In a move to ease compliance hurdles for global manufacturers and importers, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has officially extended the deadline for accepting test reports from ILAC-accredited laboratories under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework.
According to the latest notification (dated December 29, 2025), technical test reports from ILAC-accredited labs in non-border-sharing countries will now be accepted until June 30, 2026.
What Does This Extension Mean for You?
The MTCTE scheme generally requires testing to be conducted in TEC-designated Indian laboratories. However, to prevent market delays and accommodate the high demand for testing, the TEC has provided this window of relaxation. This allows businesses to use international test reports for specific technical parameters, provided the laboratories are authorized to use the ILAC MRA Mark.
Key Highlights of the Notification
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New Deadline: Valid until June 30, 2026.
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Report Validity: Test reports must not be older than two years at the time of submission on the MTCTE portal.
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Geographical Restriction: This relaxation applies only to laboratories located in countries that do not share a land border with India.
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Scope: The extension specifically covers technical parameters for notified products under the MTCTE scheme.
Products Covered Under the Extension
The extension applies to several high-demand telecom categories and their variants, including:
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5G NR Base Stations (Type 1-O, Type 2-O, and Type 1-H)
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Base Stations for Cellular Networks (including Active Antenna Systems)
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BTS for GSM
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SIM Cards (All variants)
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VHF/UHF Radio Equipment Systems
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E-band Fixed Radio Relay Systems
Why This is a Win for Manufacturers
This extension offers several strategic advantages:
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Faster Time-to-Market: Avoid potential bottlenecks at domestic testing facilities.
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Cost Efficiency: Leverage existing international test reports for global product launches.
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Operational Continuity: Ensures that imports and sales of critical telecom infrastructure are not halted due to pending local tests.
How to Prepare for Compliance
While this extension provides temporary relief, it is essential to plan for long-term compliance. Beyond June 30, 2026, manufacturers will likely be required to transition fully to Indian lab testing.
Steps to take now:
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Review Documentation: Ensure your current ILAC reports are within the two-year validity period.
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Verify Lab Credentials: Confirm that your testing partner is an ILAC MRA signatory.
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Plan Early: Begin identifying TEC-designated labs in India for future testing to avoid the last-minute rush in mid-2026.
Get Expert Guidance with Instacertify
Navigating the complexities of TEC and MTCTE certification can be challenging. At Instacertify, we specialize in streamlining the certification process for your telecom products. Whether you need help validating your ILAC reports or managing the entire MTCTE application, our experts are here to ensure your business remains compliant and competitive.
