In the world of telecommunications, ensuring the reliability and security of products is crucial. With the increasing use of telecommunications equipment and services, governments around the world seek to implement standards that protect both consumers and industry stakeholders. In India, the Ministry of Communications has taken a significant step by implementing the Telecommunications (Framework for Notifying Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. These regulations, published on May 2025, aim to create a structured system for informing standards and implementing conformity assessments, ensuring that all telecommunications products meet the required security and quality standards before they can be used in the country.

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What are the Telecommunications Rules, 2025?

The Telecommunications (Framework for Notifying Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025, represents a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to enhance standards and conformity assessment of telecom equipment in India. This legal framework is part of the implementation process under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and seeks to establish clear guidelines for the manufacture, certification and use of telecommunications products. These rules apply to all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem, from manufacturers and service providers to consumers. By mandating conformity assessment and certification, the government seeks to promote the overall quality of telecom products, protect users, and strengthen India’s telecom infrastructure. These rules serve as a guideline for the notification of standards, conformity assessment procedures, and issuance of TEC certificates (Telecommunications Engineering Center Certification) for products. They also define the roles and responsibilities of the various authorities and establish a process for public consultation on the standards before they are finalised.

Key Features of the Telecommunications Rules, 2025

The Key features include:

1. Short Title and Commencement : The rules are titled the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025 and came into force immediately after their publication in the Official Gazette that is 16th May 2025. This sets the legal framework for governing telecommunications product standards, marking an important milestone in India's telecommunications regulation landscape.

2. Definitions: In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,

• “Act” means the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023),
• “Appropriate Authority” means the authority designated by the Central Government under rule 4, 
• “conformity assessment” means any procedure used to demonstrate and determine compliance with notified standards, 
• “Conformity Assessment Body” (CAB) means the person recognised by the Appropriate Authority under rule 6 for the purpose of conformity assessment under these rules, 
• “essential requirements” means a set of parameters or standards or specifications or security requirements as may be notified by the Appropriate Authority from time to time,
• “license” means a license, registration or permission, by whatever name called, granted under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885) for provision of telecommunication services or telecommunication network, and the term “licensee” shall be construed as the holder of such license,
• “portal” means the portal which may be notified by the Central Government under rule 13, and
• “standard” means a document issued by the Appropriate Authority which lays down the characteristics, related processes, codes, specifications, essential requirements, recommended practices, classification, test methods and procedures, in respect of any or all aspects specified under section 19 of the Act.
• Words and expressions used in these rules and not defined herein but defined in the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act.

3. Objective: The purpose of these regulations is to provide a robust framework for informing telecommunications equipment standards and conducting conformity assessments. They ensure that only safe, secure and high-quality products enter the Indian market, with updates to keep up with the changes in technology.

4. Appropriate Authority: The Telecommunications Engineering Center (TEC) and the National Center for Communication Security (NCCS) have been designated as appropriate authorities under the Department of Telecommunications. These officers are responsible for communicating standards and conducting conformity assessments. The government can also appoint other officials if necessary, ensuring flexibility in the implementation process.

5. Notification and Review of Standards and Conformity Assessment: The Appropriate Authority must publish draft standards and conformity measures for public consultation lasting at least sixty days. Standards are reviewed every five years for updates, and provisional standards can be issued urgently, followed by a sixty-day consultation.

6. Recognition of Conformity Assessment Bodies: To ensure effective implementation of conformity assessment, the regulations allow accredited laboratories to be recognized as Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). These bodies are responsible for conducting assessments and issuing TEC certificates. The appropriate authority will publish the list of recognized CABs on the portal for transparency.

7. Compliance Obligations: Telecommunications equipment manufacturers, importers and service providers must ensure that all equipment complies with applicable standards. It is also mandatory for these stakeholders to obtain TEC certification before selling or deploying any telecom equipment. The description of the standard, together with the certificate, must be clearly displayed in accordance with the specifications provided by the appropriate authority.

8. Exemption from Conformity Assessment: Certain telecom equipment is exempt from conformity assessment, including equipment imported for research, development or testing and equipment brought into India for personal use. Further discounts may be granted if necessary.

9. Inspection and Monitoring: The appropriate authority or any designated authority may inspect and monitor compliance with the rules at any time. Provide access to your premises to stakeholders and share information about your equipment when requested.

Application to Obtain for Certificate of Conformity Assessment

To obtain a Certificate of Conformity Assessment, follow these simple steps:

1. Application Process: The certificate can be issued by the appropriate authority or a certification body nominated by the Central Government. The list of these bodies is available on the portal.
2. Compliance: Any person to whom the notified standard applies must ensure compliance with the applicable conformity assessment measures and apply for certification as required. 
3. Application Submission: The application must be submitted to the appropriate authority or designated certification body. The Authority shall prescribe the form, manner and fee for the application.
4. Assessment Process: The appropriate authority or certification body will assess the application according to the procedure and timeline specified on the portal.
5. Issuance of Certificate: After the assessment, a certificate of conformity assessment shall be issued with a validity period prescribed by the appropriate authority.

Procedure by an Authorized Entity or Licensee in Respect of Telecommunications Equipment Without a Valid Certificate of Conformity Assessment

If a user is found to be using a telecommunication device without a valid certificate of conformity assessment, the following steps are required:

1. Notice to User: The authorized entity or licensee must send a written notice to the user within seven days, asking him to stop using the uncertified equipment.
2. Termination of Service: If the user does not comply within seven days, the licensee or authorized entity must suspend the telecommunications service or connectivity.
3. Informing the Government: The institution will have to inform the Central Government in writing about the suspension of service.

Procedure for Contravention of Telecommunication Equipment Standards

If the telecom equipment does not meet the required standards, specific actions are taken to ensure compliance:

1. Issuance of Notice: If the appropriate authority or an authorized officer finds that a valid certificate of conformity assessment does not accompany the telecommunications equipment, they shall issue a written notice. This notice demands that the person in possession of the equipment stop selling, distributing, or using it. Must comply within seven days of receipt of the notice.
2. Applying for a Certificate: The recipient of the notice may apply for a certificate of conformity assessment, provided they meet the required standards. Therefore, they will have to pay ten times the normal fee. If the certificate is obtained within 180 days of receipt of the notice, the recipient may legally sell, distribute, or use the equipment.
3. Seizure or Destruction: If the equipment is not compliant or if the certificate is not obtained within the specified time, the appropriate authority may initiate legal action. This can result in non-compliant equipment being confiscated or destroyed.

Impact on Telecom Industry

The introduction of the Telecommunications (Framework for Notifying Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 will have a significant impact on the telecom product manufacturing industry. Manufacturers must ensure that all their products meet notified standards and undergo conformity assessment. This can lead to improved quality control, improved product safety, and increased consumer confidence. However, it can also increase compliance costs in the short term, especially for manufacturers who may need to upgrade their testing and certification processes. These regulations will create a level playing field for both domestic and international manufacturers, ensuring that only products that meet the highest standards are available in the Indian market. The industry’s adaptation to these regulations will also increase transparency and accountability in product manufacturing.

Conclusion

The Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025 are important step towards strengthening India’s telecom sector. By establishing a clear, enforceable framework for standards and conformity assessment, these regulations ensure that only high quality, safe and secure telecommunications products are used in the country. As a result, the rule will contribute to a more reliable telecommunications infrastructure, benefiting consumers and the telecommunications product manufacturing industry alike. With their effective implementation, India will be better positioned to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.