What is Wireless Product Certification?

A Wireless Product Certification (WPC) is:

• A regulatory procedure in India overseeing the clearance of wireless and telecommunications equipment.
• Essential for the lawful import, sale, and usage of electronic devices within India.
• Administered by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) via its Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing.

Compliance with this legal requirement is crucial because:

• Manufacturers or importers intending to introduce such equipment in India must undergo the WPC-ETA Approval process.
• Non-compliance may lead to regulatory actions like equipment seizure and fines.
• WPC approval serves as a guarantee to Indian consumers that the wireless devices meet the necessary quality and safety standards.

WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) Wing

WPC Certificate stands for Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing certification:

• It is a mandatory authorization for individuals involved in manufacturing, importing, selling, or using wireless equipment.
• Business owners obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the WPC wing to comply with regulations.
• The WPC wing operates under the Department of Telecommunications and is responsible for overseeing Frequency Spectrum Management (FSM).
• ETA ensures that wireless equipment adheres to specified standards and regulations.

Importance of WPC licence

1. Product Communication

Ensuring seamless communication among various devices is referred to as “product communication.” In the application process, any issues related to this communication are considered faults in the product, particularly in the case of wireless devices that rely on communication with other devices to function.

2. Maintaining national security

Due to potential threats posed by wireless products and gadgets, the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing has imposed stringent restrictions on their usage to maintain national security.

3. Preventing frequency interference 

Careless use of certain gadgets can lead to operation on unlicensed frequencies, causing interference with other devices. Obtaining an ETA certificate becomes crucial to eliminate such unauthorised frequencies and prevent interference.

4. Access to Indian market

With the growing demand for sophisticated wireless devices, the Indian market is expanding in this domain. However, certification from the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, in the form of an ETA certificate, is mandatory for anyone involved in the production, sale, or import of wireless devices to market them in India.

Which Products require a WPC Certificate for import? 

Importing Wireless Equipment operating on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth mandates a WPC licence in India. WPC Certification is essential for:

• All devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee capabilities.
• Radio equipment such as walkie-talkies, RC cars, boats, drones, UAVs, ZigBee, and Bluetooth devices necessitate WPC ETA approval before import.

Who is Eligible for WPC-ETA certification?

1. Foreign manufacturers:

Foreign manufacturers of wireless devices that do not have a branch office in India are required to seek WPC ETA approval by designating an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).

2. Domestic manufacturers:

Domestic manufacturers with a branch office in India can apply for ETA approval without the necessity of appointing an Authorised Indian Representative.

3. Importers of wireless devices:

Importers dealing with wireless devices are mandated to obtain an importer licence for Wireless Equipment.

Types of WPC approval

In India, Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) approvals are classified into three primary types, each catering to specific domains and purposes:

1. Equipment Type Approval (ETA): 

ETA is concerned with verifying the compliance of wireless equipment with technical standards and regulatory mandates. This encompasses certifications for diverse wireless devices like mobile phones, wireless routers, and radio-frequency devices.

Refer to the provided link for further guidelines on ETA- https://dot.gov.in/spectrummanagement/equipment-type-approval-including-guidelines

2. Network License:

This approval pertains to the establishment and operation of wireless networks, encompassing Wi-Fi networks, point-to-point links, and cellular networks. Within this category, there are specific licences:

• Internet Service Provider (ISP) License: A crucial requirement for organisations providing internet services, be it broadband or dial-up connections.
• Experimental Licence: Issued for the experimental use of wireless equipment or frequencies by educational and research institutions, often for research and development initiatives.

3. Non-Network Licence:

This authorises the utilisation of specific wireless communication equipment not designed for network creation, such as individual wireless devices. Within this category, distinct licences include:

• Import Licence: Mandatory for manufacturers and importers importing wireless and telecommunications equipment into India, ensuring compliance with technical standards and regulations.
• Dealer Possession Licence: Necessary for dealers and distributors of wireless equipment to legally possess and trade such equipment in India.
• Non-Dealer Possession Licence: Employed by individuals or organisations needing to possess wireless equipment for non-commercial purposes, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations for equipment possession.

Documents required for WPC Registration

The WPC ETA Registration necessitates the submission of the following documents:

1. Certificate of Company Incorporation

2. Certificate of GST Registration

3. Import Export Code (IEC Certificate)

4. Purchase Order (PO) for the imported equipment

5. Online fee payment receipt

6. Address Proof for the Applicant entity

7. RF Test reports obtained from either an ISO-accredited foreign laboratory or an NABL-accredited Laboratory.

8. Letter of Authorization

9. Technical details of the product

Procedure for WPC-ETA Approval

Step 1: Begin the WPC License Registration Process by Registering on the Saral Sanchar Portal

Commence the WPC licence registration by initiating an online application on the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) portal through the Saral Sanchar portal. Upon submission of the online application, the system will generate an import ID.

Step 2: Apply for a New Equipment Type Approval (ETA)

Utilise the import ID to verify whether your equipment is exempted from WPC-ETA Approval. For equipment utilising different Radio Frequencies (RF), enter the ID and captcha to check its status. 

Step 3: Obtain Radio Frequency (RF) Test Reports

A crucial requirement for ETA approval and WPC licence registration is the submission of an RF test report issued by an accredited laboratory. The RF test report ensures that the imported equipment falls within the specified frequency range and adheres to safety standards. 

Step 4: WPC Application Submission

Once all prerequisites are satisfied, proceed with the WPC application submission for the approval of the imported device.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents for WPC certificate registration and submit them both online and offline to the Wireless Planning and Coordination Authority. Following submission, the documents will undergo verification by WPC officials.

Step 6: Payment of Government Fees

Facilitate the WPC registration process by making the required government fee payment online. Payment can be completed through debit/credit cards or digital wallets.

Step 7: Issuance of WPC Certificate

Upon successful document verification and application submission, the WPC wing will issue the WPC certificate specific to the imported device. 

The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017

The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, mandates compulsory testing and certification for every telecom equipment prior to sale, import, or use in India.

Certification is obtained from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), and certified equipment must bear an appropriate certification label:

• Testing is conducted by laboratories designated by TEC to ensure conformity with essential requirements of the equipment.
• Certificates are issued by TEC based on the test reports submitted by the designated laboratories.

The regulatory framework is implemented through the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme.

MTCTE is applicable for: 

• All Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Importers or Dealers who sell or import any telecom equipment in India.
• OEMs/ Importers/ Applicants are required to obtain a certificate from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and mark or affix the equipment with an appropriate certification label.

The technical regulations prescribed under this framework are in the form of Essential Requirements (ERs) that include: 

• EMI/ EMC: As prescribed by TEC 
• Wireless/ IoT: As prescribed by TEC 
• Safety: As prescribed by TEC 
• Interface requirements: As prescribed by TEC 
• Other requirements: As notified by DoT 
• Security requirements: As per the notification issued by DoT

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Apply for WPC-ETA I FAQs

What is WPC Approval?

WPC Approval, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA), is a necessary certification for unlicensed wireless and Bluetooth products operating within specified frequency bands by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) under the Ministry of Communications.

Who needs WPC approval?

Indian manufacturers or importers dealing with unlicensed frequency-based wireless and Bluetooth products must undergo the process of obtaining WPC Approval.

Can Foreign Manufacturers Apply for ETA?

Yes, overseas manufacturers have the option to submit an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application through an Indian importer or any duly authorised business entity in India.

How Long Does It Take to Get WPC Approval?

The standard timeframe for the WPC approval process is generally within 20 to 25 business days.

What is a WPC certificate for import?

The WPC certificate is essential for the importation and sale of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled devices in India. It serves as a licence, ensuring that devices operating within specific frequency ranges comply with regulatory standards. Without WPC approval, these devices cannot be commercially available in the Indian market.

How to track the application status of the WPC certificate?

Access the Saral Sanchar portal to check the status of your application. Utilise the online platform to communicate with the WPC nodal office, and conveniently submit any supplementary documents directly through the portal.

What are the most common wireless products which need a WPC-ETA licence?

WPC character certificates are commonly sought for:

1. Bluetooth: Allows wireless device connectivity, but lacking approval may lead to interference in designated frequency bands.
2. Drones: Require WPC ETA for compliance, aligning with India’s approval pathway for various products.

What is RF Test Report?

Importing wireless equipment requires a mandatory Radio Frequency (RF) Test report. This testing must be conducted at a laboratory accredited by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

How does the WPC assess your ETA approval application?

The process for obtaining an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) licence involves the following stages:

1. Thorough examination of the provided documents.
2. Authentication and validation of the submitted paperwork.
3. Issuance of the ETA certificate upon successful completion of the verification process.

How can JPARKS INDIA help you obtain WPC Approval?

When faced with challenges, rely on the proficient professionals at JPARKS INDIA to handle your WPC licensing with industry expertise. JPARKS INDIA provides comprehensive solutions to simplify the documentation and submission process for WPC Approval. Additionally, we serve as the authorised representative for foreign manufacturers in India, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.