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
