The document is an official notification issued by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, dated August 29, 2025.

The notification specifically refers to the security certification process for Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and Optical Line Terminal (OLT) telecommunications equipment, within the framework of the ComSec scheme.

The text establishes that, replacing a previous notification of April 7, 2025, these products will be subject to a Voluntary Security Certification (VSC) regime until December 31, 2025.

During this voluntary certification period, the document clarifies that no administrative fees or charges for security test evaluation will be applied. However, starting January 1, 2026, security certification will become mandatory, requiring products to demonstrate compliance with the ITSAR standard under the ComSec scheme.

WHOM DOES IT IMPACT?

The direct impact is on OEMs, importers and distributors, end users, testing laboratories, and certification bodies.

CONCLUSION:

The notification represents a key regulatory reinforcement for telecommunications security in India. While the voluntary certification period provides preparation time, mandatory certification starting in 2026 could lead to significant adjustments in the market and in the compliance strategies of the involved stakeholders.