[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/TEC MTCTE for Routers IndiaTEC / MTCTE # TEC MTCTE for Routers and Network Equipment in India TEC's Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme requires routers, modems, switches, and other network equipment to be certified before sale in India. MTCTE is often confused with WPC ETA — they address different aspects of the same product and both may be required for the same device. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Ftec-type-approval-routers) At a glance Equipment types covered 5 Application steps 6 Required documents 8 ## Equipment types covered under MTCTE ### Wi-Fi Routers (home/SOHO/enterprise) Essential Requirements per IS/IEEE 802.11 series Wi-Fi routers connecting to public telecom networks require MTCTE. Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi routers with WAN interfaces are in scope. ### Broadband Modems (DSL, cable) Essential Requirements per applicable ITU-T / TEC standards ADSL, VDSL, DOCSIS modems connecting to public telecom network require MTCTE. ### Managed Ethernet Switches (L2/L3) TEC Essential Requirements for Ethernet switches Enterprise network switches with telecom network interfaces are covered. Unmanaged switches have different applicability — verify with TEC. ### LTE/5G CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) Essential Requirements per 3GPP Release / TEC ERs Fixed wireless access CPE and LTE home routers require MTCTE. ### VoIP Gateways and IP PBX Essential Requirements for VoIP equipment SIP gateways and IP PBX systems connecting to public telecom networks are in scope. ## MTCTE application process 01 ### Confirm product falls under MTCTE scope Not all networking equipment is covered. The TEC MTCTE Order 2022 specifies the equipment categories. Verify your product category is listed and the specific Essential Requirements (ERs) document number applicable to your device. 02 ### Obtain test reports from TEC-recognized laboratory Testing must be done at a TEC-recognized test lab (listed on the TEC MTCTE portal). The lab tests against the Essential Requirements specified for your product category. Many labs are accredited by NABL. 03 ### Appoint Authorized Indian Representative (overseas manufacturers) Foreign equipment manufacturers must appoint an AIR to apply for MTCTE certification. The AIR submits the application and holds the certification on the manufacturer's behalf. 04 ### Submit application on MTCTE portal Submit the application through the TEC MTCTE portal (mtcte.tec.gov.in). Upload test reports, equipment specifications, self-declaration of conformity, and pay the certification fee. 05 ### TEC review and certificate grant TEC reviews the application and test reports. Upon successful review, TEC issues the MTCTE certificate with a unique TEC registration number. Typical processing: 4–8 weeks for complete applications. 06 ### Mark products with TEC certification number Products must carry the TEC certification number (e.g., 'TEC/MTCTE/XXXXXX'). Imprinting on product label, device web UI, or packaging depending on product type and TEC requirement. ## Required documents 01Test report from TEC-recognized laboratory per applicable Essential Requirements 02Equipment technical specification sheet (detailed product description) 03Block diagram of the equipment 04User manual in English 05Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) with applicable ER reference 06Authorized Indian Representative appointment letter (overseas manufacturers) 07Company registration documents 08Label artwork showing TEC certification number placement ## Frequently asked questions ### Is TEC MTCTE separate from WPC ETA for Wi-Fi routers? Yes — they are separate certifications with different regulators. WPC ETA addresses radio frequency spectrum compliance (wireless transmission characteristics). TEC MTCTE addresses telecom equipment essential requirements (interface standards, network safety, interoperability, labeling). A Wi-Fi router connecting to India's public telecom network needs both: WPC ETA if its Wi-Fi operates in a band requiring ETA (most 2.4 GHz is de-licensed), and TEC MTCTE for the telecom interface. Both are mandatory. ### When did TEC MTCTE become mandatory for routers? The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) order was issued in 2019 and has been implemented in phases. Routers and CPE equipment were included in the mandatory scope through successive phase notifications. Products imported or sold in India after the applicable phase implementation date require MTCTE certification. Products already in market may have received transition periods from TEC. ### Can I use CE or FCC test reports for TEC MTCTE? CE and FCC test reports do not directly substitute for TEC MTCTE testing. However, TEC-recognized labs can often use the same physical test samples and, where Essential Requirements overlap with international standards (many ERs reference ITU-T, IEEE, or ETSI standards), test data may be leveraged to reduce total testing scope. The test report must reference the applicable TEC Essential Requirements document — the lab reframes the testing to the Indian ER context. ### What is the MTCTE certificate validity period? TEC MTCTE certificates are valid for 3 years and renewable. If the product model changes significantly (new chipset, major hardware revision), the certification must be reassessed. Minor software updates generally do not invalidate the certificate. TEC can revoke certificates if compliance failures are identified in the market. **Disclaimer:** MTCTE scope and phase-in timelines are subject to TEC notifications. Always verify current coverage and Essential Requirements documents on the TEC MTCTE portal (mtcte.tec.gov.in) before initiating testing. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/10-india-wireless-type-approval-wpc-eta-mtcte)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/10-india-wireless-type-approval-wpc-eta-mtcte) Related guides * [TEC MTCTE Certification for Telecom EquipmentComplete guide to TEC MTCTE certification: Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment, phase-wise implementation,…](/guides/tec-mtcte-certification) * [WPC ETA Certification for Wireless EquipmentComplete guide to WPC ETA certification: equipment type approval requirements, application process, test reports, labeling, and…](/guides/wpc-eta-certification) * [TEC Certification for 5G EquipmentComplete guide to TEC MTCTE certification for 5G base stations, RAN equipment, 5G UE, and network infrastructure: applicable Es…](/guides/tec-certification-5g) * [BIS-Recognized vs NABL-Accredited Testing LabsPractical guide to choosing the right testing laboratory in India: difference between BIS-recognized, NABL-accredited, and ILAC…](/guides/india-testing-labs)