On June 11, 2025, India’s Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) issued letter TEC letter No. 6-6-/2021-TC/TEC, an important clarification regarding the acceptance of test reports for Smart Electricity Meters under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework. This update aims to standardize documentation practices and improve traceability for network communication modules embedded in smart meters.
New Rules for Communication Module Identification
The TEC has provided guidance on how test reports for electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and safety should reference the communication modules used in smart meters:
For meters tested or submitted for testing on or before June 12, 2025, test reports may omit the specific model number or code of the communication module. However, these reports must be accompanied by a formal self-declaration from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) confirming the exact module model/code used.
For meters submitted to laboratories for testing after June 12, 2025, the test reports must explicitly mention the model number or code of the communication module integrated into the equipment.
This clarification aligns with the standards outlined in IS 16444 and is intended to enhance consistency across testing documentation while maintaining compliance with BIS-recognized laboratory protocols.
Self-Declaration Requirements
To support cases where the communication module’s model/code is not listed in pre-June 12 test reports, OEMs must provide a “Self Declaration of Conformity.” This statement, issued on the company’s letterhead, must:
Identify the specific smart meter model and its communication module,
Reference the relevant EMI/EMC and safety test report numbers,
Confirm conformance to IS 16444 standards,
Be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant company.
Implications for Certification and Market Access
This update reinforces the importance of traceable component identification in telecom-integrated electrical devices and emphasizes TEC’s ongoing efforts to maintain rigorous safety and performance standards in India’s smart grid infrastructure. OEMs and importers must now ensure that all future test submissions include detailed communication module data or be prepared to file the corresponding declaration when applicable.
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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