The important thing to know when applying for certification is how long the process takes. When it comes to lead time for India type approval, they differ depending on the type of certification applied for.
There are two types of certification in India for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products: WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE. Both have different lead time for India type approval.
This is because they have different application processes. Let’s discuss them together to learn more about the lead time for India type approval.
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Different Type Certification, Different Lead Time
Before understanding the overall lead time for India type approval, you need to understand the differences between the two certifications used for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products in India.
WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certifications are regulated by different bodies. They also have different processes and lead time 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.
WPC ETA certification is required for products operating in license-free frequency bands. The certification application process involves a document evaluation or paperwork method. This pathway is certainly shorter than the local testing pathway, which requires testing at a local Indian laboratory.
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.
TEC MTCTE certification is required for all telecommunications products directly connected to the telecommunications network. The certification application process uses a local testing method. This naturally takes longer because it requires on-site testing at a local lab.
India Type Approval Process
To understand the lead time for India type approval, you need to understand both certification application processes from start to finish. WPC ETA certification is obtained through document evaluation, while TEC MTCTE certification is obtained through local testing.
The document evaluation process, or paperwork, requires rigorous documentation to pass certification. Meanwhile, local testing requires samples that meet applicable testing parameters and standards.
1. WPC ETA certification process
A paperwork application for India type approval is the only method available to obtain WPC ETA certification. This method requires a test report from a foreign laboratory that is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
Accreditation is based on ISO/IEC 17025, with testing standards referring to Conformité Européenne (CE) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Furthermore, the test report must comply with applicable technical testing standards in India.
This test report is the result of Radio Frequency (RF), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and safety testing. The test report, along with other document requirements for India type approval, is then submitted through the Saral Sanchar portal.
The submitted documents will be evaluated by the WPC. If the evaluation is successful, a certificate will be issued immediately. If the evaluation is unsuccessful, missing documents must be submitted for re-evaluation.
2. TEC MTCTE certification process
Local testing for India type approval is a method that can be used to obtain MTCTE TEC certification. This method requires on-site testing at a local laboratory in India.
There are sample requirements for India type approval under the local testing method. The number of samples will depend on the features and type of testing required.
This process can be quite lengthy, as the three tests (RF, EMC, and safety) are performed alternately. Each lab also has different testing capacities, so it’s possible for testing to be conducted in several different labs.
For example, RF and EMC tests are conducted by Lab A, while safety tests are conducted by Lab B. If the test passes, a test report will be issued by the relevant laboratory.
The test report will then be combined with other required documents and submitted through the MTCTE portal. Then, the submitted documents will be evaluated by the TEC.
Lead Time Process for India Type Approval
Looking at the process above, you can probably imagine how time-consuming the WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certification applications can be. Although the entire process is online, it’s not that quick.
The lead time for India type approval varies for each certification type. WPC ETA certification, through a document evaluation process, takes one to two weeks.
Meanwhile, TEC MTCTE certification, through a local testing process, takes 8-12 weeks, depending on the readiness of the sample and required documents.
It’s important to note that these lead times are appropriate if there are no obstacles during the process. Even a single obstacle can delay the entire process.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure all documents are complete from the start. For WPC ETA certification, it’s crucial to ensure the test report is obtained from an international lab that is a member of ILAC.
For TEC MTCTE certification, it’s crucial to ensure the sample complies with applicable technical standards in India.
Delays in India type approval can significantly impact your product’s market entry. By contacting Dimulti for a consultation, you can avoid this.
With over 15 years of experience, our professional team has developed a formula to ensure the RF type approval process is completed effectively and efficiently. We offer pre-testing services and a Project Management System (PMS).
Pre-testing is essential for local testing methods. This will help you avoid the risk of failing on-site testing at a local lab.
The PMS is a system we created to provide you with real-time access to the certification process. This allows you to gauge the progress of the process.
This is to ensure that the WPC ETA and TEC MTCTE certification processes are completed on time.
