Overview of Type Approval In India

By Kamal Seddik, PMP? for Eleos Compliance

Type Approval in India is a vital regulatory process that ensures products across various sectors, including telecommunications, electronics, automotive, and wireless communication, are incompliance with the necessary safety, quality, and performance standards before they are introduced into the market.

India has several certification schemes that govern product quality, safety, and compliance with national and international standards. These schemes are enforced by various regulatory bodies across different sectors. Below is an overview of the key certification schemes in India, categorized by sector.

1. Telecom Equipment Type Approval (TEC - Telecommunication Engineering Centre) Telecommunications equipment must be tested and certified to ensure compliance with Indian standards for safety, interoperability, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radio frequency (RF) regulations. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), governs this process through the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme. This scheme mandates that all telecom equipment, whether manufactured locally or imported, must undergo testing and certification before being sold or used in India. Applicable Products:

§? Mobile phones and smartphones

§? IoT Gateway

§? Smart Electricity meter

§? Smartwatch

§? Tracking devices

§? Routers, LAN switches, and modems

§? Equipment Operating in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Frequency Bands

§? Base transceiver stations (BTS)

§? Satellite communication equipment

§? PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) systems

§? Radio Broadcast Receivers

1. Electronics and IT Goods Type Approval (BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards) For electronic products, type approval falls under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) through the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). This certification ensures products conform to Indian standards for safety and performance. Applicable Products:

§? Mobile phones

§? Laptop computers, notebooks, tablets

§? Amplifiers with input power 2000W and above

§? Electronic clocks with mains power

§? Televisions

§? Video games

§? Power adapter for IT equipment

§? Power banks and battery chargers

§? Printers and scanners

§? Microwave ovens, induction stove

§? UPS systems and inverters

§? Smartwatches and fitness bands

§? Set-top boxes and other home appliances

§? Bluetooth Speakers and Wireless Microphone

§? Digital, video camera and Webcam

1. Wireless and Radio Equipment Type Approval (WPC - Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing) Wireless and radio equipment in India requires type approval from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing, which is part of the Ministry of Communications. WPC regulates the use of radio frequencies and ensures that devices using wireless communication conform to national spectrum policies.

Certification Schemes of WPC:

A.?????? Equipment Type Approval (ETA): Devices operating in unlicensed frequency bands (e.g. Wi-Fi, BT, Zigbee, etc.) require ETA from WPC. ETA ensures that these devices to comply with technical specifications and avoid interference with licensed spectrum users.

B.?????? License for Wireless Equipment: Devices operating in licensed bands (e.g., certain satellite communications or cellular frequencies) require a formal license from WPC. This license is issued after the device is approved for safe and compliant use of the licensed spectrum.

C.????? Import License: Importers of wireless devices must obtain an import license from WPC before shipping these products into India.

Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for manufacturers, importers, and distributors to gain market access in India, safeguarding both the consumer and the infrastructure. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, product recalls, and market restrictions. Therefore, obtaining the necessary certifications and type approvals is crucial for business success in India’s vast and rapidly growing market.

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