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India Regulatory Approval

Type Approval in India

India's most common Type Approval consist of the following:

Radio Type Approval (WPC, TEC, BIS, BEE)
 

The four schemes, each applicable based on product characteristics, are as follows: 

  • WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination)

  • TEC (Telecom Public Network)

  • BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)

  • BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency)

WPC approval

WPC approval in India refers to the certification granted by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing of the Ministry of Communications. This approval is necessary for devices that use wireless communication technologies, such as mobile phones, routers, and other electronic devices.

The WPC ensures that these devices comply with Indian standards for frequency usage, emissions, and safety, preventing interference with other wireless systems. Obtaining WPC approval is a critical step for manufacturers and importers before they can legally market or sell their products in India.

 

  • WPC approval in India​​ requires acceptable FCC or CE test reports less than 4 years old on the host product, not the module(s).

  • In some cases WPC may require 1 sample for in country functional testing.

  • Cellular products require the manufacture go directly to the carrier for certification. All test reports must be on the host product. RF reports on the module are not allowed unless the module will be imported as a stand alone unit. Test report must list exact make and model that will appear on certificate. Declaration of similarity will NOT be allowed.

  • Local Representative required.

  • Lead time is approximately 3-4 weeks from the time all documents and/or samples have been collected. Certificate valid indefinitely. 

TEC approval

TEC approval in India refers to the certification granted by the Telecommunications Engineering Center (TEC), which operates under the Ministry of Communications. TEC is responsible for establishing standards and conducting testing for telecom equipment and services.

The TEC approval process ensures that telecommunications equipment meets specific technical standards and requirements, promoting interoperability and safety. Manufacturers and importers of telecom equipment must obtain TEC certification before their products can be sold or used in the Indian market. This approval helps ensure quality and reliability in the telecommunications sector.

BIS approval

BIS approval in India refers to the certification provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national standards body responsible for formulating and enforcing standards for various products and services. BIS approval is essential for ensuring that products meet specific quality, safety, and performance standards.

The BIS certification process involves testing the product against these established standards, and it is mandatory for certain categories of goods, including electronics, consumer goods, and industrial products. Obtaining BIS approval helps manufacturers and importers demonstrate compliance with Indian regulations, enhancing consumer trust and safety in the marketplace.

 

  • BIS approval requires CE or CB test reports.

  • In some cases 1 sample for in country functional testing may be required.

  • Local Representative must apply for permission to use self print labels (CID). This is valid for one year for all products.

  • Lead time is approximately 8-10 weeks from the time all documents and samples have been collected.

  • Certificate is valid for 1 year.

BEE approval

BEE approval in India refers to the certification issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power. The BEE is responsible for promoting energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors.

BEE approval typically involves the labeling of appliances and equipment based on their energy performance. This labeling helps consumers make informed choices by indicating the energy efficiency of products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and lighting fixtures. The BEE rating system assigns stars to products, with more stars indicating higher energy efficiency.

Obtaining BEE approval is essential for manufacturers to sell certain energy-consuming products in India, as it ensures compliance with energy efficiency standards and promotes environmentally friendly practices.

WPC Label Requirement

Currently there are no specific product marking requirements for WPC approval in India. However, after receiving WPC certification, the product must be properly labeled to indicate that it meets all regulatory requirements. This typically includes the WPC certification marking.

BIS Label Requirement

Labelling requirements given below supersedes the labeling requirements mentioned in letters issued by BIS intimating Grant of Registration
The Competent Authority of this Bureau has decided that displaying of the statement “Self declaration - Conforming to IS................., Rxxxxxxxx” both on product and packaging at a prominent location shall be mandatory with effect from 04 April 2014. The font size of letters of statement shall be 12 or 1/4th of the size of the brand name whichever is lower. Where 1/4th font size of statement is less than 6 font size, in such cases it shall be minimum 6 font size.
The above statement shall be Screen printed/Embossed/Engraved on the product and printed on the packaging material.

BIS Label Requirement

Labelling requirements given below supersedes the labeling requirements mentioned in letters issued by BIS intimating Grant of Registration
The Competent Authority of this Bureau has decided that displaying of the statement “Self declaration - Conforming to IS................., Rxxxxxxxx” both on product and packaging at a prominent location shall be mandatory with effect from 04 April 2014. The font size of letters of statement shall be 12 or 1/4th of the size of the brand name whichever is lower. Where 1/4th font size of statement is less than 6 font size, in such cases it shall be minimum 6 font size.
The above statement shall be Screen printed/Embossed/Engraved on the product and printed on the packaging material.

Frequencies allowed in India

Use of low power equipment in the frequency band 865-867 MHz with a maximum transmitter power of 1 Watt( 4 Watts Effective Radiated Power) with 200 KHz carrier band width has been exempted from licensing requirement. IND44

Use of low power equipments for Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks, in the frequency
band 5.150-5.350 GHz and 5.725 – 5875 GHz using a maximum mean Effective Isotropic Radiated Power of 200
mW and a maximum mean Effective Isotropic Radiated Power density of 10 mW/MHz in any 1 MHz bandwidth, for
the indoor applications has been exempted from licensing requirement. IND67
 

Frequencies listed above are a partial list. Contact CSIA for a more detailed list of frequencies allowed in India.

Use of low power equipments in the frequency band 2.4-2.4835 GHz using a maximum transmitter output power of 1 Watt ( 4 Watts Effective Radiated Power) with spectrum spread of 10 MHz or higher has been exempted from
licensing requirement. IND62

Regulatory Updates For India

May 2024

​

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Ministry of Communications has updated the document that outlines the rules governing the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) program and the associated labelling requirements.

 

March 2024

​

The India Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) published a notification on April 1, 2024, announcing an extension of the date for mandatory certification for 10 products under MTCTE Phase III and Phase IV by four months, from April 1, 2024, to August 1, 2024. The last day to accept ILAC accredited lab test reports from non-border sharing countries has been extended by four months from March 31, 2024, to July 31, 2024 for certain products.

 

October 2023

​

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released two notifications amending the national import policies that will change the Equipment Type Approval (ETA) procedures applicable to a wide range of computing products under management of the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) of the Ministry of Communications.

 

June 2023

​

The Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) of the Ministry of Communications has released a notification amending the rules on the labelling of telecommunication products subject to the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) program.

 

June 2023

​

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Ministry of Communications has released a new regulation establishing a range of technical features that shall be implemented by smart and feature phones manufacturers and operating systems developers in several stages.

 

May 2023

​

The Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Ministry of Communications has released an Office Memorandum approving test requirements exemptions applicable to some of the product categories requiring mandatory testing and certification.

 

March 2023

​

India’s TEC recently announced that July 1, 2023, communication security will come into force with two product lines, Wi-Fi CPE & IP Router. The Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) are complete and available on the MTCTE portal. Products already certified or whose applications are in process as of July 1, 2023 will also be covered under the ITSAR mandate for an integrated MTCTE certificate. 

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