Essential Requirements for IP Security Equipment (TEC34732602)
The Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) has officially issued an updated version of the Essential Requirements (ER) for IP Security Equipment on 01 February 2026. This update introduces four new variants under the scope of IP security compliance:
1. Data Loss Prevention Equipment
2. Network Data Encryption Equipment
3. Secure Telemetry Equipment
4. Secure Web Gateway Equipment
The mandatory compliance date for these newly introduced variants is expected to be notified by TEC soon. We will share further updates as soon as the mandatory compliance timeline is officially released.
Scope and Focus
This regulation, issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework, specifies the essential requirements for IP Security Equipment in India. The regulation impacts manufacturers and importers of network security appliances, requiring compliance under the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS). The scope encompasses 15 product variants, including Firewalls, Unified Threat Management (UTM) equipment, Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and specialised security analytics platforms.
Permitted Radio Interfaces and Technical Parameters
The regulation covers equipment that may include various wireless and wired interfaces. Designated uses and technical parameters for radio-enabled variants include:
WiFi Interfaces:
2.4 GHz Band: Must conform to ETSI EN 300 328, FCC CFR47 pt 15.247, or pt 15.249.
5 GHz Band: Must conform to ETSI EN 301 893, ETSI EN 302 502, or FCC CFR47 pt 15.407, or pt 15.249.
Technical Parameters: EIRP and operating frequencies must comply with the latest National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) and General Statutory Rules (GSRs) issued by the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications.
Cellular Interfaces (5G, LTE, WCDMA, GSM):
5G NR (FR1 and FR2): Compliance with 3GPP TS 38.521-1, 38.521-2, and 38.521-3.
LTE / LTE-A: Compliance with 3GPP TS 36.521-1 or EN 301 908-13.
WCDMA / HSPA: Compliance with 3GPP TS 34.121-1 or EN 301 908-2.
GSM / GPRS / EDGE: Compliance with 3GPP TS 51 010-1 or EN 301 511.
Technical Parameters: Operating frequencies for all cellular technologies must align with the NFAP.
Optical and Ethernet Interfaces: Supports a wide range of speeds from 10 Mbps (Base-T) up to 400 Gbps (Optical), adhering to IEEE 802.3 standards.
Specific Exemptions and Restrictions
While specific exemptions are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the regulation dictates that equipment must adhere to "Class A" requirements for conducted and radiated emissions. This typically restricts the use of such devices in residential environments where "Class B" compliance would be necessary to prevent interference with radio and television reception.
In-Country Testing Procedures and Standards
Certification follows the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) for Product Fee Group C. Mandatory testing involves the following conformity assessment procedures:
EMI/EMC Testing: Compliance with TEC EMI EMC Standard, CISPR 32, or EN 55032 for emissions, and the EN/IEC 61000-4 series (parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, and 29) for immunity against electrostatic discharge, radiated RF, transients, surges, and voltage dips.
Safety Testing: Equipment must meet safety standards IS 13252-1, IEC 60950-1, or the latest IEC 62368-1.
Functional Testing: Specific functional tests are required for different variants, such as IPSec functional tests, NAT functional tests, and protection against OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities for Web Application Firewalls.
Standard References: Testing must be performed according to the procedures mentioned in the "Annexures to ERs" No. TEC/SD/DD/TCP-222/02/June19, as updated.
Labeling Requirements
Devices certified under this regulation must comply with the mandatory labeling requirements specified under the MTCTE framework. While the specific ER document focuses on technical parameters, manufacturers must ensure that the equipment bears the prescribed TEC certification label as proof of conformity before being placed on the Indian market.
Modification and Replacement of Regulations
This regulation operates under the authority of the MTCTE and references the document titled "Annexures to ERs" No. TEC/SD/DD/TCP-222/02/June19. It establishes specific technical criteria that modify or supplement general telecom equipment requirements specifically for IP Security Equipment to ensure national network security and interoperability within the Indian telecommunications ecosystem.
