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Product guide18 min read

Importing GPS trackers into India: MTCTE, WPC and EPR rules for 2026

A cellular GPS tracker is a 'Tracking Device' under TEC's MTCTE scheme, so each model needs a TEC certificate (Group B, Rs 20,000) before import or sale. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi models also need a WPC ETA, and importers need battery EPR. BIS CRS does not list GPS trackers.

On this page
  1. Key facts
  2. What do you need to import GPS trackers into India?
  3. Which approvals do GPS trackers need? The full table
  4. What HS code do GPS trackers fall under, and which variants are borderline?
  5. Which HS codes are used for GPS trackers, and what are the alternatives?
  6. Are GPS trackers free to import, or is there a restriction?
  7. How do you get a GPS tracker approved for import, step by step?
  8. How does MTCTE apply to GPS trackers?
  9. Does a GPS tracker need a WPC ETA?
  10. Do vehicle GPS trackers need AIS-140?
  11. Do GPS trackers need BIS registration?
  12. Which EPR registrations does a GPS tracker importer need?
  13. What labels does a GPS tracker need in India?
  14. What should you check on a tracker and its box before it ships?
  15. How much does it cost to get a GPS tracker ready for India?
  16. What does it cost to certify one or three tracker models?
  17. How long does MTCTE and ETA take for a GPS tracker?
  18. Worked cases: three ways GPS trackers come into India
  19. Who is responsible: foreign maker, Indian representative, importer or seller?
  20. Where do GPS tracker shipments get stuck?
  21. What happens if you sell GPS trackers without MTCTE?
  22. What has changed for GPS trackers recently?
  23. Where can you get help with GPS tracker approvals?
  24. Frequently asked questions
  25. Sources

Key facts at a glance

Main approval
TEC MTCTE, product 'Tracking Device'[1]
MTCTE mandatory since
1 January 2024 (Phase-3)[1]
MTCTE scheme
Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS)[2]
MTCTE fee
Group B, Rs 20,000 administrative fee[3]
SCS certificate time
Normally within 15 working days[3]
MTCTE certificate validity
Normally 10 years[3]
WPC ETA (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi models)
Rs 10,000 per model, self-declaration[4]
BIS CRS
Not a listed category[5]
Battery EPR
Register with CPCB before importing[6]
Penalty for uncertified stock
Stop sale in 7 days; certify within 180 days at 10x fee[7]

Checked 1 November 2026 against the regulator's own documents.

What do you need to import GPS trackers into India?

A GPS tracker works out where it is from satellites and then sends that position somewhere, usually over a mobile network through a SIM, sometimes over Bluetooth to a phone. The sending part is what India regulates. For a typical cellular tracker you need:

  1. TEC MTCTE certification for each model. 'Tracking Device' is a notified MTCTE product covering asset, human, pet and standalone vehicle trackers, mandatory from 1 January 2024[1]. A foreign maker needs an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to apply[8].
  2. WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) if the tracker also has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, because ETA covers devices working in de-licensed bands[4].
  3. Battery EPR with CPCB, because importers of equipment containing batteries are producers[6].
  4. Plastic packaging EPR if the trackers come in plastic packaging[9].
  5. LMPC importer registration and package declarations for retail packs[10].

Extra for fleet trackers: a tracker sold for buses, taxis and other public service vehicles must be type-approved to AIS-140 under rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules[11].

Not required: BIS CRS registration, because GPS trackers are not one of the 66 CRS categories[5], and the BEE star label.

Check your model with the approval checker, or send us the datasheet for a free compliance check.

Which approvals do GPS trackers need? The full table

Official government fees only. Lab, AIR and consultant charges are not government fees; the cost example below covers them.

Approvals for GPS trackers imported into India (checked 1 Nov 2026)
ApprovalNeeded?Why it appliesWho issuesOfficial feeTimeValidity
TEC MTCTEYes (cellular or other networked trackers)'Tracking Device' is a Phase-3 product[1]TEC, through the MTCTE portal[7]Rs 20,000 (Group B)[3]Normally within 15 working days under SCS[3]Normally 10 years[3]
WPC ETAIf Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or another de-licensed radioETA covers devices in de-licensed bands[4]WPC Wing, DoTRs 10,000 per model[4]Downloaded on submission[12]Lifetime of the model[4]
AIS-140 type approvalOnly for trackers fitted to public service vehiclesRule 125H of the CMVR[11]Testing agency such as ARAI[11]Set by the testing agencyNot fixedPer type approval certificate
BIS CRSNoNot a CRS category[5]----
Battery EPRYesEquipment containing batteries[6]CPCBRs 10,000 under Rs 5 crore turnover[13]2 weeks, then deemed[14]Until cancelled[14]
E-waste EPRDependsTrackers are not named; the nearest entry is telecom transmitting equipment, ITEW17[15]CPCBRs 2,500 to Rs 15 lakh by target; Rs 10,000 for new sellers[16]Shortcomings within 25 working days[16]5 years[16]
Plastic EPRYes, if plastic packagingImporter of goods in plastic packaging[9]CPCB or SPCB[17]Rs 10,000 under 1,000 TPA[18]15 days under the SOP[18]1 year fresh, 3 years renewed[18]
LMPC importer registrationYes (retail packs)Rule 27 covers importers[10]State Controller or Director[10]Rs 500[10]Incomplete returned in 7 working days[10]Until cancelled[19]
BEE star labelNoNot an appliance on BEE's lists----

What HS code do GPS trackers fall under, and which variants are borderline?

There is no single official ruling for every tracker, and classification depends on what the device mainly does. Two lines are used in practice:

  • Radio navigation apparatus (heading 8526). A 2015 DGFT notification, as reproduced by TaxGuru, kept ITC(HS) 85269190 'Restricted' but made GPS/DGPS receivers and GSM/CDMA vehicle tracking systems with a valid IMEI, ESN or MEID free to import[20]. We have not seen the official PDF or checked whether ITC(HS) 2022 carries the same wording, so treat the IMEI condition as reported.
  • Data transmission apparatus (heading 8517). Some importers use 8517 for trackers that are mainly cellular modems with a GPS chip. If you take this route, get your customs broker's view in writing.

The practical point of the 2015 wording: a cellular tracker should carry a valid IMEI. A tracker without one is the kind of shipment Customs may ask questions about.

Borderline products:

Product What changes
Bluetooth-only tag that uses a phone to report position No SIM, so on our reading it is not a stand-alone MTCTE 'tracking device', but it needs a WPC ETA for Bluetooth[4]
Passive GPS logger (stores a track, no transmitter) No radio transmission; on our reading neither MTCTE nor ETA applies. Confirm with your lab
Tracker with built-in eSIM or M2M SIM The tracker needs MTCTE, and the SIM/eSIM itself is a separate Phase-4 MTCTE product[1]
Vehicle tracker for buses, taxis, trucks with permits AIS-140 type approval plus VAHAN upload[11] on top of MTCTE
Kids' or elderly GPS watch Smart watches are exempt from MTCTE under S.O. 2372(E)[21] but need BIS CRS as 'Smart Watches'[22]. Whether a device is a 'watch' or a 'human tracking device' is a judgment call
IoT gateway that collects data from many sensors Separate MTCTE product, also Phase-3[1]

Which HS codes are used for GPS trackers, and what are the alternatives?

Most cellular trackers are declared under 85269190, with 85176290 as the main alternative for devices that are mainly data transmitters. Neither line changes the MTCTE or ETA position, which follows the device's function. Look up any line in the HS code approval finder.

HS lines used for trackers and what each implies (confirm with your customs broker)
DeviceLine usually usedNote
Cellular GPS tracker with IMEI (vehicle, asset, personal)85269190, radio navigational aid apparatus - other[20]Reported: Free only with a valid IMEI, ESN or MEID
Tracker that is mainly a 4G data modem with GPS85176290, other apparatus for transmission of data[23]Get the broker's view in writing
GPS watch for children or the elderly85176290 is used for smartwatches[23]BIS CRS as Smart Watches[22]; see smartwatches
Spare tracker battery shipped aloneBattery line, not the tracker lineBattery EPR applies[6]
Antenna or cable sold aloneAccessory lineNo WPC import licence needed[24]

Are GPS trackers free to import, or is there a restriction?

Cellular trackers with a valid IMEI are reported to be free to import, and there is no DGFT licence or BIS step. The reported 2015 DGFT wording kept 85269190 'Restricted' in general but freed GPS receivers and IMEI-bearing vehicle tracking systems[20]. If a radio device is Restricted under DGFT policy, WPC needs a scrutiny-based ETA and a separate import licence instead of self-declaration[24], so keep the IMEI list with your customs clearance documents.

The real gate is MTCTE: no notified telecom equipment may be sold or used in India without a valid certificate[7], and the import date for MTCTE is the date the shipment left the foreign port[3].

How do you get a GPS tracker approved for import, step by step?

Start this before you place the production order. MTCTE needs Indian lab test reports for most parameters, and the certificate must exist before goods are dispatched.

  1. 1
    Decide what the device is

    List every radio in the tracker: cellular (2G/4G/LTE-M/NB-IoT), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa. A cellular tracker is an MTCTE 'Tracking Device'[1]; a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi radio adds a WPC ETA[4].

  2. 2
    Appoint the Indian applicant

    A foreign maker certifies through an Authorised Indian Representative, an Indian company importing its equipment, which registers on the MTCTE portal with an authorisation letter and an affidavit or MoU with the maker[8].

  3. 3
    Register on the MTCTE portal

    Upload company registration, authorisation letter, AoA, MoA and shareholding pattern; an AIR also uploads the MoU with the foreign OEM[2]. TEC must approve the registration before you can apply[2].

  4. 4
    Test against the Tracking Device ER

    Test at a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body against ER TEC2873YYMM[2]. ILAC-accredited foreign reports are accepted only under time-bound relaxations, must be under two years old, and some parameters must still be tested in India[3].

  5. 5
    File the MTCTE application and pay

    Enter product, variant, interfaces, BoM and data sheet; the portal shows the scheme, ER and fee[2]. Pay Rs 20,000 through BharatKosh[3], then upload parameter-wise test reports[2].

  6. 6
    Get the ETA if there is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

    On Saral Sanchar, enter the model and RF test report details, pay Rs 10,000 per model and download the ETA[25][4].

  7. 7
    Register for EPR and LMPC

    Register with CPCB for battery EPR before importing[6], plus plastic EPR, and apply for LMPC importer registration within 90 days of starting imports[10].

  8. 8
    Label and ship

    Mark each unit with the brand, model, serial number and TEC label with the certificate number[2], put the LMPC declarations on the retail pack, and dispatch only after the MTCTE certificate is issued, because the import date is the date of dispatch from the foreign port[3].

How does MTCTE apply to GPS trackers?

MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) is TEC's scheme for equipment that connects to Indian telecom networks. It now runs under the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025[7]. No notified equipment may be sold or used in India without a valid certificate[7].

Which trackers are covered. TEC's list names four variants under 'Tracking Device': asset tracking devices, human tracking devices, pet tracking devices and standalone tracking devices for vehicles, all Phase-3 with certification mandatory from 1 January 2024[1]. See the full list on MTCTE products.

Which scheme. Tracking devices are in the Simplified Certification Scheme[26]. Under SCS, TEC does not evaluate the reports in depth and a certificate is normally issued within fifteen working days; under the General Certification Scheme it is normally 4-8 weeks[3].

Fee. Only the administrative fee is charged for ER-based applications since 1 January 2024[26]. Tracking devices are Group B, Rs 20,000[3]. Modifications and renewals cost the same as the group's administrative fee[2]. Details on MTCTE fees.

Essential Requirement. The test standard is the Tracking Device ER, numbered TEC2873YYMM, where YYMM is the release date of the current version[2]. An ER can cover EMI/EMC, safety, technical and security requirements[2]. For safety, TEC accepts a valid BIS certificate or a safety report from a BIS-recognised lab[3]. See essential requirements.

GPS parameter. TEC gave a generic exemption from submitting GPS-parameter test reports under all ERs that ran until 31 December 2024[27]. We have not found an extension, so plan to test the GPS parameter if your ER lists it.

SIMs. If the tracker ships with an embedded SIM or eSIM, that SIM is itself an MTCTE product (Phase-4, mandatory from 1 August 2024)[1]. Usually the SIM vendor holds that certificate; ask for a copy.

Exemptions. Units imported for R&D, demonstration, sample testing or a regulatory sandbox, and units brought in for personal use, are exempt[7].

Validity. A regular certificate is normally valid for ten years; a provisional one for two[3].

Does a GPS tracker need a WPC ETA?

Only if it has a radio working in a de-licensed band, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. ETA is WPC's approval for devices operating in de-licensed bands or involving RF transmission[4], and short-range devices are on WPC's self-declaration list[4]. See delicensed frequency band.

Cost and speed. ETA by self-declaration costs Rs 10,000 per model[4] and the certificate is downloaded on submission on Saral Sanchar[12]. You need an RF test report, the maker's authorisation and technical literature[4]. It is valid for the life of the model[4]. Walkthrough: Saral Sanchar portal.

Import licence. For licence-exempt devices that are 'Free' under DGFT policy, the undertaking generated by Saral Sanchar is enough to import, with no separate WPC import licence[24]. The ETA only covers RF rules; DGFT import conditions still apply[12].

Cellular-only trackers. The cellular radio works on operators' licensed spectrum, which is the domain of MTCTE rather than ETA self-declaration. Whether a cellular-only tracker needs an ETA is not settled in any document we found; many labs advise one anyway. Ask your lab. For the difference between the two, read WPC ETA vs MTCTE.

Telecom Act changes. DoT has stopped new applications under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Telecommunications Act authorisations move to a new portal from 25 June 2026[28]. The ETA self-declaration route is still listed on the ETA page[12].

Do vehicle GPS trackers need AIS-140?

Yes, if they are sold for public service vehicles. Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules makes a vehicle location tracking device with an emergency button mandatory in public service vehicles, except two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, three-wheelers and transport vehicles that need no permit[11].

Those devices are type-approved by a testing agency such as ARAI against AIS-140 and the October 2018 MoRTH orders, and the device maker must upload each device's details to the VAHAN database[11]. State transport departments then endorse approved models.

AIS-140 does not replace MTCTE. A fleet tracker is still a 'standalone tracking device for vehicle' under MTCTE[1], so plan for both. Trackers sold to private car owners, logistics firms for non-permit vehicles, or for assets and pets do not need AIS-140.

Do GPS trackers need BIS registration?

No. BIS's list of 66 Electronics and IT goods under the Compulsory Registration Scheme does not name GPS or vehicle trackers[5]. The list grows over time, so check the BIS CRS page before each new product.

Two things can still pull BIS into a tracker shipment:

  • A plug-in charger in the box. Power adaptors for IT equipment are a CRS category[22], so a bundled charger needs its own registration from its maker.
  • A watch-style tracker. If you market a GPS watch, it may be a 'Smart Watch' under CRS[22].

Which EPR registrations does a GPS tracker importer need?

Battery EPR: yes. CPCB's FAQ says importers of equipment containing batteries are producers and must register before importing[6]. CPCB has asked Customs to check registration certificates for such consignments[29]. The fee is Rs 10,000 for turnover under Rs 5 crore[13], and registration is deemed granted if CPCB does not act within two weeks[14]. Tracker batteries are usually 'portable' batteries (sealed, under 5 kg)[30].

E-waste EPR: depends. Schedule I does not name trackers. The nearest entry is 'products or equipment for transmitting sound, images or other information by telecommunications' (ITEW17)[15]. Many importers register under it to be safe; selling unregistered can attract environmental compensation[15].

Plastic EPR: yes, if packed in plastic. An importer of goods in plastic packaging is an obligated 'importer'[9].

Registration walkthrough: CPCB EPR portal.

What labels does a GPS tracker need in India?

On the device (MTCTE). The brand name, trade and model name, serial number, and the TEC certification label with 'MTCTE' and the certificate number[2]. The TEC logo must be at least 6 mm high, or an e-label if the device has a display[2]. There is a six-month grace period from the mandatory date or certificate date, whichever is later[2]. The user manual must say the product conforms to the relevant TEC Essential Requirements[2].

On the battery or device (battery EPR). The crossed-out wheelie-bin symbol[30] and your EPR registration number. For imported batteries, marking it on the equipment or its packaging is enough[31], and a QR code or barcode carrying the number is allowed since 2025[32].

On the retail pack (LMPC). Importer's name and address, country of origin, generic name, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, MRP, unit sale price and consumer care details[33]. Detail: LMPC label rules.

Online listings. E-commerce sites must show the same declarations on the product page[34] (reported).

What should you check on a tracker and its box before it ships?

Use this list at the factory. The label checker and the product label checklist cover Legal Metrology in more depth.

How much does it cost to get a GPS tracker ready for India?

Worked example: one 4G asset tracker model with Bluetooth, imported by an Indian company with under Rs 5 crore turnover. Government fees are official; lab and consultant figures are published estimates, not quotes.

First-year cost for one GPS tracker model (indicative)
ItemAmountBasis
MTCTE administrative fee (Group B)Rs 20,000[3]
MTCTE testing at a designated labAbout Rs 55,000 (SGS published rate for a tracking device, excl. taxes)[36] (reported)
WPC ETA for BluetoothRs 10,000[4]
RF test report for ETARs 15,000-40,000 per model, consultant estimate[37] (reported)
Battery EPR registrationRs 10,000[13]
Plastic EPR registrationRs 10,000[18]
LMPC importer registrationRs 500[10]
Total, before consultants and GSTAbout Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 1.45 lakhSum of the rows

What does it cost to certify one or three tracker models?

About Rs 50,500 in government fees for one Bluetooth-equipped 4G tracker and Rs 1,10,500 for three, by our arithmetic, before lab testing. Family-based MTCTE certification is charged at Group D, Rs 50,000[3], which is cheaper than three separate Group B applications only if TEC accepts the models as one family. Compare with typical quotes on MTCTE certification cost and WPC ETA cost, or use the compliance cost estimator.

Official fees: 1 vs 3 tracker models with Bluetooth, first year (our arithmetic; testing excluded)
Item1 model3 modelsSource
MTCTE administrative fee, Group B per modelRs 20,000Rs 60,000[3]
WPC ETA per modelRs 10,000Rs 30,000[4]
Battery EPR, under Rs 5 crore turnoverRs 10,000Rs 10,000[13]
Plastic EPR, under 1,000 TPARs 10,000Rs 10,000[18]
LMPC importer registrationRs 500Rs 500[10]
Total, our arithmeticRs 50,500Rs 1,10,500-
Alternative: MTCTE family certification (Group D)-Rs 50,000 instead of Rs 60,000[3]
MTCTE testing, SGS published rate per tracker (reported)About Rs 55,000About Rs 1,65,000[36]

How long does MTCTE and ETA take for a GPS tracker?

Plan four to ten weeks, mostly lab time. Trackers are on the Simplified Certification Scheme[2], where TEC normally issues the certificate within fifteen working days[3]. The portal registration of the Indian applicant has to be approved first[2].

Official clocks for tracker approvals
StepOfficial clockSource
MTCTE portal registration of OEM or AIRAfter TEC scrutiny of documents[2]
MTCTE certificate under SCSAbout 15 working days[3]
WPC ETA by self-declarationOn submission[12]
Battery EPR registrationTwo weeks, then deemed[14]
Plastic EPR registration15 days, else deemed[18]
LMPC importer registrationApply within 90 days of first import[10]
MTCTE labelling graceSix months from the certificate or mandatory date[2]
MTCTE certificate validityTen years; renew two months before expiry[3][2]

Worked cases: three ways GPS trackers come into India

1. First-time importer bringing a Chinese 4G pet tracker. The Indian company becomes the AIR, registers on the MTCTE portal[8], and sends samples to an Indian CAB. Because the tracker has Bluetooth for setup, it also files a WPC ETA[4]. Note that a foreign test lab in China cannot be recognised as a CAB under the 2025 rules, because CABs abroad must not be in a country sharing a land border with India[7]. It registers for battery EPR before the first shipment[6]. Dispatch waits for the MTCTE certificate.

2. Marketplace seller buying certified stock from an Indian brand. The seller buys finished, labelled trackers from a brand that already holds the MTCTE certificate. The seller does not need its own MTCTE certificate, but should get a copy and check the TEC label and certificate number on the device[2]. Recertification is not needed for an unchanged model[7]. If the seller imports any units itself, the battery EPR and LMPC duties fall on it as importer[10].

3. Foreign fleet-telematics brand entering the bus market. It needs MTCTE for its standalone vehicle tracker[1], AIS-140 type approval from a testing agency, and VAHAN integration[11]. The embedded M2M eSIM must come from a vendor whose SIM is MTCTE-certified[1].

Who is responsible: foreign maker, Indian representative, importer or seller?

The MTCTE certificate is in the name of the OEM through its Indian representative, the ETA is filed by the importer or representative, and EPR sits with whoever imports. For fleet devices, the maker also uploads device data to VAHAN.

Who holds what for a GPS tracker
PartyDutySource
Foreign OEMCertifies through an Authorised Indian Representative that imports its equipment[8]
AIR or Indian OEMRegisters on the MTCTE portal; ensures labelling for foreign OEMs[2]
ImporterETA self-declaration, battery and plastic EPR, LMPC[38][6][10]
AIS-140 device makerType approval by a testing agency and VAHAN upload[11]
Seller and marketplaceDo not sell uncertified notified equipment; show package declarations online[7][34]
Telecom operatorSuspends service for uncertified equipment after seven days' notice[7]

Where do GPS tracker shipments get stuck?

  • No MTCTE certificate when the goods left the foreign port. The import date is the dispatch date[3]; a certificate issued after dispatch does not cover that consignment.
  • Missing IMEI. The 2015 DGFT wording made trackers 'Free' only with a valid IMEI, ESN or MEID[20] (reported). Keep the IMEI list ready.
  • No battery EPR certificate. Customs has been asked to check CPCB registration for equipment containing batteries[29].
  • Bluetooth model without ETA. A self-declaration ETA is what Customs relies on to clear licence-exempt wireless products[4].
  • Wrong product category. A 'GPS watch' filed as a tracker, or the reverse, can mean the wrong approval. Settle the category before testing.

Samples for testing are exempt from MTCTE[7] and from ETA if you give Customs the prescribed undertaking[24].

What happens if you sell GPS trackers without MTCTE?

If notified equipment is found without a valid certificate, the holder gets a notice to stop sale, distribution or use within seven days. To resume, it can certify within 180 days by paying ten times the normal fee, and the authority may seek seizure or destruction[7]. For a Group B tracker that means Rs 2 lakh instead of Rs 20,000[3].

Telecom operators must also give users of uncertified notified equipment seven days' written notice and then suspend their connection[7]. For a cellular tracker, that means the SIM can be cut off.

Other penalties: environmental compensation for unregistered producers under the e-waste rules[15], and under the Legal Metrology Act an improvement notice for a first packaging offence, then a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh[39].

What has changed for GPS trackers recently?

The legal base for MTCTE moved in 2025, and the GPS test-report relief ended. Track further changes on new rules 2026.

  • New MTCTE rules. MTCTE now runs under the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025[7]; existing ERs and certificates continue[40].
  • GPS test exemption ended. TEC's relief from submitting test reports for the GPS parameter ran finally to 31 December 2024[27], so new applications need the GPS tests.
  • Telecommunications Act portal. DoT stopped new Telegraph Act applications in 2026[41]; check where to file the ETA.
  • Ten-year certificates. Regular MTCTE certificates now last ten years[3].

Where can you get help with GPS tracker approvals?

Frequently asked questions

Is MTCTE mandatory for GPS trackers in India?

Yes for trackers that report over a network. 'Tracking Device' (asset, human, pet and standalone vehicle trackers) has been mandatory under MTCTE Phase-3 since 1 January 2024[1].

How much does MTCTE cost for a GPS tracker?

The TEC administrative fee is Rs 20,000, because tracking devices are Group B[3]. Lab testing is extra and charged by the lab[2].

How long does MTCTE take for a tracker?

Tracking devices are under the Simplified Certification Scheme, where a certificate is normally issued within fifteen working days of a complete application[3]. Lab testing time comes before that.

Does a GPS tracker need BIS registration?

No. GPS trackers are not among the 66 CRS categories[5]. A bundled power adaptor may need its own BIS registration[22].

Does a Bluetooth tracker tag need MTCTE?

On our reading, no, because it has no network connection of its own and is not a notified tracking device. It does need a WPC ETA, which costs Rs 10,000 per model[4].

Can I use test reports from a lab in China for MTCTE?

Foreign labs can be recognised as CABs only if ILAC-accredited and not in a country sharing a land border with India[7]. ILAC reports are otherwise accepted only under time-bound relaxations[3].

Do vehicle trackers need AIS-140?

Only those fitted to public service vehicles under rule 125H of the CMVR[11]. They are type-approved by agencies such as ARAI and registered on VAHAN[11].

Can I import a few trackers to test before certifying?

Yes. Equipment imported for R&D, demonstration or sample testing is exempt from MTCTE[7]. Keep the quantity small and the purpose documented.

How long is an MTCTE certificate valid?

Normally ten years for a regular certificate[3]. Renew at least two months before expiry[2].

Is a GPS tracker free to import into India?

Reportedly yes, if it carries a valid IMEI, ESN or MEID: a 2015 DGFT notification freed GPS receivers and vehicle tracking systems with these identifiers[20]. MTCTE still has to be in place before sale[7].

What does a GPS watch for children need?

Smart watches are exempt from MTCTE under S.O. 2372(E)[21] but need BIS CRS registration as Smart Watches[22]. Whether a device is a watch or a human tracking device decides which route applies.

Sources 42 documents, 37 official

Each number in the text links to the document below. Labels show the type of source; see our editorial policy.

  1. Official portal List of Telecom products notified under MTCTE along with their effective mandatory certification date (DoT/TEC)
  2. Official circular MTCTE Procedure v3.0 (TEC 93009:2024), with amendments of 19.09.2024 and 01.01.2025 · 19 September 2024
  3. Official portal TEC 93009:2024 - MTCTE Procedure v3.0 (with TEC notification 1-2/2024-TC/TEC dated 01.01.2025 amending clauses) · 1 January 2025
  4. Official portal Equipment Type Approval (ETA) - DoT eServices Portal (last updated 28-05-2025) · 28 May 2025
  5. Official portal BIS: Scheme-II Registration Scheme, products under compulsory registration · 1 November 2026
  6. Official portal CPCB FAQs (General) under Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
  7. Gazette G.S.R. 315(E), 16 May 2025 - Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 (Gazette copy on DoT eServices) · 16 May 2025
  8. Official portal MTCTE Portal - DoT eServices (mtcte.tec.gov.in redirects here)
  9. Gazette Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 - G.S.R. 201(E) (gazette copy hosted by TNPCB) · 14 March 2024
  10. Official portal The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 (G.S.R. 202(E), 7 March 2011) - copy hosted by Directorate of Legal Metrology, West Bengal · 7 March 2011
  11. Official circular Transport Department, Govt of NCT of Delhi circular on VLT device type approval (21.11.2024) · 21 November 2024
  12. Official circular DoT WPC OM No. R-11017/01/2018-PP(part-1) dated 09.09.2024 - Issuance of ETA for License-Exempt Wireless Equipment Devices · 9 September 2024
  13. Official portal CPCB SOP for Registration of Producers through the Online Portal under BWM Rules, 2022
  14. Gazette Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2023 - S.O. 4669(E) · 25 October 2023
  15. Gazette E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 - G.S.R. 801(E), Gazette of India (CPCB copy) · 2 November 2022
  16. Official circular CPCB SOP for grant of registration to Producers under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (April 2023; copy hosted by Pollution Control Board Assam) · 1 April 2023
  17. Gazette Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 - G.S.R. 133(E) inserting Schedule II EPR Guidelines · 16 February 2022
  18. Official portal CPCB SOP for Registration of Producer, Importer & Brand Owners through Plastic EPR Portal (15 Mar 2022) · 15 March 2022
  19. Gazette G.S.R. 418(E), 29 May 2026 - Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2026 (Gazette of India, Extraordinary) · 29 May 2026
  20. Reported TaxGuru reproduction of DGFT Notification 105 (RE-2013)/2009-2014 · 1 January 2015Not yet confirmed officially
  21. Gazette DoT S.O. 2372(E): exemption of five categories from prior MTCTE · 24 May 2022
  22. Official portal Products under CRS - crsbis.in (Products BIS list)
  23. Court order CESTAT New Delhi Final Order No. 51585/2023 in Customs Appeal No. 50234 of 2021 (smart watch classification) · 30 November 2023
  24. Official circular DoT WPC File No. R-11018/02/2017-PP dated 06.07.2022 - Compendium of Orders/Circulars/Guidelines on import licensing of wireless equipment · 6 July 2022
  25. Official portal ETA Self Declaration Applicant Manual - Saral Sanchar (DoT)
  26. Official circular TEC Notification F No. 1-5/2022-TC/TEC dated 27.12.2023 - Re-categorization of notified products as GCS & SCS and reduction of fee for ER based applications w.e.f. 01.01.2024 · 27 December 2023
  27. Official circular TEC Notification 5-5/2024-TC/TEC (01.07.2024) and corrigendum (07.08.2024) · 7 August 2024
  28. Official portal DoT eServices Portal - notice displayed on ETA/Saral Sanchar pages
  29. Official circular CPCB letter dated 23 Dec 2022 to CBIC on clearing battery import consignments · 23 December 2022
  30. Gazette Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 - S.O. 3984(E), Gazette of India · 22 August 2022
  31. Official circular CPCB Notice dated 28 May 2024 on MoEFCC OM of 17 May 2024 (recycled material and labelling) · 28 May 2024
  32. Gazette Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2025 - S.O. 958(E) · 24 February 2025
  33. Official circular Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2673 (07.08.2024): Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 - answer by MoS Consumer Affairs · 7 August 2024
  34. Reported S.S. Rana & Co. - E-commerce websites now come under the purview of the Legal Metrology Act; Lok Sabha answer cited in search results · 23 June 2017Not yet confirmed officially
  35. Gazette Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022 - G.S.R. 522(E) · 6 July 2022
  36. Reported Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) - SGS India · 1 January 2025Not yet confirmed officially
  37. Reported WPC ETA approval for wireless equipment - Beacon Filing (21 March 2026, updated 11 June 2026) · 11 June 2026Not yet confirmed officially
  38. Official circular DoT WPC OM No. ETA-WPC/Policy/2018-19 dated 26.02.2019 - ETA through self-declaration for certain categories of Wireless Equipment in license exempt bands (with annexed self-declaration format) · 26 February 2019
  39. Gazette The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 (No. 8 of 2026), Gazette of India Extraordinary Part II Sec 1, 8 April 2026 (CG-DL-E-08042026-271642), copy hosted on dgma.gov.in · 8 April 2026
  40. Gazette G.S.R. 315(E): Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 · 16 May 2025
  41. Official portal DoT eServices - Saral Sanchar portal notice on Telecommunications Act 2023 authorisations
  42. Reported TEC Certification in India - Professional UtilitiesNot yet confirmed officially

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