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WPC ETA Certificate

One of the main tasks of the WPC is to approve any radio frequency-equipped device and provide a WPC ETA Certificate. That is, any device utilizing radio signals has to be sanctioned by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) before import or usage in India. It makes sure that all the wireless and radio devices are matching the nation's requirements and are operating on the approved frequency bands.


WPC Certification is the formal clearance that must be obtained in order to retail and import wireless products within India. WPC is an abbreviation for Wireless Planning and Coordination, and WPC Certification is offered by the WPC Wing, which is a body that is part of the Department of Telecommunications. It is a compulsory requirement for any organization that deals with wireless or radio frequency equipment, ensuring such devices are by the national frequency standards and guidelines. Owing to the emerging demand for wireless technology, numerous good-quality wireless devices are now being brought into the Indian market.


Even though India is striving towards becoming self-reliant at a very fast pace, a couple of high-end or specialized wireless devices from foreign nations are still needed and cannot be substituted. Foreign products do have one silver lining – they are becoming cheaper and more affordable for the masses. Therefore, if you are a company selling or trading wireless equipment, a WPC ETA Certificate or a WPC Import License is a mandatory process. Not only does it keep you out of legal trouble, but it also enables your company to flourish and run smoothly within the Indian market.

Benefits of WPC ETA Certificate

WPC ETA Certificate is mandatory for all wireless devices used or sold in India. It serves to ensure that such devices can operate compatible and safely. These are its major advantages:

  • Effective Device-to-Device Communication: For wireless equipment to function effectively, it ought to be able to communicate effectively with other appliances. Appliances that are not capable of communicating effectively will be subjected to testing as faulty in the course of examination.
  • Ensuring National Security: Some wireless devices can impact national security. For tackle this issue, the WPC has formulated strict norms that regulate the usage and sale of such devices, which provide a guarantee that only secure and shielded devices can be sold to be used by the public.
  • Avoiding Frequency Interference: Unauthorised use of radio frequencies results in overlapping of signals and interference with other devices. WPC ETA certification allows all devices to stay within their authorized frequency range so that smooth connectivity is achievable without causing any interference.
  • Access to the Indian Market: Since the demand for wireless technology is growing in India, all importers, manufacturers, and sellers must possess a WPC ETA Certificate. It is against the law to sell or offer any wireless equipment in India without this certificate, so selling in the Indian market is compulsory with this certificate.
Benefits of WPC ETA Certificate
WPC License for Import

Eligibility Criteria for WPC License for Import

The following are the important requirements you need to fulfill to receive a WPC license for import:

  • For Manufacturers and Importers: If you happen to be an importer or producer of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled wireless products, you will be required to get a Certificate of Import Authorization as well as a WPC certification before importing your products into the Indian market.
  • For Appointed Representatives: Foreign firms intending to obtain WPC clearance in India need to have a country-based authorized representative in India. The individual will be acting on behalf of the foreign firm during the application, filing, and approval process.
  • For Frequency Test Results: Frequency test results for the intended import wireless device need to be filed. The results ought to reflect such critical information as frequency range, resolution bandwidth, video bandwidth, and sweep settings.
  • For ISO Laboratory Reports: If the product is tested in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab within the country of manufacture, India, in-country testing is not necessary. However, an RF test report issued by an accredited lab, as acceptable, needs to be submitted along with the application.

Documents Required for WPC Certification in India

Here is the list of documents required for WPC certification in India:

For Foreign Manufacturers

  • If the company doesn't have a liaison office in India, it'll be necessary to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will get the WPC certification on its behalf
  • If the company has a liaison office in India, it must register as its AIR.
  • The foreign manufacturer must issue an authorization letter to the AIR to buy the import license. For Indian Manufacturers
  • Direct filing for the WPC ETA certificate is feasible, as long as all supporting documents are in possession. AIR is not compulsory.

For Indian Manufacturer

  • Except appointing the Authorized Indian Representative all the other documentation are required in order to get the WPC ETA certificate

Mandatory Documents for WPC ETA Certificate

  • Device specifications
  • Address and ID proof of the signatory authorized
  • Radio Frequency (RF) test report by a known laboratory
  • Company Registration Certificate
  • GST Registration Certificate
WPC Certification in India
Process for WPC ETA Certificate

Process for WPC ETA Certificate

Below is a step-by-step guide to obtain your WPC ETA Certificate:

  • Register on the Saral Sanchar Portal: Register, enter your product details, and receive an Import ID.
  • New ETA Application: Complete a self-declaration form and utilize your Import ID to check if your device is included in the exempted list.
  • RF Test Report: Obtain a test report from an Indian accredited lab (foreign lab reports are not allowed).
  • Submit the Application: Complete the online application and upload all documents.
  • Upload Documents: Upload supporting documents online, and send hard copies if needed.
  • Pay the Fee: Pay online via debit/credit card, UPI, or a digital wallet.
  • Get the ETA Certificate: Once verified, the WPC ETA Certificate is issued, permitting you to import and sell your device in India

Post Compliance Requirements for WPC License

There are certain main post-compliance requirements for the holder of a WPC license, which are as follows:

  • The equipment should be utilized within the sanctioned frequency range and according to the specified standards.
  • All the records about the equipment should be kept by them and provided to the concerned Ministry as and when needed.
  • In case of any change or alteration in the wireless equipment, the holder of the license must inform the relevant Ministry and submit the same information to them.
Post Compliance Requirements for WPC License
Types of WPC Certification in India

Types of WPC Certification in India

The following are the key types of WPC certifications issued in India:

Non-Network WPC License

A Non-Network WPC License is issued to those organizations that deal in non-network wireless services, e.g., cable TV operators or equipment makers. It is needed to import, buy, and sell some wireless equipment in the country. The applicant should be an organization, incorporated with employees possessing the technical requirements necessary. There are three categories of Non-Network Licenses:

  • Import License
  • Dealer Possession License
  • Non-Dealer Possession License

Network License

Network License is mandated for organizations offering wireless telecommunication services in India, such as mobile networks, cable TV, and DTH services. It permits the utilization of controlled radio frequencies within the nation. There are two broad categories of Network Licenses:

  • For Internet Service Provider (ISP) License
  • Experimental License

WPC ETA Certificate (Equipment Type Approval)

Any product that functions in the licensed frequency bands, like Bluetooth, Wi Fi, or RFID, must possess a WPC ETA Certificate for sale or use within India. Indian products that are manufactured from pre-approved RF modules do not need any other ETA, while foreign products will be required to acquire one before entering the market.

Which Products Require a WPC Certificate for Import?

In India, the import of any wireless or radio frequency device requires a WPC Certificate. This is for all wireless devices not just their import within the nation, but even their sale within the Indian market. Some of the products that require a WPC license are listed below:

  • WiFi Routers
  • Smart Bulbs / WiFi Bulbs
  • Wireless Mouse
  • Point of Sale (POS) Terminals with wireless functionality
  • Wireless Speakers
  • Wireless Receivers
  • Transmitters

The WPC ETA certificate is obligatory for importing or promoting wi-wireless gadgets like Bluetooth and wi fi products in India. Issued by the wi-fi planning and Coordination Wing under the Ministry of Communications, it guarantees gadgets perform within authorized frequency bands. It helps prevent sign interference, helps countrywide protection, and ensures legal compliance. Both Indian and foreign manufacturers should get this WPC ETA certificate earlier than market entry. Without WPC ETA certificate, wi-fi products can't be legally offered or used in India.

WPC Certificate for Import

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A WPC ETA Certificate is a governmental approval needed for any piece of equipment utilizing radio or wireless technology (such as Bluetooth, Wi Fi, or RFID) to be imported, sold, or utilized in India.

It will guarantee your equipment is within the allowed frequency spectrum and meets technical standards by the Indian regulatory bodies, making it safe and market-compliant.

All wireless devices like smartphones, smartwatches, routers, Wi Fi, and Bluetooth devices require a WPC ETA Certificate before sale or usage in India.

It usually takes approximately 4–6 weeks from when you have made the application, test reports, and supporting paperwork, subject to approval by the authorities.

Yes. Imported wireless products need to possess a current WPC ETA Certificate before the products arrive in Indian territory to meet national standards.