Draft Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025

Prelims – Indian Polity and Governance

Mains – GS III | Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Why in News?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released the draft Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.

• It revised and streamlined the framework for the standardisation and certification of the telecom equipment in India.
• It is notified under Section 19 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• Currently, the regulatory framework governing the testing and certification of telegraph equipment is prescribed under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.
• Once the draft is finalised, will supersede and replace the Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.
• However, the Draft Rules will not impact the validity of existing standards, essential requirements, specifications, testing requirements, and conformity assessments issued by the Central Government or its authorised entities.
• Proposed changes - The Telecommunication Engineering Centre and the National Centre for Communication Security are the authorities that can

o Change or review rules, standards and conformity measures;

o Establish guidelines for laboratories to become conformity assessment bodies and issue conformity certificates.

• Operators must ensure that the validity of their product’s conformity certificate is prominently displayed.
• Exemptions for research, development, demonstration, testing, or personal use exist.
• Penalties can be imposed for non-compliance.
• A dedicated digital portal for all compliance requirements, with changes and other updates.
• The draft rules will be applicable to telecoms equipment, including original equipment manufacturers, authorised Indian representatives, importers, distributors, sellers, authorised entities, licensees and users.
• The Draft Rules seek to enhance security, standardisation, and compliance oversight, thereby strengthening India’s telecom infrastructure and safeguard national telecommunications networks.

References

PIB | Draft Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025