Routers and Wi-Fi CPE covered by applicable MTCTE notifications must follow the prescribed conformity-assessment process, and security requirements have been notified for Wi-Fi CPE and IP routers. The exact Essential Requirement, security provisions and dates depend on the specific product, so always verify the current official TEC and MTCTE publications before testing or applying.
Planning to manufacture, import or sell IP routers or Wi-Fi Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) in India? Before launching the product, businesses should confirm whether it falls under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework and identify the applicable technical and security requirements.
Routers and Wi-Fi CPE devices can have different functions, interfaces and configurations. Therefore, businesses should not rely only on a product's marketing name to decide which requirements apply. The exact equipment category, applicable Essential Requirements (ERs), current security notifications and product-specific conditions must be reviewed.
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has published requirements relating to IP routers and Wi-Fi CPE, including security testing requirements. The current position should be checked against official TEC, MTCTE and relevant telecom security publications before testing or submitting an application.
This guide explains how to assess the requirements, prepare for testing and plan the TEC certification process for routers and Wi-Fi CPE in India. For the wider framework, read our complete TEC Certification Guide. To see how product categories are classified, read which products require TEC certification and how to check the MTCTE product list.
What Is TEC Certification for Routers and Wi-Fi CPE?
TEC certification under the MTCTE framework is a conformity-assessment process for telecom equipment covered by applicable notifications. It assesses whether the equipment meets the relevant Essential Requirements and other notified conditions.
The official MTCTE portal explains that notified telecommunication equipment generally requires a valid Certificate of Conformity Assessment under the prescribed requirements before it can be sold, deployed in a telecom network or otherwise used in India, subject to applicable rules and exemptions.
Official reference: MTCTE Portal
For routers and Wi-Fi CPE, the assessment may involve relevant technical requirements as well as security requirements where specified by the current framework.
Which Products Should Be Assessed for TEC Certification?
Businesses should check the applicable MTCTE product list and Essential Requirements for equipment such as the following.
1. IP routers
Routers direct network traffic between networks and may support different protocols, routing functions and deployment environments. TEC's published Router Essential Requirement identifies variants including:
- BNG or BRAS routers.
- Cloud-control-capable routers.
- IPv4 routers.
- IPv6 routers.
- MPLS routers.
This list is based on the published Router Essential Requirement. Confirm the latest version and its scope before deciding how a particular model should be classified.
Official reference: TEC Router Essential Requirement
2. Wi-Fi Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
Wi-Fi CPE may include customer-side equipment used to provide network connectivity. Depending on the product and its function, this can include certain wireless access devices, residential gateways or related customer-premises equipment.
Do not assume that every device containing Wi-Fi functionality is classified as Wi-Fi CPE under MTCTE. Check the official product definition, applicable ER and relevant notifications for the exact equipment.
3. Combined networking devices
Some devices combine routing, wireless connectivity, firewall, gateway or other network functions. For these products, assess the complete product configuration and its intended function. A device may require evaluation against more than one relevant regulatory requirement. Do not assume that one certificate automatically covers every function or product variant.
What Requirements Apply to Routers and Wi-Fi CPE?
The applicable requirements must be identified from the current official documents. Depending on the equipment and applicable framework, the assessment may include the following areas.
Functions, interfaces and performance parameters specified in the relevant Essential Requirement. For a router, the applicable parameters may depend on its product variant and supported functions.
Electromagnetic interference and compatibility requirements may apply as specified in the relevant ER. Confirm the applicable tests and standards from the current technical documentation.
Assess safety according to the applicable ER and current instructions. Do not assume that an existing safety report or another product's certificate satisfies every MTCTE requirement.
Security requirements
Security requirements are particularly important for applicable IP routers and Wi-Fi CPE. TEC has published a notification addressing Wi-Fi CPE and IP routers, including security testing, and the MTCTE framework also refers to applicable security requirements notified by the relevant authorities.
The current Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSARs), security-testing instructions and applicable dates must be verified before applying. Earlier certificates or applications may require a review of subsequent notifications or transition requirements.
Official references:
- TEC — MTCTE Notifications and Updates
- TEC Notification on Wi-Fi CPE and IP Router
- MTCTE Portal — Security Requirements and Essential Requirements
Wireless functionality may also raise separate regulatory questions. For how the frameworks differ, read TEC vs BIS vs WPC Approval in India.
Step-by-Step TEC Certification Process for Routers and Wi-Fi CPE
Step 1: Classify the equipment
Record the product's intended function, model number, brand, OEM details, network interfaces, supported protocols and hardware configuration. Use this information to identify the closest matching product category and variant in the official MTCTE product list.
Step 2: Check the current Essential Requirement
Locate the applicable ER and confirm that its scope matches the product. Review the technical parameters, testing conditions, applicable standards and any referenced annexures. Do not rely on an old copy of the ER if the official portal provides a revised version.
Step 3: Verify security requirements and mandatory dates
Check whether specific security requirements apply to the product and identify the current requirements and relevant mandatory dates. Review subsequent notifications, amendments, exemptions and transition provisions. If a requirement is unclear, obtain clarification before planning the testing programme.
Step 4: Confirm applicant eligibility
Determine whether the application will be made by an eligible Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or through the applicable route for a foreign OEM and its authorised Indian representative. Follow the current MTCTE procedure and portal instructions for registration, authorisation and applicant documentation.
Step 5: Prepare the product documentation
Prepare the documentation required by the current procedure and relevant ER. This may include:
- Company and applicant details.
- OEM authorisation, where applicable.
- Product technical specifications.
- Model and variant information.
- Bill of Materials (BoM), where required.
- Declarations and undertakings.
- Applicable test reports and technical documentation.
- Security-related documents, where required.
The final document list depends on the applicant, product and current application requirements.
Step 6: Coordinate the required testing
Confirm the testing route and laboratories applicable to the product's technical and security requirements. Do not assume that one laboratory or one test report will cover all applicable requirements. Check current TEC and security-testing instructions, including any accepted alternative reports or parameter-specific exemptions.
Step 7: Submit the application and respond to queries
Submit the application through the official portal in accordance with the current procedure. Review the submitted information for consistency across the product model, OEM details, specifications and supporting documents. Respond to requests for clarification or additional information within the prescribed process. For the full workflow, read our TEC Certification Process Guide.
Step 8: Verify the certificate and its scope
After certification, check the issued certificate and confirm the applicable product, model or model-family coverage, certificate type, issue date and validity details shown in the official record. Maintain records of the certificate, applicable test reports and subsequent changes to the product design or model configuration.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Although the exact checklist must be verified against the current procedure, businesses should prepare the following information early:
| Document or information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Applicant and company details | Establishes the applicant's identity and eligibility |
| OEM authorisation, where applicable | Supports the applicant's authority to represent the manufacturer |
| Product specifications | Helps determine the applicable ER and test scope |
| Model and variant details | Establishes the precise equipment being assessed |
| Bill of Materials, where required | Supports technical review of the product configuration |
| Test reports and declarations | Provides evidence required by the applicable process |
| Security-related documents, where required | Supports assessment against applicable security requirements |
For the complete documentation workflow, see our guide to documents required for TEC certification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A product's retail description may not match its classification under MTCTE. Confirm the technical function and the applicable ER.
Do not review only the technical ER. Verify the current security requirements, applicable testing arrangements and any relevant transition provisions.
Requirements and procedures can be amended. Check the latest official publications before testing and submitting an application.
Model-family coverage depends on the applicable certification provisions and the certificate's scope. Verify each model or associated model before relying on the certificate.
An exemption may be limited to specified parameters, interfaces, conditions or products. Read the official notification carefully.
Premature testing can lead to additional costs or repeat testing if the ER, report format or test scope is incorrect. Confirm the current requirements before finalising the test plan.
How Long Does TEC Certification Take for Routers?
There is no single timeline that can be guaranteed for every router or Wi-Fi CPE application. The overall duration depends on the applicable requirements, laboratory availability, testing complexity, documentation quality, security assessment where applicable and any queries raised during the process.
Before setting a launch date, confirm the current requirements and expected testing arrangements with the relevant laboratories and certification process stakeholders. Do not rely on an estimated timeline as a guaranteed approval date. For cost components, read TEC Certification Fees in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do IP routers require TEC certification in India?
Routers covered by applicable MTCTE notifications and requirements must follow the prescribed conformity-assessment process, subject to applicable rules and exemptions. Check the current product list and relevant ER for the exact router.
2. Does Wi-Fi CPE require security testing?
Security requirements have been notified for Wi-Fi CPE and IP routers. The precise requirements, applicability and current dates must be verified against the latest TEC and relevant telecom security publications.
3. Is TEC certification the same as WPC approval?
No. TEC/MTCTE and WPC-related approvals are separate regulatory frameworks with different purposes. A product's radio-frequency functionality may require a separate assessment under applicable WPC rules. Check each requirement independently.
4. Can one TEC certificate cover multiple router models?
Possibly, where the applicable procedure permits family or associated-model coverage and the models meet the relevant conditions. Verify the issued certificate and the current rules before assuming that another model is covered.
5. Can an existing TEC certificate be affected by new security requirements?
Subsequent notifications may affect applicable products, applications or certificates. Review the latest official instructions and any transition or conversion requirements relevant to the product.
6. Where can I find the official Router Essential Requirement?
Start with the official MTCTE portal and its Essential Requirements section. Confirm the latest applicable version and any related notifications before using an ER for compliance planning.
Need Assistance With TEC Certification for Routers or Wi-Fi CPE?
Identifying the correct product category, technical requirements and applicable security provisions is an important step in preparing a compliant application.
Rego Services Pvt. Ltd. can assist businesses with reviewing TEC certification requirements, preparing application documentation and coordinating the certification process. Visit our TEC Certification Services page to learn more or contact our team to discuss your product.
Official references
Related TEC Certification Guides
Each guide below covers one stage of getting your TEC certificate in India under MTCTE.
- TEC certification for LAN switches — L2, L3 and unmanaged switch requirements
- TEC certification for optical network equipment — DWDM, OTN and PON equipment requirements
- TEC certification for ONT and OLT — MTCTE and ComSec security tracks
- How to check the MTCTE product list — verify notified products and mandatory dates
- TEC vs BIS vs WPC approval — which approval applies to your product
- TEC certification fees in India — administrative, evaluation and lab testing costs
- TEC Certificate in India: complete guide — the parent guide to MTCTE
Reviewed by the Rego Services Compliance Team | Last Updated: October 2026 | Sources: TEC, MTCTE portal, Department of Telecommunications