON Family of Broadband Equipment.
Through this clarification, TEC has provided temporary relief by allowing exemption from submission of test reports for protocol testing of PON interfaces, and acceptance of Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) for Automatic Laser Shut-Down (ALS) / Automatic Power Shut-Down (APSD) parameters, subject to defined conditions.
The exemptions and SDoC acceptance are valid up to 30 June 2026 and apply only to the specified ER parameters. All other MTCTE compliance, testing, and certification requirements remain unchanged. This clarification is issued in continuation of earlier TEC guidance and aims to simplify compliance while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Key Highlights of the MTCTE Exemption Notification
- Issued by: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT
- Notification Date: 29 December 2025
- Applicable To: PON Family of Broadband Equipment
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Scope:
- Exemption from submission of test reports for Protocol Test of PON Interfaces
- Acceptance of Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) for ALS / APSD parameters
- Condition: SDoC to be submitted by OEM/Applicant on the MTCTE portal
- Validity: Up to 30 June 2026 or until further orders
What’s New in the MTCTE Update for PON Broadband Equipment
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has issued an important clarification under the MTCTE framework, introducing temporary exemptions and relaxed compliance requirements for specific parameters applicable to the PON family of broadband equipment.
As per the TEC update dated 29 December 2025, manufacturers are no longer required to submit protocol test reports for any PON interface while applying for MTCTE certification. This exemption is valid until 30 June 2026, making the certification process faster and more practical for OEMs.
In addition, TEC has allowed the use of Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) in place of mandatory test reports for critical optical safety parameters, including Automatic Laser Shut-Down (ALS) and Automatic Power Shut-Down (APSD), provided the equipment complies with ITU-T G.664 and IEC 60825 standards.
This update significantly reduces testing effort, documentation requirements, and certification timelines for PON broadband equipment, while continuing to hold OEMs responsible for safety and standards compliance during the exemption period.
Parameters Covered Under the Clarification
1. Protocol Testing for PON Interfaces:
Under this clarification, TEC has relaxed the requirement for submitting protocol test reports for PON interfaces. Normally, OEMs must provide detailed test reports to prove that their PON equipment complies with the protocol standards defined in the Essential Requirements (ER). However, as per the latest update, these protocol test reports are not required to be submitted until 30 June 2026. This exemption applies to all PON interfaces covered under the ER, helping manufacturers reduce testing time and speed up MTCTE certification, while still being responsible for ensuring that their products follow the required standards.
2. Automatic Laser Shut-Down (ALS) / Automatic Power Shut-Down (APSD):
For optical safety parameters such as ALS and APSD, which are governed by ITU-T G.664 and IEC 60825 (Annex A1), TEC has introduced a more flexible approach. Instead of submitting mandatory test reports, OEMs are now allowed to provide a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) confirming compliance with these standards. This relaxation is valid up to 30 June 2026 and is aimed at simplifying documentation without compromising safety. OEMs should note that by submitting a self-declaration, they take full responsibility for compliance, and any discrepancy found later may lead to regulatory action.
What OEMs and Importers Need to Do
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Submit Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
OEMs and importers must prepare and upload a Self-Declaration of Conformity for ALS/APSD parameters while applying under MTCTE. The declaration should confirm compliance with ITU-T G.664 and IEC 60825 standards.
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Ensure Accuracy of Safety Declarations
Even though test reports are temporarily exempted, responsibility for laser safety and product compliance remains entirely with the OEM or importer. Any incorrect or misleading declaration may result in future certification cancellation.
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Skip Protocol Test Reports (Temporarily)
During the exemption period, protocol test reports for PON interfaces are not required, simplifying the MTCTE application process.
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Maintain Internal Compliance Evidence
OEMs and importers should internally verify protocol compliance and retain technical documents or internal test evidence for future audits or post-certification checks by TEC.
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Ensure Consistency Across Submissions
All details submitted on the MTCTE portal—such as model numbers, technical specifications, and safety features—must be accurate and consistent across datasheets, declarations, and application forms.
Validity Period and Implementation Timeline of the MTCTE Exemption
This MTCTE clarification for the PON Family of Broadband Equipment comes with a clearly defined validity and implementation timeline.
The exemption and acceptance of Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) are effective from the date of issue of the TEC notification, i.e., 29 December 2025. Since the notification does not specify any separate enforcement date, the relaxed requirements are considered applicable immediately from this date.
The exemption remains valid until 30 June 2026, or until further notification is issued by TEC, whichever is earlier. During this period, eligible OEMs and applicants can avail the exemption from protocol test report submission and use SDoC for ALS/APSD parameters, strictly for the listed Essential Requirement (ER) parameters.
29 December 2025 → Implementation Date
30 June 2026 → Validity (or until further orders from TEC)
Impact on Broadband Equipment Certification
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Faster Certification for FTTH Equipment:
The MTCTE update reduces the immediate requirement for protocol and laser safety test reports, enabling manufacturers of PON-based FTTH equipment to complete certification faster during the exemption period.
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Reduced Testing and Documentation Effort:
With fewer mandatory test reports, OEMs can avoid time-consuming laboratory testing and focus on production readiness, internal quality checks, and timely product launches.
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Quicker Market Entry for PON Products:
Simplified MTCTE compliance helps manufacturers and importers introduce PON broadband equipment into the Indian market without avoidable certification delays.
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Accelerated Network Deployment for Service Providers:
Broadband service providers and system integrators benefit from reduced certification-related delays, supporting faster rollout of fibre and FTTH network projects.
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Continued Regulatory Oversight by TEC:
Despite relaxed testing requirements, TEC maintains control through mandatory self-declarations and the option for post-certification audits, keeping OEMs fully accountable for safety and standards compliance.
Conclusion
The clarification issued for the PON family of broadband equipment simplifies MTCTE compliance by allowing exemptions from protocol test reports and acceptance of Self-Declaration of Conformity for laser safety parameters. This temporary relaxation supports faster certification and deployment of PON equipment while keeping regulatory oversight intact. OEMs and applicants must follow the prescribed conditions and monitor future TEC notifications before the exemption period expires.
Read the Official TEC Notification on MTCTE Exemption
This is the official notification issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) regarding temporary exemptions and acceptance of Self-Declaration of Conformity for specific Essential Requirement (ER) parameters applicable to the PON family of broadband equipment under MTCTE. Applicants are advised to review the document for complete conditions, scope, and validity details.
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