New Telecommunications Standards and Certification Regime
India’s New Telecommunications Standards and Certification Regime
Introduction
On 26 February 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced the draft Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025 (“Draft Rules”). This initiative aims to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework governing telecommunication equipment standards and certification in India.
The Draft Rules focus on enhancing security, ensuring interoperability, and maintaining quality control for telecom equipment in India. Stakeholders have 30 days from the publication date to submit their feedback or objections before the finalization of the rules.
Background
India’s telecommunications sector has historically been governed by the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, established under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. The new Draft Rules are set to replace these existing regulations, bringing them in line with modern telecom standards and security protocols.
It is important to note that the transition will not affect the validity of any current standards, essential requirements, or conformity assessments previously issued by the government.
Scope and Applicability
The Draft Rules apply to all stakeholders involved in the manufacturing, import, distribution, and operation of telecom equipment in India. This includes:
•Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) – Companies producing telecom infrastructure and devices.
•Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs) – Representatives of foreign OEMs responsible for compliance.
•Importers, Distributors, and Sellers – Businesses engaged in bringing telecom equipment into India.
•Licensed Operators – Telecom service providers operating under the Indian Telegraph Act.
Under the new regime, all telecom equipment must comply with prescribed standards before being sold or deployed in India.
Regulatory Oversight and Standards Development
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) have been designated as the Appropriate Authorities responsible for implementing and enforcing the Draft Rules. Their key functions include:
1️⃣ Developing and Notifying Standards:
Formulating and publishing telecom equipment standards and certification procedures.
Conducting periodic stakeholder consultations before finalizing new standards.
Mandatory three-year review cycles to assess the need for updates or revisions.
2️⃣ Recognition of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs):
Accrediting both Indian and foreign testing laboratories to conduct telecom equipment assessments.
Excluding laboratories in countries sharing a land border with India from the recognition process.
3️⃣ Issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoC):
Certifying telecom equipment after successful testing and compliance verification.
Enforcing strict regulatory scrutiny to prevent substandard or non-compliant equipment from entering the market.
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Certification and Compliance Process
The Draft Rules establish a structured conformity assessment and certification process to ensure telecom equipment meets regulatory standards:
Mandatory Testing: All telecom equipment must undergo testing to verify compliance with national standards.
Certification Approval: Once the testing is complete, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued.
Periodic Renewal: CoCs will have a fixed validity period, requiring re-certification at regular intervals.
Implications for Stakeholders
The new certification and regulatory framework will have wide-ranging impacts across the industry:
– For Foreign Manufacturers:
Stricter certification requirements for imported telecom equipment.
Exclusion of testing facilities in neighboring countries, requiring manufacturers to find alternative labs.
– For Indian Telecom Companies:
Need to align with updated security and testing standards to avoid compliance issues.
Increased operational transparency and standardization of telecom infrastructure.
– For the Government:
Greater national security protections against telecom-related cyber threats.
Strengthened regulatory control over telecom equipment deployment.
Potential Challenges and Industry Concerns
🔸 Longer Approval Timelines – Businesses may face delays in getting telecom equipment certified, potentially impacting market entry.
🔸 Higher Compliance Costs – Telecom companies and importers will need to budget for additional testing and certification expenses.
🔸 Transition Period Challenges – Companies must quickly adapt to the new regulatory requirements, particularly those importing equipment from restricted territories.
Conclusion: Strengthening India’s Telecom Ecosystem
The Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025 represent a major regulatory shift aimed at enhancing security, quality, and compliance in India’s telecom sector. While these changes introduce new compliance obligations, they also promote better industry standardization and stronger national security protections.
Stakeholders should carefully evaluate the Draft Rules, assess their impact, and submit feedback to the Department of Telecommunications within the given timeframe. Proactive compliance strategies will be key to navigating this evolving regulatory landscape.
For expert legal guidance on telecom regulations, licensing, and compliance strategies, Candour Legal is here to assist.
📩 For any queries, please contact: ✉ Contact@candourlegal.com