Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has notified TEC 67010:2026, Generic Requirements for Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries as a revised standard for telecommunication equipment. The notification has been issued under Section 19 of the Telecommunications Act 2023, read with Rule 5 of the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. The revised standard is relevant to manufacturers, importers, suppliers and other businesses dealing with VRLA batteries used in telecom applications. Since these batteries provide backup power to telecom equipment, their performance, safety and reliability are directly linked to network continuity. For businesses, the key question is not simply whether the battery meets the older technical requirements. They need to determine whether their existing product specifications, test reports and compliance documentation remain aligned with TEC 67010:2026 and whether any additional testing or certification action is required. Background and Context TEC 67010:2026 governs telecommunications-related Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries. This new standard incorporates changes from the earlier specification to keep pace with developments in VRLA battery technology. The standard covers requirements relating to: General requirements and construction Electrical and performance characteristics Chemical requirements Safety Environmental conditions Test methods Installation and maintenance information Information relevant to purchasers This update is particularly important for businesses whose VRLA battery products are already being supplied to the telecom sector under an earlier TEC standard. Existing approvals and test reports should be reviewed against the revised requirements rather than being assumed to cover the new standard automatically. Manufacturers, importers and telecom suppliers should now assess their product-specific compliance position, identify testing or documentation gaps and determine the applicable TEC/MTCTE certification action. What Is TEC 67010:2026? TEC 67010:2026 is the revised generic requirement standard for Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries used in telecommunications. VRLA batteries use an immobilised electrolyte and are designed for applications where reliable standby power is important. The standard addresses several aspects of battery performance and construction rather than focusing on capacity alone. It covers areas such as: General battery requirements Constructional features Electrical characteristics Performance requirements Chemical requirements Safety considerations Environmental requirements Test methods Installation and maintenance information Purchaser-related information For manufacturers, this means compliance needs to be looked at across the product lifecycle. A battery may have satisfactory capacity and still require attention to other technical requirements covered by the standard. This is why companies considering TEC certification services should begin with a product-to-standard gap assessment instead of immediately booking laboratory testing. What Has Changed Under TEC 67010:2026? TEC has revised the requirements covers the technical requirements that manufacturers, testing laboratories and buyers need to consider when assessing these batteries. For businesses, the key areas to review include: Updated Technical Requirements: Existing product specifications should be checked against the requirements prescribed under TEC 67010:2026. Performance and Electrical Parameters: Manufacturers need to verify that the battery's electrical and performance characteristics are supported by the applicable test evidence. Safety Requirements: Battery construction, operation and protection features need to be assessed against the applicable safety requirements. Environmental Performance: Businesses should review whether their existing test evidence adequately covers the environmental requirements applicable to the product. Testing Methodology: Existing test reports should be mapped against the revised test methods to identify where additional testing may be required. Product Documentation: Technical specifications, installation instructions, maintenance information and other supporting documents may need to be updated to reflect the revised requirements. The exact compliance action will depend on the battery model, configuration, existing approval status and available test evidence. Businesses should complete a gap assessment before deciding whether retesting or further certification action is necessary. Why Is the Revised VRLA Standard Important? VRLA batteries are an important part of telecom backup power infrastructure. A failure in the battery system can affect the continuity of telecom equipment during power interruptions. The revised standard therefore has implications beyond laboratory testing. Reliability of Telecom Backup Power Telecom equipment depends on backup batteries when the primary power source is unavailable. Updated performance requirements can help improve the reliability of batteries deployed in telecom networks. Product Quality and Safety A defined technical framework gives manufacturers and buyers clearer benchmarks for evaluating battery construction, performance and safety. Better Procurement Decisions Telecom operators and infrastructure companies can use compliance documentation as part of supplier and product evaluation instead of relying only on commercial specifications. Impact on Existing Products VRLA battery makers must check existing products in relation to TEC 67010:2026. Previous test reports or approvals may need to be checked to see whether they adequately address the revised requirements. Greater Compliance Responsibility for Importers Importers and foreign manufacturers supplying VRLA batteries to India should establish the applicable TEC and MTCTE requirements before treating the product as ready for the Indian telecom market. Who Needs to Review TEC 67010:2026 Compliance? The revised requirements can affect businesses at different points in the telecom battery supply chain. Business Key Compliance Concern VRLA Battery Manufacturers Product design, testing and technical documentation Importers Applicable TEC requirements and certification status Foreign OEMs Indian certification pathway and authorised representative requirements Telecom Power System Manufacturers Compliance of batteries integrated into power systems Telecom Equipment Suppliers Certification status of supplied battery models Telecom Operators Vendor qualification and procurement checks System Integrators Verification of battery compliance before deployment For companies with multiple battery models, a TEC certification consultant can help map each product against the applicable requirements and identify where testing, documentation or certification support is required. Key Compliance Requirements under TEC 67010:2026 Businesses should assess the complete applicable requirements of TEC 67010:2026 instead of checking only the battery capacity or discharge performance. The revised standard covers technical, safety, environmental and testing aspects of VRLA batteries. 1. General and Construction Requirements Manufacturers should review the construction and configuration of the VRLA battery against the applicable requirements, including: Cell and battery construction Materials and components Terminals and connections Battery enclosure and physical arrangement Identification and markings Construction-related safety provisions The product specification and manufacturing documentation should accurately reflect the configuration submitted for assessment. 2. Electrical and Performance Requirements The battery needs to demonstrate the required electrical, and performance characteristics under the applicable test conditions. Businesses should review relevant parameters such as: Capacity and discharge performance Charging characteristics Float operation Voltage behaviour Internal resistance Performance under specified operating conditions 3. Safety Requirements Manufacturers should verify battery construction, protection, operation and safe handling against the applicable safety requirements. 4. Environmental Requirements Businesses should check whether existing test evidence covers the environmental conditions and tests specified under TEC 67010:2026. 5. Testing Requirements The revised standard provides test methods for evaluating relevant characteristics of cells, mono-blocks and batteries. Before approaching a laboratory, businesses should: Identify the tests applicable to the specific product. Map existing reports against the revised requirements. Identify missing or outdated test evidence. Confirm the appropriate testing route. Prepare the required product and technical documentation. This pre-testing review can help avoid unnecessary repeat testing and reduce delays during the certification process. What Should Manufacturers and Importers Do Now? Businesses should treat the notification as a reason to review their current compliance position rather than waiting until a customer or regulator asks for updated documents. Step 1: Identify the Applicable Product Requirements Confirm that the VRLA battery and its intended telecom application fall within the applicable TEC requirements. Step 2: Review Existing Compliance Documents Collect previous TEC approvals, test reports, technical specifications, datasheets and product documentation. Step 3: Conduct a Gap Assessment Compare the existing product and supporting evidence with TEC 67010:2026. Step 4: Address Technical Gaps If the assessment identifies design, performance or safety gaps, make the required corrections before final testing. Step 5: Plan Laboratory Testing Determine which tests require fresh evidence and coordinate the applicable testing with the relevant laboratory. Step 6: Complete TEC/MTCTE Compliance Prepare the application and supporting documents required under the applicable conformity assessment and certification process. Step 7: Maintain Records Keep the final certification documents, test reports and product specifications properly organised. Any future product or manufacturing changes should also be reviewed for their potential impact on compliance. Impact on Businesses The new TEC 67010:2026 standard may have implications for product testing, technical documentation, certification process, and procurement. 1. VRLA Battery Manufacturers Area Impact Product Review Existing battery models should be assessed against TEC 67010:2026. Testing Existing test reports should be checked to identify any testing gaps. Documentation Technical specifications, manuals and supporting documents may need updates. Certification Manufacturers should determine the applicable TEC/MTCTE certification requirements. Product Changes Any design or component changes should be assessed for their compliance impact. 2. Importers and Foreign OEMs Area Impact Market Entry Applicable TEC requirements should be established before supplying products in India. Test Reports Existing international or previous test reports should be mapped against the applicable requirements. Documentation Product and technical information should remain consistent across certification records. Indian Representation Foreign manufacturers should assess whether an Authorised Indian Representative is required. Shipment Planning Certification and compliance requirements should be considered before commercial imports. 3. Telecom Operators and Infrastructure Companies Area Impact Procurement Suppliers should be evaluated for applicable TEC compliance. Vendor Checks Battery models and certification documents should be verified before purchase. Existing Inventory Existing battery models can be reviewed against the revised standard where relevant. Technical Reliability Procurement teams can use compliance evidence as an additional product-quality benchmark. 4. Telecom Power-System Suppliers and Integrators Companies supplying telecom power systems should verify the compliance position of VRLA batteries sourced from third parties. Battery specifications, model numbers, test reports and certification documents should match the products actually supplied and deployed. This is particularly important where a supplier integrates batteries into a larger telecom power solution and relies on third-party manufacturers for the battery component. How Businesses Can Achieve Compliance Companies dealing with VRLA batteries should check their products against TEC 67010:2026 and close any testing, documentation or certification gaps before they create issues during procurement or market access. Step-by-Step Compliance Pathway Identify the Applicable Requirements: Check the TEC requirements that apply to the VRLA battery and its telecom application. Review Existing Documents: Check your latest test reports, product specifications, datasheets, approvals and other technical documents. Conduct a Gap Assessment: Compare existing product evidence with TEC 67010:2026 and identify missing or outdated requirements. Address Product Gaps: Make necessary changes to product design, construction, performance or documentation where required. Complete Required Testing: Arrange applicable testing through the relevant testing laboratory and obtain supporting test evidence. Prepare the Certification Application: Compile the technical documents and test reports required for the applicable TEC/MTCTE process. Respond to Queries: Provide additional documents or clarifications if requested during the assessment or certification process. Maintain Compliance Records: Keep the approval, test reports and product documentation updated and review future product changes for their compliance impact. What Documents Should Businesses Keep Ready? Having the right documents ready can make the certification process more efficient. Depending on the product and applicable process, businesses may need: Product technical specifications Datasheets and product photographs Battery model and rating details Construction or design information Applicable test reports Manufacturing details Installation and maintenance instructions Existing TEC or certification documents Relevant declarations and supporting records The exact documentation should be confirmed against the applicable TEC requirements before submission. Benefits of Complying With TEC 67010:2026 Following TEC 67010:2026 can help businesses meet the applicable requirements and keep their VRLA battery products ready for telecom procurement and supply. Benefit Business Value Regulatory Readiness Helps businesses address applicable TEC and MTCTE requirements. Faster Customer Response Updated test reports and technical documents can be provided when buyers request them. Procurement Eligibility A clear compliance position can support supplier qualification and telecom procurement. Better Product Confidence Testing provides objective evidence of relevant battery performance and safety parameters. Reduced Compliance Delays Identifying documentation and testing gaps early can reduce avoidable rework. Market Credibility Demonstrable compliance can strengthen the manufacturer's position with telecom customers and system integrators. Common Compliance Gaps Businesses Should Watch Businesses often face delays because the product and its documentation are not aligned. Some common areas to check include: Old Test Reports: Existing reports may not cover every requirement under the revised standard. Product-Document Mismatch: Model numbers, ratings or specifications may differ across the product, test report and application. Incomplete Technical Files: Missing specifications or supporting documents can delay the certification process. Unassessed Product Changes: Changes in components, construction or manufacturing can affect the compliance position. Unclear Testing Scope: Starting laboratory testing without first identifying the applicable requirements can result in unnecessary testing or rework. What Happens If Businesses Do Not Review Their Compliance? For manufacturers and importers, overlooking the revised requirements can create practical problems during certification, customer qualification or procurement. Potential issues include: Delays in certification or approval Additional testing and documentation costs Difficulty responding to customer compliance queries Problems during supplier qualification Delays in launching or supplying updated battery models Greater risk of non-compliance due to outdated technical records The impact will depend on the product, applicable regulatory requirements and its existing certification position. Businesses should assess their individual position rather than assuming that every existing VRLA battery approval is affected in the same way. What Businesses Should Do Next? Businesses dealing with VRLA batteries should review their existing products, test reports and certification documents against TEC 67010:2026. Identify any testing or documentation gaps, address them early and confirm the applicable TEC/MTCTE compliance requirements before supplying or procuring the affected products. Need help assessing your VRLA battery compliance? Connect with Corpseed's TEC certification experts for practical support. Corpseed TEC Certification and Compliance Support For VRLA battery manufacturers, importers and telecom suppliers, understanding TEC 67010:2026 is only the first step. The next challenge is identifying the applicable requirements, checking existing test evidence and completing the right certification process without unnecessary delays. Corpseed can support businesses with: Service Support Offered TEC Certification Consultant Assess the applicable TEC requirements for VRLA battery products. TEC Compliance Gap Assessment Review existing specifications, test reports and documents against TEC 67010:2026. TEC Testing Support Help identify applicable testing requirements and coordinate the testing process. MTCTE Certification Services Support the applicable certification application, documentation and regulatory process. TEC Documentation Support Assist with organising technical documents, reports and supporting records. Importer & OEM Compliance Help foreign manufacturers and importers understand their India-specific compliance requirements. Existing Approval Review Assess earlier approvals and test reports to identify potential gaps under the revised standard. Key Takeaways TEC 67010:2026 revises the generic requirements for VRLA batteries used in telecommunications. Manufacturers and importers should review existing products, test reports and technical documentation against the revised standard. Existing approvals should be assessed to determine whether additional testing, documentation or certification action is required. Telecom operators and procurement teams should verify the compliance status of VRLA battery suppliers and products. Early TEC compliance assessment can help reduce testing delays, documentation gaps and avoidable rework. Businesses requiring support can work with a TEC certification consultant for gap assessment, testing, documentation and applicable MTCTE certification.