WPC stands for Wireless Planning Coordination and ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval, in India WPC works under DoT (Department of Telecommunications). It basically checks the radio frequency range, licensing, and other approvals of the wireless devices. The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) issues the approval for wireless devices like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID. It also confirms that the devices follow the frequency standards of India and do not cause any harmful interference with any other communication signals or network. The most important benefit of WPC ETA Certificate is that it builds trust in the Indian market among customers and it is also legal and WPC is the big wing of India that simply detects any change in the frequency range.

WPC ETA Certificate is an approval that is issued by the WPC wing of India also known as the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing. WPC ETA Certificate is for those frequency-based devices that work in de-licensed frequency bands. The WPC Type approval ensures that the device works as the frequency norms of India and there is no use of any other communication network. All the traders, suppliers, manufacturers, and importers must apply for WPC ETA Certificate if they want to work in this legally in India. In case of a Foreign Manufacturer, then you need to appoint an AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), then only you can apply for WPC ETA Certification without an AIR you cannot apply for this Certification in India. Without this Certification any frequency or radio-based device can neither be sold in India nor imported. If you want to apply for WPC ETA Certificate in India, then you can directly reach out to Whizseed, we have a team of professionals who are specifically designated for this Certification and you can get the certificate without any stress.

What are the Different Types of WPC License in India?

WPC ETA certifies that the wireless equipment follows the technical specifications & legal criteria. Also, WPC ETA Approvals cover an extensive range of wireless devices including wireless routers, cell/mobile phones, and radio frequency devices. Now let’s discuss different types of WPC ETA Certification in India

1. Network License: This license allows to set up and run wireless networks like Wi-Fi, cellular, and point-to-point networks.

• ISP License: ISP stands for Internet Service Provider and this license is important for corporations providing internet services like broadband or dial-up internet connections and it’s a prerequisite for the establishment & operation of internet services.
• Experimental License: This license is issued by the Educational Institutions & Research Organizations to conduct experimental uses of wireless equipment or frequencies generally for R&D (Research and Development).

2. Non-Network Licenses: Any Company in India that provides non-network services like distributors of cable TV and Wireless products are issued this license and this license is required to import, purchase & sell specific wireless equipment.

• Import License: This License is important to export wireless products to India and the owner of this license is authorized to sell wireless devices in India
• Dealer Possession License: Wireless Planning Coordination or WPC issues this License to companies or individuals that distribute & trade in wireless products.
• Non-Dealer Possession License: WPC issues a non-dealer possession license to a company or individual that doesn’t involve in wireless devices and doesn’t hold a license from Wireless Planning Coordination (WPC).

Meaning of RF Test Report and Importance for WPC ETA Certificate

RF stands for Radio Frequency and RF Test Report is an essential report for WPC ETA Certificate in India. It certifies that the wireless product being operated is allowed under de-licensed frequency bands and is also not causing interference to other networks. Radio Frequency testing checks the amount of radio frequency transmitted by devices such as Bluetooth, WiFi and RFID to make sure that the product follows the telecom standards of India. For WPC ETA approval, importers or manufacturers will have to get their items at an ILAC-accredited foreign lab or a certified NABL Indian Lab. If any product or item has many Radio Frequency modules and test reports of all the modules, then they should be submitted without any changes and this test report confirms that the company’s approval has been issued very smoothly and it is also fully compliant.

Who can apply for WPC ETA Certificate in India?

Now let’s discuss who can apply for WPC ETA Certificate in India:

• Manufacturers: Companies that manufacture wireless devices must ensure that their devices follow the Frequency Standards before launching the product.
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Those who make devices or any components for other brands must need WPC ETA Certificate to make sure that requirements are being followed.
• E-Commerce Retailers: Many online marketplaces may need you to submit WPC ETA Certificate as a proof in order to list wireless devices and ensure that they are legal to use.
• Importers: Wireless devices imported to India from other countries must be sold legally in India if they have ETA Approval, otherwise they are not allowed to sell in India.
• Exporters: Any Foreign Company who wants to export wireless equipment into India must also get WPC ETA Certificate to follow regionally-based regulations.
• TSP (Telecommunication Service Providers): Any company that sells devices like Wi-FI routers or any network modules must obtain WPC ETA Certificate as their devices depend only on Wi-Fi and would need WPC ETA certificate to make sure that the wireless operation is free of interference.

What are the Regulations of WPC?

WPC Certificate is an important requirement for any device containing RF receivers or transmitters like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and IoT products. Managed by the Department of Telecommunications in India and these guidelines make sure that devices safely on permitted frequency bands without causing signal interference with established networks.

Important Regulations for WPC Approval:

• ETA Approval: This is the most important approval types and it is basically obtained via a Self-Declaration Scheme for Wireless equipment operating in license-exempt bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz);
• RF Testing: Your device must go through testing at a NABL certified lab in India or through an ILAC certified international lab to verify frequency limits, bandwidth & output power.
• AIR: If you are a foreign manufacturer, you must appoint an Indian entity as your Authorized Indian Representative to apply for the Certification on your behalf.

Benefits of WPC ETA Certificate in India

The following are the benefits of WPC ETA Certificate in India:

• WPC ETA Certificate allows the importer and manufacturer to manufacture and import wireless devices legally;
• WPC ETA Certificate builds trust among distributors, buyers, and business partners by simply showing that the company follows Indian Law;
• Those companies which have WPC ETA Approval can get customs clearance easily and quickly and there is no delay in processing at ports;
• WPC ETA Approval simply avoids consequences like bans, closures, and buyers and if the company works illegally and it will have to face some legal consequences and penalties;
• This certificate permits companies to enter the Indian market very smoothly & promotes them to grow further by giving them opportunities.

WPC ETA for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign Manufacturers cannot apply directly for WPC ETA Certificate: they must appoint an AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) to apply through the Saral Sanchar Portal. Processing generally takes 1 to 3 weeks for complete applications under the Self-Declaration Scheme & the Certificate holds lifetime validity.

For a Foreign Manufacturer’s wireless products to clear customs and enter into the Indian Market, you need to follow the mandatory steps as below:

• Appoint an AIR: Because foreign companies cannot hold WPC ETA Certificate, you need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR);
• RF Test Reports: You also need to provide ISO 17025 or NABL registered RF (Radio Frequency) test reports verifying the device complies with Indian Frequency bands.
• Documentation: Your AIR will need detailed product datasheets, Authorization Letter, user manuals, and the Company’s business documents for example, IEC, PAN, and GST.
• Government Fee: A standard govt. Fee of Rs. 10,000/- applies per model.

List of Products That Require WPC ETA Certificate in India

The following is the list of all the products that require WPC ETA Certification in India:

• Smartphones and Tablets;
• Laptops with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth;
• Wireless Routers and Access Points;
• Bluetooth Speakers and Headphones;
• Smartwatches and Wearables;
• Wireless Printers and Scanners;
• IoT Devices and Smart Home Products;
• RFID Devices and Scanners;
• Drones (operating on unlicensed frequency bands);
• Gaming Consoles with Wireless Controllers.

Important Documents Required for WPC ETA Certificate

The following is the list of documents required for WPC-ETA Approval:

• First, you need to submit an RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report from a NABL certified lab;
• Online fee receipt;
• Product description;
• Company’s PAN Card;
• Certificate of Incorporation (CoI);
• Technical specifications sheet;
• Authorization Letter in case of foreign manufacturer and appoint an AIR;
• IEC (Import Export Code) to import;
• Application form as per WPC regulations;
• PO or Purchased Order of the imported equipment.

Procedure for WPC ETA Certificate

The following is the process for WPC ETA Certificate:

• Check RF Test Report and EN Standard: The process for obtaining WPC ETA Certificate starts from verifying the RF Test Report and EN Standards and if the frequency range falls under the de-licensed category, then the equipment type approval exemption applies & a self-declaration certification will be issued.
• Documentation: After checking all the reports and standards you must arrange all the important documents including product details and RF Test Reports.
• Register on Portal: After documentation, the applicant must register on the official portal of Saral Sanchar to create login credentials for the WPC ETA Certificate application.
• Fee Payment: After creating the login credentials and filing the application form, the applicant must pay the government fee online at the time of application process.
• Online or Offline Documents Submission: Then the applicant needs to submit all the important documents both online & offline to the WPC officials for review.
• Documents Verification: Once all the documents are submitted, then the WPC Officials will check and examine all the documents and the test report that was submitted and if any doubt or mistake is found, they may reach out to you for any clarification or additional details.
• Issuance of WPC ETA Certificate: Once all the processes are completed and they are satisfied then WPC will issue WPC ETA Approval Certificate and you will be officially allowed to sell and import the product in India.

Validity, Renewal and Fees for WPC ETA Certificate in India

• Validity: In India, WPC ETA Certificate is generally valid for 5 years from the date of issuance, subject to compliance with updates in regulations.
• Renewal: Renewal of the certificate must be done before the expiry, because after expiry you have to pay the late renewal fees. For the Certificate Renewal you need to submit the updated test reports or compliance and this process may take up to 4-6 weeks.
• Fees: The fees for this certificate depend on many factors like frequency band, device type, and application category and also separate charges may apply for testing & documentation verification.

Post-Compliance Requirements After Getting WPC Certificate

There are important requirements an applicant must comply after getting the WPC ETA Certification:

• The applicant must ensure & confirm regarding the equipment following the frequency bans widths requirements;
• According the requirements it is important that the applicant maintains the specific records & submit it to the Ministry accordingly;
• The applicant has to ensure to update the Ministry regarding any changes concerning any wireless equipment.