Govt removes regulatory overlap in mandatory testing of electronic goods

• With increasing convergence of technology, regulatory overlap was noted regarding certain products such as smart watch, smart camera etc, said the government 
• The exemptions on these widely used products will reduce the compliance burden and will enable the industry to roll out their products faster, it added 

New Delhi: The government has done away with a regulatory overlap that existed in the mandatory testing of laptops, wireless keyboards, smart watches, and other electronic goods, by removing the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) authority over this area and putting the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) in charge. An official statement released by the Ministry of Communications said on Saturday, "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) carries out Compulsory Registration of specified goods (such as Laptops, wireless keyboards, PoS machines and other electronic equipments) under the 'Electronics and Information Technology (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012.'" 

Regulatory overlap in testing of electronic goods 

The DoT has specified 'Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE)' under Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 issued on September 5, 2017 for equipment capable of being used for telecommunications. 

"With increasing convergence of technology, regulatory overlap was noted regarding certain products such as smart watch, smart camera etc. Representations were also received from industries and industry associations regarding overlapping jurisdiction of DoT and MEITY. It was highlighted that such overlap is a deterrent for timely launch of new products. It also increases the compliance cost for the industry," said the ministry. 

"DoT, in consultation with MEITY, examined the issue and has now decided to exempt following products from the ambit of MTCTE regime," said the government. 

Removal of regulatory overlap will reduce import delays: Govt 

The list of equipments which will be not undergo mandatory testing by the DoT includes, Mobile User Equipment, mobile handset (mobile phone), server, smart watch, smart camera, PoS (Point of Sale) machine. 

"The exemptions on these widely used products will reduce the compliance burden and will enable the industry to roll out their products faster. It will reduce import delays," said the government. 

"This initiative is in line with the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a clear and simplified regulatory regime. This regulatory reform shall improve the ease of doing business for electronics manufacturing companies and contribute towards making India a $1 trillion digital economy. A Gazette Notification in this regard will be issued in due course," it added.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)