TEC

【India TEC】India NCCS Extends Pro-Tem Security Certification to a Two-Year Validity (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

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Key Update from DoT/NCCS: Scheme Extension and Certificate Validity Upgrade

Based on the latest official communications released by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), the Pro-Tem Security Certification Scheme has been extended for an additional two (2) years effective from January 1, 2026. In parallel, the validity of individual Pro-Tem certificates has been increased from six (6) months to two (2) years. The policy is intended to provide the industry with greater operational certainty and sufficient transition time while formal security testing and certification activities continue under the national framework.

Scope: ITSAR-Mandated Products Remain In-Scope

The Pro-Tem certification continues to be closely aligned with the Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR). In practice, it primarily applies to regulated product categories such as IP Routers and Wi-Fi CPE (including routers, Wi-Fi access points/CPE devices, and related variants). Importantly, the extended validity should not be interpreted as an exemption from security compliance obligations. Instead, it is a mechanism to support market continuity while products undergo required testing and certification procedures.

Official Rationale: Business Continuity and Reduced Renewal Burden

NCCS has emphasized that the adjustment aims to: ensure continuity of business operations, reduce pressure caused by frequent renewals, and ease the transition toward full-scale mandatory security certification. For products already holding a Pro-Tem certificate, stakeholders are advised to track certificate status and any renewal/extension requirements through NCCS/MTCTE processes and subsequent notices, particularly where import clearance, delivery timelines, or customer commitments depend on valid certification status.

Ongoing Monitoring and Customer Advisory

Our team will continue to monitor further announcements and implementation guidance from DoT/NCCS, including any follow-up notifications, procedural clarifications, and updates related to the Pro-Tem pathway and subsequent standard/graded certification regimes. We will keep customers and partners informed as additional details become available.