Overview: Exemption for Multiple Essential Requirements (ERs)
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has issued a notification on 29 December 2025 introducing a generic exemption within the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework. This exemption applies to certain parameters and interfaces across multiple categories of telecom equipment, meaning manufacturers will no longer be required to submit detailed test reports for these specific aspects. By easing documentation requirements, TEC aims to simplify the certification process without compromising regulatory oversight.
This move provides temporary regulatory relief to telecom equipment manufacturers, helping them avoid redundant testing procedures and focus on faster product deployment. It is designed to reduce complexity in compliance workflows while ensuring that all equipment continues to meet MTCTE standards. The exemption reflects TEC’s effort to balance industry efficiency with regulatory integrity, ultimately supporting innovation and smoother market access for telecom products.
Key Highlights of the MTCTE Exemption Notification
- Issued by: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT
- Notification Date: 29 December 2025
- Nature of Update: Temporary exemption from submission of test reports
- Applicable To: Multiple telecom equipment categories across various Essential Requirements (ERs)
- Scope: Exemption for specified parameters/interfaces listed under respective ERs
- Condition: TEC notification letter to be uploaded on MTCTE portal in place of test reports
- Validity: Up to 30 June 2026 or until further orders
What’s New in the Latest MTCTE Update for Multiple Telecom Equipment Categories
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has announced a generic test report exemption under the MTCTE framework for selected parameters and interfaces across multiple telecom equipment categories. This update, effective from 29 December 2025, is intended to ease the regulatory burden on manufacturers while maintaining overall compliance discipline.
Under this exemption, OEMs producing equipment such as LAN and SAN switches are allowed to skip the submission of certain specified test reports. This significantly reduces testing complexity and helps shorten certification timelines, especially for products that already meet established technical standards.
Although the exemption provides temporary regulatory relief, it does not remove the obligation to comply with all other MTCTE requirements. Manufacturers must ensure that non-exempted parameters, declarations, and documentation are fully met and correctly submitted on the MTCTE portal.
Overall, this initiative aims to streamline the certification process, lower compliance costs, and support faster market entry of telecom equipment in India, while continuing to uphold the integrity of the MTCTE regulatory framework.
Products Covered Under the Generic MTCTE Exemption
The generic MTCTE exemption applies to a wide range of telecom equipment, including:
- Mobile Radio Trunking Systems (MRTS)
- Cellular Network Repeaters (GSM, WCDMA, LTE)
- Precision Timing Protocol Grand Master Equipment
- VHF and UHF Radio System Equipment
- Point-to-Point (PTP) and Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) Microwave Fixed Radio Systems
- ADSL, VDSL, and SHDSL based equipment
- Optical Fibre (Single Mode) and Optical Fibre Cables
- HF Radio Systems
- VSAT and NGSO User Terminals / Gateways
- Cellular Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
- NB-IoT Devices
- Selected 5G NR interworking interfaces
Only the parameters and interfaces specified by TEC are eligible for exemption.
Exemption Examples
Examples of parameters granted exemption include:
- RF transmit power and frequency parameters governed by DoT/WPC license conditions
- Protocol and interface-related performance parameters
- Electrical and mechanical characteristics of optical fibre and cables
- Selected synchronisation, timing, and power-related parameters
- NB-IoT radio performance and spectrum-related parameters
- Certain 5G NR interworking interface parameters
These exemptions are provided to avoid unnecessary testing where compliance is already regulated through other mechanisms.
Contact US NowImplementation and Validity of Exemption
The TEC generic test report exemption comes into effect from 29 December 2025, providing immediate relief to telecom equipment manufacturers and applicants.
29 December 2025 → Implementation date of the MTCTE exemption
30 June 2026 → Exemption valid until (or till further orders, whichever is earlier)
This exemption is temporary and will remain valid until 30 June 2026, or until further orders from TEC—whichever comes first.
Manufacturers and applicants can directly upload this TEC notification on the MTCTE portal for the relevant parameters and interfaces covered under the exemption. This ensures that the exemption is formally recognized during the certification process, eliminating the need for submitting detailed test reports for certain standard parameters.
By allowing direct upload of the notification, TEC has simplified the process, helping companies save time, reduce paperwork, and speed up the overall certification cycle. It also ensures regulatory compliance without compromising product safety or quality standards.
This update provides a clear timeline and procedural guidance, making it easier for stakeholders to plan their product testing and certification strategies while benefiting from the temporary relief.
What OEMs Must Follow Under MTCTE Exemption
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Scope of MTCTE Exemption:
The TEC generic exemption only reduces certain testing requirements. It does not waive overall MTCTE compliance. Only the specific parameters and interfaces mentioned in the notification are eligible.
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Limits of Exemption:
Exemptions are strictly limited to listed parameters and interfaces. OEMs cannot claim exemption for unlisted features, parameters, or equipment variants.
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Accurate Product Declaration:
All product configurations submitted on the MTCTE portal must match the declared technical specifications exactly. Any discrepancy can affect the certification process.
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Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC):
OEMs must correctly upload all SDoCs and supporting documents on the MTCTE portal. Proper documentation ensures the exemption is valid and recognized.
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Compliance with Licences:
Even under exemption, OEMs must continue to adhere to DoT/WPC licence conditions, wherever applicable, maintaining full regulatory compliance.
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Risks of Misuse:
Incorrect interpretation or misuse of the exemption may result in:
- Delays in certification processing
- Rejection of MTCTE applications
- Regulatory non-compliance or penalties
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Key Takeaway:
By following the notification conditions strictly, manufacturers can benefit from the temporary exemption while ensuring smooth and timely MTCTE certification.
Why This MTCTE Update Is Important
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Reduced Repetitive Testing:
Minimizes repetitive testing for already compliant parameters.
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Regulatory Relief with Safety:
Provides temporary regulatory relief without compromising safety or security.
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Better Certification Planning:
Improves predictability in certification planning for OEMs.
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Lower Lab Dependency:
Reduces dependency on limited test lab availability.
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Faster Market Entry:
Supports timely product launches and market entry.
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Reduced Certification Backlogs:
Helps avoid certification backlogs during high deployment phases.
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Industry-Aligned Regulation:
Aligns regulatory processes with industry readiness.
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Encourages Innovation:
Encourages innovation by reducing short-term compliance hurdles.
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Manufacturer Flexibility:
Offers flexibility to manufacturers while retaining MTCTE control.
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Stronger Regulator–Industry Collaboration:
Strengthens collaboration between regulators and the telecom industry.
Conclusion
The generic MTCTE exemption issued by TEC marks a significant step toward simplifying telecom equipment certification in India. By allowing temporary exemptions for selected parameters across multiple equipment categories, TEC has balanced regulatory oversight with industry practicality. OEMs should carefully assess applicability, comply with portal requirements, and stay alert for future MTCTE notifications before the exemption period ends.
However, OEMs and applicants must apply this exemption carefully and responsibly. It is essential to verify the exact applicability of the exempted parameters, ensure accurate submissions on the MTCTE portal, and continue complying with all non-exempted requirements. Manufacturers should also closely monitor future MTCTE notifications, as the exemption is time-bound and subject to change, to ensure uninterrupted compliance and smooth certification of their telecom equipment.
Read the Official TEC Notification on MTCTE Generic Exemption
This is the official notification issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) regarding the generic MTCTE exemption from submission of test reports for selected parameters and interfaces across multiple telecom equipment categories. The document outlines the scope of exemption, applicable Essential Requirements (ERs), implementation timeline, and validity period. Applicants are advised to carefully review the notification to understand the exact applicability, conditions, and compliance obligations under MTCTE.
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