India Type Approval Summary
The Indian telecommunications market is the second-largest in the world, after the United States. This is due to the adoption of 5G, growth in data users, and an increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) in this subcontinent. India is one of the most dynamic and potential markets for Information & Communication Technology (ICT) devices.
To access the Indian market, especially for ICT products, it is generally necessary to comply with two types of compliance instruments called “WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certification.” WPC ETA stands for Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) and Equipment Type Approval (ETA). WPC is part of the Indian Department of Telecommunications that regulates the use of radio spectrum in license-free frequency bands. For example, Bluetooth, WiFi, LoRa, and similar technologies require ETA.
Meanwhile, TEC MTCTE stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE). TEC is an agency that is also part of the Indian Department of Telecommunications, which regulates certification for all products directly connected to telecommunications networks.
In addition to these two regulations, certain electronic products have their own specific pathways, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), or the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). With a fairly complex bureaucracy, obtaining WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE type approval certification can be a challenging process.
Narmadi Company is ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of the certification process, removing obstacles, and ensuring you receive your certificates by your desired target date. This is made possible by our extensive experience, expertise, and global connections in the field of certification.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Required
A local Indian company must submit applications for both WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certifications. The local Indian company could be an Indian manufacturer, local brand owner, or authorized representative from a foreign manufacturer.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- Yes
- Paperwork only
- Yes
WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE have two different certification application processes. For WPC ETA, the application can be processed by simply submitting RF, CE, or FCC test reports from an accredited laboratory. Meanwhile, TEC MTCTE requires local testing.
Local Testing
Local testing is mandatory for India TEC MTCTE certification. The type of testing depends on your product's features.
Paperwork Only
Paperwork or document evaluation is only allowed for India WPC ETA certification. The process evaluates testing reports from accredited international labs.
Sample Requirements
For WPC certification, ETA does not require samples because the certification process is conducted via the paperwork method. Meanwhile, for TEC certification, three to five samples are generally required for on-site testing. The number of samples will depend on the device’s features and the type of testing required. Conductive, normal, or radiation samples may be required for certain tests. The type of sample will be discussed further with the relevant testing laboratory.
Document Requirements
WPC ETA
- Business License and its English translation
- ISO 9001:2015 certificate
- Trademark certificate
- Complete technical specifications
- User manual
- Contact details as per Form A
- GST/COI from the Indian company
- KYC from the authorized signatory
- Aadhar and PAN from the AIR (Authorized Indian Representative)
TEC MTCTE
- Testing documents (Test SOPs, command list, and related software)
- AIR company registration
- MOU between AIR and the manufacturer
- User Manual
- Specification sheet
- Product photos
- Label artwork
- Bill of Material (BOM)
Submission process
- Submission
- Online
India has two separate portals for each type of certification: the Saral Sanchar portal for WPC ETA certification and the MTCE portal for TEC MTCTE certification. After preparing all the required documents, you must submit them to the appropriate portal based on the type of certification for your device.
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- WPC ETA certification is around 1 to 2 weeks. TEC MTCTE certification takes around 8-12 weeks
The lead time for WPC ETA certification is around one to two weeks from the date of receipt of all test reports and application documents. Meanwhile, TEC MTCTE certification, which includes product testing, typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
Validity Period
- Validity
- WPC ETA unlimited. TEC MTCTE is 5 years
The WPC ETA certificate is valid indefinitely as long as there are no modifications to the equipment’s RF specifications. If modifications are made, recertification is required by following the same process as for the initial certification application.
Meanwhile, the MTCTE TEC certificate is the longest-valid type approval certificate in Asia. It is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, which is an extension of the previous five-year validity period.
Label Requirements
- Product label
- Depends on product
- Approval mark
- Depends on product
For WPC ETA India certificates, labeling is not required, but only the TEC MTCTE certification is required. The rules for applying this label are below.
Compliance Label
The label will consist of the TEC logo, followed by “MTCTE”, and then the certificate number. The size of the TEC logo must be 1/4 of the size of the product brand name, with a minimum height of 6 mm. However, if the size of the brand name is less than 6 mm due to space limitations, the size of the TEC logo may remain the same height as the product brand name.
E-Label
The TEC label can be affixed as a physical label or an e-label.
- Physical labels must still accompany the use of e-labels on product packaging.
- No additional accessories, such as SIM cards, are required to open them.
- The method for accessing e-labels must be explained in the user manual or instruction sheet.
- Compliance-related information must be included in the section containing device regulatory information. This can be in the form of a CD, online access, QR code, or memory device.
- The user cannot delete e-label information.
Certificate Example
- Issued under
- Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) and Equipment Type Approval (ETA) & Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) (WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE)
- Certificate
- WPC ETA certification and TEC MTCTE Certification
- Validity
- WPC ETA unlimited. TEC MTCTE is 5 years
- Lead time
- WPC ETA certification is around 1 to 2 weeks. TEC MTCTE certification takes around 8-12 weeks
Alternative Country Names
Bhārat, Republic of India, Bharat Ganrajya, Indien, Inde, Indija, Индия, インド, இந்தியா, 인도, IN
Product Scope
WPC ETA certification is intended for devices that use the radio spectrum in the license-free frequency band. Examples include Bluetooth, WiFi, LoRa, and similar technologies. Meanwhile, TEC MTCTE certification is intended for all products that connect directly to telecommunications networks.
Some examples of products that are mandatory to apply WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certification are:
Rules by Technology
Allowed, approval required
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
- Wi-Fi 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz)
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth Classic
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- NFC
- RFID
- UWB
- Zigbee
- Thread
- Z-Wave
- DECT
- 2G/3G
- 4G LTE
- 5G NR
- LoRa / LoRaWAN
- Sigfox
- Automotive radar (77 GHz)
- Short-range radar (24 / 60 GHz)
- GNSS (GPS)
- Satellite communication
- Wireless charging (Qi)
- PMR / Walkie-talkie
- Amateur radio
- Passive Optical Network (PON)
- Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
- Coaxial Cable
- ISDN
- Ethernet
- VoIP
- Microwave Link
- Free Space Optics
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
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