Telecommunications devices that have passed certification do not necessarily mean they can immediately be marketed. Some countries generally require labeling. What about the label requirements for India type approval?
There are two types of certification in India for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products: WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE. Both have different label requirements for India type approval.
Beyond compliance, label requirements provide consumers with confidence in the safety and legality of your products. This article will explain the label requirements for India type approval.
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Different Type Certification, Different Label Requirements
Before understanding the label requirements for India type approval, you need to understand that there are two types of certifications used for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products in India.
Those are WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certifications, which are regulated by different bodies. They also have different label requirements for India type approval.
1. WPC ETA
WPC ETA stands for Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC), Equipment Type Approval (ETA). WPC is part of the Department of Telecommunications, which falls under the Indian Ministry of Communications.
Products requiring this certification are those operating in license-exempt frequency bands. WPC does not require labeling after the certificate is issued. This means all products can be imported and sold in India.
In some countries where labeling is not mandatory, local manufacturers or importers usually take the initiative to affix the certificate identification number themselves. However, in India, this practice does not exist.
2. TEC MTCTE
TEC MTCTE stands for Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE). TEC is an authority under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of India.
Products requiring this certification are telecommunications products that connect directly to the telecommunications network. TEC MTCTE certification requires a label attached to the device or packaging after the certificate is issued. We will explain the requirements in the next point.
Regulation in India
Understanding the label requirements for India type approval in TEC MTCTE certification is closely related to the regulations that govern it. These regulations are stipulated in the Procedure for Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipment. The contents of these provisions are as follows.
9.0 EQUIPMENT LABELLING
9.1 OEM shall be responsible that equipment offered for sale/ use in India is clearly marked with the following:
i. The OEM / Brand name;
ii. The equipment’s trade name, model name, serial number;
iii. Relevant TEC certification label (TEC Logo along with MTCTE followed by Certificate Number).
In case of products of foreign OEMs, AIR shall ensure the equipment is properly labelled.
9.2 Requirement of labelling on certified products shall be exempted for initial period of six months w.e.f. date from which testing and certification of respective equipment in India is notified as mandatory or six months from the date of issue of MTCTE Certificate, whichever is later. The detailed labelling guidelines are given in Annexure-D.
9.3 However, the TEC labelling is not mandatory for the equipment manufactured prior to the date of issuance of MTCTE certificate.
Label Requirements for India Type Approval
If you read the Procedure for Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipment above, it is clear that the label requirements for India type approval in TEC MTCTE certification have certain provisions.
These provisions are detailed in Annex D. The provision covers components, size, presentation, and placement. To understand each requirement and avoid mistakes in affixing labels, we’ll explain them in simpler terms.
1. Label components
The TEC MTCTE label consists of two components, namely the logo TEC with MTCTE, and the certificate number.
- Logo TEC beserta MTCTE: Indicates that the TEC has officially verified the product.
- Nomor sertifikat: Consists of a nine-digit certificate number issued by the MTCTE portal.
The following is a sample of a label:
2. Logo size
The TEC logo used as a label must be chosen with care. TEC has specific requirements regarding the size of its logo. The TEC logo must be 1/4 the size of the brand name on the product, with a minimum height of 6 mm.
However, if the brand name is smaller than 6 mm due to space constraints, the TEC logo can remain the same height as the brand name. The TEC certification label on the equipment must comply with the following guidelines:
3. Presentation
If you look at the image above, the TEC logo isn’t entirely colored. The letters T and C are colored, but the letter E is colorless or white. This will affect the presentation of the label.
TEC labels can be engraved, embossed, concave, or printed. The colored letters in the logo must be engraved/embossed, while the white letters must be flush with the product’s surface.
If the logo is embossed or engraved, the white letters must be embossed, while the other letters must be engraved. If the TEC logo is printed in color, the color composition shown in the attached image (RGB=0,108,156) must be maintained without significant color variation.
Black-and-white labels are permitted, with the colored letters T and C black and the letter E remaining white.
4. Placement
The TEC certification label may be affixed physically or electronically. If a physical label is used, it must be affixed to the product in a conspicuous location, clearly visible to the user.
The TEC certification label must also be easy to read, fade-resistant, durable, and easily visible under normal lighting conditions.
However, if an electronic label is used, it must not be removable. Users must also be able to access the information without requiring an access code or special permissions.
The electronic label must include instructions on how to access it. These instructions can be included in the operating instructions, user manual, or as a sheet inserted in the product packaging.
The Association Between Labels and Validity
The validity period for India type approval in TEC MTCTE certification can be up to 10 years. Regarding labeling, there will be a renewal every 10 years, following a new certificate number.
This means that if the certificate is renewed, the product must first be recalled to be labeled with the latest certificate number. However, if the certificate is not renewed after 10 years, the product stock can still be used up. This means that the label on the product stock is still permitted.
That’s the information regarding label requirements for India type approval. There are differences in label requirements for WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certification. WPC ETA does not require labeling, while TEC MTCTE requires labeling on every product and packaging.
By affixing the TEC MTCTE label, you demonstrate that your product is officially certified. This means it meets India’s technical safety, quality, and regulatory compliance standards.
Labeling issues can cause delays in the import and marketing of your product. To avoid this issue, you can consult with Dimulti.
Our team will help you ensure that your device is properly labeled. When the certificate expires, our team will also notify you.
This will ensure you don’t forget about matters related to labeling or the validity period of the certification. This will effectively and efficiently resolve your RF type approval issues.
