DoT exempts handsets, smart watches from mandatory testing regime; addresses regulatory overlap

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Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) carries out Compulsory Registration of specified goods -- such as laptops, wireless keyboards, PoS machines and other electronic equipment -- under the Electronics and Information Technology (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012.

Department of Telecom (DoT) has specified 'Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE)' under Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 for equipment capable of being used for telecommunications. Amid increasing convergence of technology, regulatory overlap was noted regarding certain products such as smart watch, smart camera amongst others.

Representations were also received from industries and associations regarding the overlapping jurisdiction of DoT and MEITY. "It was highlighted that such overlap is a deterrent for the timely launch of new products. It also increases the compliance cost for the industry," the release noted.

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The removal of regulatory overlap in mandatory testing for these products is a "regulatory reform" that will improve the ease of doing business for electronics manufacturing companies and contribute towards making India a $1 trillion digital economy. "The gazette notification in this regard will be issued in due course," it said.