Published: 4 Aug 2026
DoT Notifies Revised TEC Standards for Telecom Equipment Certification: What Manufacturers and Importers Need to Know
REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE
Published: 30 July 2026
Notification: S.O. 4221(E)
Authority: Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (Telecommunication Engineering Centre – TEC)
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified revised Essential Requirement (ER) standards for selected telecom equipment under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.
The notification introduces revised TEC standards for Session Border Controllers (SBCs) and VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment, while providing a 90-day transition period during which both the existing and revised standards will remain valid. After this transition period, only the revised standards will be accepted for certification and compliance purposes.
For manufacturers, importers, OEMs, and telecom solution providers, this notification signals the need to review existing certifications and begin planning for compliance with the updated technical requirements.
Key Takeaways
- DoT has notified revised TEC Essential Requirement (ER) standards for two telecom equipment categories.
- The revised standards apply to Session Border Controllers (TEC 67222606) and VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment (TEC 58432606).
- Existing and revised standards will remain valid simultaneously for 90 days from the date of publication.
- After the transition period, only the revised standards will be applicable for certification.
- Manufacturers and importers should begin reviewing product compliance immediately.
Legal Framework
The revised standards have been notified under:
- Section 19 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and
- Rule 5 of the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.
These provisions empower the Central Government to notify standards and prescribe conformity assessment and certification requirements for telecommunication equipment intended for the Indian market.
What Has Changed?
The latest notification introduces revised Essential Requirement (ER) standards for the following telecom equipment:
1. TEC 67222606 – Essential Requirements for Session Border Controllers
The revised standard applies to Session Border Controllers (SBCs), which play a critical role in securing and managing IP-based voice and multimedia communications.
Manufacturers seeking certification for SBCs will now need to comply with the updated Essential Requirements prescribed by TEC.
2. TEC 58432606 – Essential Requirements for VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment
The notification also revises the Essential Requirements applicable to VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment.
Manufacturers and importers of wireless communication equipment covered under this standard should review the revised technical requirements before submitting new certification applications.
Understanding the 90-Day Transition Period
One of the most important aspects of the notification is the transition mechanism.
To facilitate a smooth migration, the Government has provided a 90-day concurrent validity period, during which:
- Existing TEC standards will continue to remain valid.
- Newly revised standards will also be accepted.
- Manufacturers may continue certification under either standard during this period.
However, once the 90-day transition period expires, only the revised standards will remain valid, and certifications based solely on the earlier standards will no longer meet the notified requirements.
Why This Matters for Businesses
Although the notification affects only two categories of telecom equipment, it has important compliance implications.
Manufacturers and importers should use the transition period to:
- Review the revised Essential Requirements.
- Assess whether existing products require additional testing.
- Update technical documentation.
- Plan certification or recertification activities.
- Coordinate with laboratories and certification bodies to avoid last-minute delays.
Early planning can help businesses ensure uninterrupted market access once the revised standards become mandatory.
Who Will Be Affected?
The notification is particularly relevant for:
- Telecom equipment manufacturers.
- Foreign manufacturers exporting telecom equipment to India.
- Importers and distributors.
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
- Telecom infrastructure providers.
- System integrators.
- Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs).
- Product compliance and regulatory affairs teams.
Any business manufacturing or importing Session Border Controllers or VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment for the Indian market should review the revised standards without delay.
Business Impact
The revised standards are expected to influence certification planning and product compliance activities.
Businesses should evaluate whether:
- Existing products continue to comply with the revised Essential Requirements.
- New testing or technical evaluations are required.
- Certification timelines need adjustment.
- Product documentation requires updating.
- Product launch schedules should be aligned with the revised compliance framework.
Companies that postpone these activities may encounter certification delays once the transition period concludes.
Recommended Actions
Businesses should consider the following steps:
- Identify products covered under TEC 67222606 and TEC 58432606.
- Review the revised Essential Requirement standards.
- Compare existing certifications against the updated requirements.
- Initiate testing or recertification where necessary.
- Update technical files and product documentation.
- Complete certification activities well before the expiry of the 90-day transition period.
Taking proactive action now can help minimize regulatory risks and avoid delays in bringing products to market.
How Omega QMS Can Help
Keeping pace with evolving telecom regulations requires technical expertise and a clear understanding of India’s certification framework.
Omega QMS provides end-to-end regulatory support for telecom equipment manufacturers and importers, including:
- TEC certification advisory.
- Product compliance assessment.
- Technical documentation review.
- Regulatory gap analysis.
- Certification application support.
- Liaison with regulatory authorities.
- Ongoing compliance monitoring.
Our experienced regulatory consultants help businesses navigate India’s telecom certification requirements efficiently while minimizing compliance risks.
Conclusion
The latest DoT notification marks another important step in implementing India’s modern telecommunications regulatory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
By notifying revised Essential Requirement standards for Session Border Controllers and VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment, the Government has provided manufacturers and importers with a 90-day transition period to migrate to the updated technical requirements.
Businesses should use this opportunity to review product compliance, complete any required testing, and ensure certifications are aligned with the revised standards before the transition period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which telecom equipment is covered by this notification?
The revised standards apply to Session Border Controllers (TEC 67222606) and VHF/UHF Radio System Equipment (TEC 58432606).
When do the revised standards become mandatory?
The revised standards have been notified with immediate effect, but both the old and revised standards will remain valid concurrently for 90 days. After that period, only the revised standards will apply.
Can manufacturers continue using the existing standards?
Yes. During the 90-day transition period, both the existing and revised standards remain valid.
What happens after the transition period?
After the 90-day period ends, certifications based only on the earlier standards will no longer satisfy the notified requirements.
Should manufacturers start recertification now?
Yes. Businesses should begin reviewing the revised standards and planning any required testing or certification updates to ensure timely compliance.
Official Reference
Ministry of Communications
Department of Telecommunications
Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
Notification S.O. 4221(E)
File No.: 24-02/2025-STD/TEC
Dated: 28 July 2026
Published in the Gazette of India: 30 July 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or regulatory advice. Businesses should seek professional guidance based on their products and certification requirements.