MRAs eliminate the cost of retesting and re-certification, and shorten time to-market for partner countries’ manufacturers and exporters of telecommunication Equipments.

At present India has “Mutual Recognition Arrangement/Agreement (MRA) with Singapore in Telecommunication Sector.

TEC designates CABs and CBs for carrying out conformity assessment and certification of telecom equipment in accordance with the requirements of MRA partners. There are two documents which lay down the procedures and criteria for designating/recognising CABs & CBs are available on TEC website www.tec.gov.in. 

Scheme for Designating Domestic Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) and Certification Bodies (CBs) for Conformity Assessment and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment 

Scheme for Recognising Foreign Designated Conformity Assessment Bodies and Certification Bodies for Conformity Assessment and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment

The key factor in determining the time taken is the Lab readiness. Labs that have taken the time to prepare well for CAB Designation application, respond quickly to shortcomings, if any and clarifications sought if any during technical examination of documents of the lab and quick response to assessment deficiencies, can complete the process in a timely manner. TEC has all necessary resources, to designate a well-prepared Lab as CAB in a reasonable time of about 90 days. Some CABs were able to gain designation in less than 90 days.

The scope of designation by DA is limited to the scope for which accreditation is granted against TEC’s/ other Party’s technical standards and/or specifications. If the application for Designation as CAB/CB does not fully cover all tests corresponding to TEC’s technical standards and/or specifications, the DA may grant the designation corresponding to TEC’s technical standards and/or specifications to the extent against which designation is sought, subject to its technical evaluation by the DA.

Application for renewal of CAB Designation as per Application format given in Annexure-5 of TEC CAB/CB designation Scheme along with all requisite documents can be submitted within 180 days but not later than 60 days before the expiry of the certificate. Suspended or withdrawn designation shall NOT be renewed during the suspended or withdrawn period. However, the process of renewal may be initiated in the suspended/withdrawn period.

The fee for renewal shall be Rs. 10,000/- for every TEC’s technical standards/ specifications being applied for renewal limited to maximum amount up to Rs. 1,00,000/- or fees specified by DA time to time. The fee for renewal is to be paid online through Non Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) of Govt. of India to “TEC, New Delhi”.

In case of revision of TEC’s technical standards and/or specifications during the validity of designation, the CAB/CB needs to submit accreditation from any recognised Indian accreditation body like NABL and NABCB for any incremental tests in the corresponding technical, standards and/or specifications. The DA may conduct a site visit to ascertain the compliance to the corresponding revised technical standards and/or specifications. The validity of the designation would remain unchanged.

Yes, Designated CABs can advertise about their designation status but only with regard to standards or parts thereof which are included in the scope of designation. The advertisement should not imply, or otherwise suggest that DA or MRA Partner has endorsed the product or imply that the designated CAB/CB is an agent or representative of DA or MRA Partner.

CABs/CBs whose designations have been suspended or withdrawn for any reason, shall discontinue advertisement of their designated status and not make any misleading statements regarding their designation status.