Today, mobile phones are one of the most common devices available to more than seven billion people in different age groups around the world. But only a few know that this device emits electromagnetic radiation. Since electricity in a circuit is never entirely contained, all electronic devices emit some level of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic emissions can affect the functioning of electronic devices, electrical systems, and radio frequency (RF) systems. In order to check and test these electronic equipment, Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has announced the launch of its first Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing laboratory in India.
As the Government of India's long-term vision to transform the nation into a fully developed country by 2047 (Viksit Bharat), coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its independence, Nagendra B.,Electrical Director,India & Middle East, Intertek India Private Limited, spoke to Manu Sharma, Senior Technology Editor of Silicon Village on the opening its first EMC,EMI testing facility, PV market expansion and to Data Centre noise and other challenges faced by various industries across India. Excerpts
1. Why did Intertek open an EMI, EMC and Wireless Testing lab in Bengaluru?
Intertek opened its first Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), EMI, and wireless testing laboratory in India on April 23, 2026. Located in Bengaluru's Peenya industrial area, this facility—which is the company’s fifth Electrical lab in India and second in the city—significantly expands local hardware compliance testing capabilities. “It's kind of associated with some of the initiatives the government of India has undertaken. So back in 2004 when the Bureau of Energy Efficiency started the Star Label for the air conditioners, refrigerators etc. We started doing the testing of the air conditioners. We have a laboratory in Delhi to test refrigerators and air conditioners. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency can attach the Star Label, whether it's 2 star, 3 star, 5 star. So this rating comes based on the testing we do.”
In 2014, when they started this compulsory registration scheme (CRS) scheme. "Like all these laptops, mobile phones, servers etc. All of them need to have a BIS certification. Before any electronics enters into India, they need to have a BIS testing and certification. Again we are associated with BIS for doing the testing of all these products."
Later they expanded the CRS scheme to lighting and LEDs etc. Again we established the facility to support the testing in our Delhi lab.
During the 2020s, when the pandemic was prevalent, there was a need for ventilators. We established the facility and got all the accreditation to address the ventilator testing.
Again coming to 2026, we are addressing the EMC, EMI testing market in India. “Because India as a country has its national electronics manufacturing policy in place. And they want to expand electronics manufacturing significantly in India. India also wants to be the leader in semiconductor and many other things.”
And we want to support by establishing this laboratory. This laboratory tests a lot of electronics. And will cover more of the products as India moves forward.
"Yes, Bangalore (Bengaluru) is definitively a major tech hub. Known as the "Silicon Valley of India," it is ranked among the top 10 tech hubs globally, due to its massive talent pool, IT parks and Global R&D Centers and hence this centre came up here."
2. Why is testing of EMI/EMC and wireless a requirement for every industry?
Testing capabilities are essential for companies to ensure their electronic devices do not emit harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI), can withstand external disturbances (EMC), and comply with mandatory global regulatory standards for safe, uninterrupted operation.
Testing for EMI, EMC, and wireless functionality is essential across all industries because every modern sector relies on electronic systems that must operate reliably, securely, and without causing disruptive cross-device interference in a shared, invisible spectrum. “We ensure cross-device compatibility. Today's environments are dense with IoT devices, sensors, and wireless networks. EMI/EMC testing ensures that a product limits its own electromagnetic emissions, so it doesn't cause noise and has high immunity to incoming noise, so it continues to work properly even when other machines are operating nearby.”
The lab addresses the surging market need for EMC/EMI testing, driven by Indian government initiatives for electronics self-reliance, growth of the manufacturing sector, and global market standards. It will cater to a wide range of industries, including medical, industrial, household appliances, lighting, multimedia, safety components, measurement, control & laboratory equipment, renewables, and TEC regulated products.
3. Do Multi National Companies Get their products tested in India or overseas?
If a product like Samsung,which is globally available. It is manufactured somewhere in China and then assembled in India. The testing depends whether they are changing the components or not changing the components. If they are not changing the components, if they have done the testing, the same test report may go through. So you give the specifications of the testing which is required.
Yes, there are Indian standards and international standards. So, we test the products to verify whether it is complying to the Indian or international standards. Like BIS, IEC standards, CISPR standards exist.
If it comes under EC or CR, it should be tested in India. Even though it is tested already outside, when you are bringing it in India, then it should be tested in India. It is compulsory.
For example, there is a Taiwanese product which is globally associated. So once you are tested, then again it has to be tested as per the Indian standards. For example, there is a CRS scheme administered by BIS, Bureau of Indian Standards.
4. Do you test Data Centres for noise and radiation in India?
Yes, data centers in India are rigorously tested for noise and electromagnetic fields (EMF/radiation). Testing is performed by third-party acoustic engineers and statutory compliance bodies like Intertek to ensure they meet the strict environmental guidelines enforced by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and international standards.
Noise testing is done for continuous hum of cooling systems, HVAC chillers, and the periodic testing of backup diesel generators. Likewise, Radiation Testing (EMF) is done to check if data centers emit safe, non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (similar to Wi-Fi routers and smartphones), rather than hazardous ionizing radiation.
5. Do Cell towers emit radiation and also cause health hazards like cancer?
Yes, cell towers emit radiation, but major health organizations, including the World Health Organization, agree that there is no established scientific evidence that this radiation causes cancer or other serious health hazards.
“There are some kinds of things which are hazardous for humans, like the cell towers present in every look and corner of the country. Some reports indicate that anywhere close by to the tower can cause radiation that causes cancer as well. But I am afraid whether I can talk about the policy and advisory thing, which comes directly under the telecommunication sector. The DoT basically controls all those things.
And as far as laboratories are concerned, they will basically list the standards. These are the standards, these are the products. So you can take the approval for these standards and other products.
6. Does intertek comply with IEEE standards?
An IEEE standard is a technical guideline, protocol, or specification developed and published by the IEEE Standards Association. These standards ensure compatibility, interoperability, and safety across a wide range of technologies, including telecommunications, computing, power engineering, and artificial intelligence.
In fact, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization. Its standards touch nearly every digital and electrical device we use every day.
IEEE standards cover a lot of product categories. Majorly on your power side most of the time.
And also, you know, where you are having a conversion power, conversion side. So, those areas are IEEE standards. So, there are standards.
IEEE comes out with the standards. And there is a standard available and there is a guideline available. For example inverter, which converts the PV output to the AC side. There are certain IEEE requirements and also grid code requirements.
Intertek is a globally accredited Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and Certification Body that routinely tests and certifies products for compliance with various IEEE standards.
Intertek issues the ETL Mark—which is legally equivalent to UL and CSA certifications in North America—and the ASTA Mark internationally to verify that electrical and electronic equipment meets strict industry standards.
7. What are your hiring plans and the expansion plans for the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market in India?
The company presently employs about 17 in this new test centre and about 30 all together in our two facilities in the city. Besides we have other testing facilities spread across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune etc. Each of them handle separate industry verticals.
As you know, the manufacturing ambitions of India are significant. And our commitment to India is to support the manufacturers, whatever, we recently acquired this PV solar lab. So, to support renewable energy, this has its solar lab in Ahmedabad. Here servers will be tested separately, even their power supplies will be tested separately as per the relevant standards. Each product has its own product standard.
Intertek provides comprehensive solar panel testing, inspection, and certification services in India, operating a dedicated, state-of-the-art Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Laboratory in Ahmedabad.
Solar PV is the fastest growing form of renewable energy worldwide and India is among the countries at the heart of this transition. With the GoI committing to a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030 – including 280 GW of solar – demand for trusted, independent Quality Assurance solutions has never been greater.
This new Intertek solar PV lab will provide comprehensive ISO 17025 accredited testing services for solar PV installations, materials and components, offering BIS and IECEE CB Scheme accreditations. Its services will support Indian solar PV manufacturers and international companies looking to enter the country by driving efficiencies through harmonised testing and faster, more reliable global market access.
