On August 13, 2026, the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), under India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), issued a notification further extending the exemption from security certification for cloud-implemented IP routers and Wi-Fi Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs). The exemption, previously valid until August 31, 2026, now remains in effect until December 31, 2026. The notification is a continuation of NCCS notification No. NCCS/SC/3-1/2025-26-Part(2) dated March 30, 2026.
Background on the Cloud-Based Equipment Security Exemption
This is the latest in a series of extensions for cloud-based networking equipment. NCCS first granted the exemption on July 7, 2025, with validity until March 31, 2026. In March 2026, NCCS extended it to August 31, 2026, as covered in our earlier update on the security certification exemption for IP routers and Wi-Fi CPEs. The new notification adds four more months to the exemption period.
Stakeholders Covered by the Extension
The notification is addressed to all OEMs, dealers, importers, applicants, and Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTLs) through the NCCS website. It was issued with the approval of the Senior Deputy Director General of NCCS. NCCS has also asked eTT and C-DOT to make the necessary changes to the certification portal so the revised date is reflected in the system.
India's Telecom Security Certification Framework
Under India’s Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec), telecom equipment is evaluated against Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSARs) at designated TSTLs. IP routers and Wi-Fi CPEs are among the product categories with published ITSARs, which makes this exemption an important relief measure for vendors of cloud-implemented networking devices.
What the Extension Means for Manufacturers and Importers
Cloud-implemented IP routers and Wi-Fi CPEs remain exempt from NCCS security certification until December 31, 2026. However, the repeated short-term extensions signal that the exemption is a temporary measure rather than a permanent carve-out.
Manufacturers should use this window to prepare ITSAR documentation, engage a designated TSTL, and plan security testing timelines so their products remain compliant if the exemption is not extended beyond 2026.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
India
Certification Body: Ministry of IT and Communications, Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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