By Manu Sharma
Mobile phones are the most common electronic devices and are used by more than seven billion people in different age groups around the world. Most people don’t know that this device, like all electronic devices, emits electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are invisible energy waves generated whenever electrical current flows. The voltage creates an electric field, while the movement of current generates a magnetic field. Electromagnetic emissions are emitted by electronic devices, electrical systems, and radio frequency (RF) systems and it is critical to check for Electomagnetic emission to ensure that the radiation are within specification . Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide which has announced the launch of its first Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing laboratory in India.
The Government of India has a long-term vision to transform the nation into a fully developed country by 2047 (Viksit Bharat), coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its independence. Intertek wants to help this mission by providing Indian companies an access to EMC and EMI testing facilities for Photo Voltaic and Data Centres by helping them with their EMF and other noise challenges. Nagendra B., Electrical Director for India and the Middle East, Intertek India Private Limited, spoke to Manu Sharma, Senior Technology Editor of Silicon Village on the opening of the testing facility.
Mobile phones are the most common electronic devices and are used by more than seven billion people in different age groups around the world. Most people don’t know that this device, like all electronic devices, emits electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are invisible energy waves generated whenever electrical current flows. The voltage creates an electric field, while the movement of current generates a magnetic field. Electromagnetic emissions are emitted by electronic devices, electrical systems, and radio frequency (RF) systems and it is critical to check for Electomagnetic emission to ensure that the radiation are within specification . Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide which has announced the launch of its first Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing laboratory in India.
The Government of India has a long-term vision to transform the nation into a fully developed country by 2047 (Viksit Bharat), coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its independence. Intertek wants to help this mission by providing Indian companies an access to EMC and EMI testing facilities for Photo Voltaic and Data Centres by helping them with their EMF and other noise challenges. Nagendra B., Electrical Director for India and the Middle East, Intertek India Private Limited, spoke to Manu Sharma, Senior Technology Editor of Silicon Village on the opening of the testing facility.
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. It is located in Bengaluru's Peenya industrial area, this facility—which is the company’s fifth Electrical lab in India and second in the city. It significantly expands local hardware compliance testing capabilities. It's in line with some of the initiatives of the government of India. 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 in our 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. This rating is based on the testing we do.”
In 2014, when the government started Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) scheme. All of these laptops, mobile phones, servers etc. All of them need to have a Bureau of India Standards (BIS) certification. Before any electronics enters into India, they need to have a BIS testing and certification. Intertek is associated with BIS for doing the testing of all these products.
The government later expanded the CRS scheme to include lighting and LEDs etc. Intertek established the facility to support the testing in our Delhi lab.
During the pandemic there was a need for ventilators. We established the facility and got all the accreditation to address the ventilator testing.
In 2026, Intertek is addressing the EMC, EMI testing market in India. This is due to the Government of India has established its national electronics manufacturing policy with a goal of expanding electronics manufacturing significantly in India.
Intertek wants to support this mission by establishing this laboratory. This laboratory tests a lot of electronics and plans to cover more products as India moves forward in its manufacturing mission.
Yes, without doubt 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.
2. Why is testing of EMI/EMC 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 and EMC 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. They need to provide specifications of what has been tested as well as any changes.
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 etc.
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, even though there is a Taiwanese product which is intended for the global market it still has to be tested as per the Indian standards such as the CRS scheme administered by BIS, Bureau of Indian Standards.
4. Do you test Data Centres for noise and radiation in India?
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 rather than hazardous ionizing radiation.
5. Do Cell towers emit radiation and also cause health hazards like cancer?
The mobile cell towers emit radiation, but major health organizations, including the WHO, 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 nook and corner of the country. Some reports indicate that anywhere close by to the tower can cause radiation that causes cancer. We cannot talk about the policy and advisory thing, which comes directly under the telecommunication sector. The DoT basically controls all those things.
As far as laboratories are concerned, they will basically test against the standards. These are the standards, these are the products. So you are essentially approving that these products are in compliance with these standards.
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 especially on the power side especially the conversion side.
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 also about your expansion plans for the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market in India?
The company presently employs about seventeen people 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. Our commitment to India is to support the manufacturers. The company recently acquired this PV solar lab to support renewable energy. This is the 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.
The 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.
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