New Partnership Boosts India’s Drone Certification Capabilities

The National Testing House has joined hands with STQC–ERTL to enhance drone certification capabilities. Together, they will conduct critical Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility tests, benefiting drone manufacturers with a government-backed certification pathway and supporting India’s compliance with global standards.

The National Testing House (NTH) has announced a strategic partnership with STQC–ERTL to bolster the certification capabilities for drones in India. This collaboration is a significant step forward in developing an indigenous drone certification ecosystem.

As per a statement from the Consumer Affairs Ministry, the memorandum of understanding was signed on February 2. The partnership will focus on Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, adhering to strict international standards such as IEC 61000 and IS 14700. This initiative aims to provide a transparent and credible certification pathway, particularly for startups and MSMEs.

The integration of test reports into the Type Certification process underlines India's commitment to the Drone Rules, 2021, and the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS), 2022. It highlights the nation’s efforts to ensure the reliability and global compliance of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems.