The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) has issued an important regulatory update concerning Pro Tem Certificates under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework.
As approved by the competent authority, the validity period of Pro Tem Certificates has been extended from 6 months to 2 years, providing greater flexibility and regulatory relief to manufacturers and applicants.
What Is a Pro Tem Certificate?
A Pro Tem Certificate is a temporary certification issued under MTCTE that allows manufacturers to place products in the Indian market while full MTCTE compliance testing and certification are being completed. It is typically used when:
Test infrastructure for a specific product category is still evolving, or
Full compliance testing cannot be completed within standard timelines.
Pro Tem Certificates are subject to specific conditions and are intended as an interim regulatory measure—not a replacement for full MTCTE certification.
Key Highlights of the Update
Extended validity period
All Pro Tem Certificates issued on or after 05 December 2025 will now be valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Renewal of existing Pro Tem Certificates
For Pro Tem Certificates that are nearing expiry:
Applicants must apply for renewal via the MTCTE portal.
The renewed certificate will be issued with a validity equal to the remaining portion of the two-year period, calculated from the original date of issuance of the Pro Tem Certificate.
No change to existing conditions
All other terms and conditions applicable to Pro Tem Certificates remain unchanged, in accordance with the relevant MTCTE notifications cited by NCCS.
Policy review timeline
The newly introduced two-year validity policy will be reviewed and reassessed after one year, indicating that further updates may follow based on regulatory outcomes and industry feedback.
Who Is Impacted by This Change?
This update is relevant to:
Manufacturers applying for new Pro Tem Certificates after 05 December 2025
Existing Pro Tem Certificate holders approaching expiry
Importers and authorised Indian representatives (AIRs) responsible for MTCTE compliance
Product categories currently eligible for Pro Tem certification under MTCTE
This extension significantly reduces administrative burden, lowers renewal frequency, and offers improved planning certainty for manufacturers seeking market access in India under the MTCTE regime. Companies holding or applying for Pro Tem Certificates should, however, ensure that renewal timelines and compliance obligations are carefully monitored, especially for certificates issued prior to 05 December 2025. Access the official notification of this update below.
If you require assistance with MTCTE compliance, Pro Tem Certificate renewals, or understanding how this update impacts your certification strategy, the C-PRAV team is available to support you through every stage of the process.