On June 11, 2026, the Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications) of India published new rules exempting short-range automotive radar systems operating in the 77-81 GHz frequency band from licensing requirements. The regulation allows the establishment, maintenance, and operation of such radar systems installed on vehicles without the need for radio frequency assignment or a license, provided specific technical parameters and non-interference conditions are met.

The technical requirements include maximum average equivalent isotropic radiated power of 50 dBm, maximum peak power of 55 dBm, emission bandwidth up to 4 GHz, and a maximum unwanted emissions limit of -30 dBm/MHz. These must be measured according to specified methods. The systems must comply with standards notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards or the Central Government; if no national standards exist, relevant international standards apply.

Type approval is required for each equipment type via an official portal, unless the equipment type has already been approved and published. The application form covers manufacturer details, transmitter and receiver specifications, and other relevant information. The regulation applies to a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, trucks, trains, aircraft (while taxiing), construction vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, boats, and ships within Indian territorial waters.

The rules also provide mechanisms for addressing harmful interference to licensed systems. If interference is reported, the government may direct users to take corrective actions such as relocating equipment, reducing power, or using specified antennas within a set timeframe. This exemption is expected to facilitate the adoption of advanced automotive radar technologies in India, supporting innovation and road safety while maintaining technical controls and approval procedures.

This regulation is classified as High Impact due to its broad and mandatory effect on the approval, importation, sale, and operation of short-range automotive radar systems in India.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Exempts a significant product category from licensing requirements, streamlining market access.
• Introduces mandatory technical parameters and conformity requirements.
• Requires type approval for each equipment type, affecting manufacturers and importers.
• Applies to a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trains, aircraft, and maritime vessels.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, dealers, vehicle OEMs, certification agencies, and operators of vehicles equipped with radar systems.

lusion:

Stakeholders must ensure compliance with technical parameters, approval procedures, and interference management obligations to access the Indian market for automotive radar systems.