Required Certification for IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity

IoT Gateway for the Indian Market: An Insight

An IoT (Internet of Things) Gateway serves as a crucial bridge between the diverse array of devices and sensors in the IoT ecosystem and the cloud or network infrastructure. Acting as an intermediary, the IoT Gateway collects, processes, and manages data from connected devices at the edge of the network before transmitting it to centralized servers or the cloud for further analysis and storage. For IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity in the Indian market - which lets devices talk over mobile networks- businesses see it growing very fast at around ~15–20% per year, and it accounts for roughly ~7-10% of all IoT gateway demand as more industrial, smart city and remote monitoring systems adopt connected solutions.

Key Highlights 

What are the Required Certifications for an IoT Gateway to sell in India?

Manufacturers of IoT gateways with Cellular Connectivity must secure BIS Registration, WPC Approval, TEC Certification, and an EPR registration for electronics in order to sell their products in India. Let us break down the process as well as the documentation needed.

1. BIS CRS Registration for IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity

Being an essential compliance requirement, a BIS CRS certification is mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity under Indian regulations in order to ensure product safety, quality, as well as reliable performance. These devices play a critical role in connecting IoT sensors, machines, and networks through cellular communication technologies. BIS certification confirms that the product complies with the applicable Indian Standards for safety and performance. Therefore, obtaining a BIS CRS Registration, mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity to sell in India, is an essential compliance requirement.

What happens when you sell without BIS registration? Understand the risks of non-compliance in detail.

2. WPC Approval for IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity

WPC approval is required for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity that incorporate wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa, or other radio-frequency modules. This approval ensures compliance with India's wireless communication regulations and approved frequency bands. Without WPC ETA approval, such products cannot be legally imported, marketed, or sold in India. Therefore, obtaining a WPC ETA Approval, mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity to sell in India, is an important regulatory requirement.

What happens if you sell without WPC approval? Understand the consequences of non-compliance in detail.

3. TEC Certification for IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity

TEC certification is generally mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity, as these devices incorporate telecom communication functions. The certification ensures compliance with the technical as well as safety requirements that have been prescribed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the applicable TEC framework. Without TEC approval, such products may face restrictions on sale or deployment in India. Therefore, obtaining a TEC Certification, mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity to sell in India, is an important compliance requirement.

What happens if you sell or import without TEC approval in India? Learn about the risks of non-compliance.

4. EPR Registration for IoT Gateway with Cellular Connectivity

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) registration is mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity under India's E-Waste Management Rules. Producers, importers, as well as brand owners are responsible for the collection, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of these products once they reach the end of their life cycle. This requirement promotes responsible e-waste management and environmental sustainability. Therefore, obtaining an EPR Registration, mandatory for IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity to sell in India, is a key compliance requirement.

What happens if you do not have EPR registration before selling IoT Gateways with Cellular Connectivity in India? Understand the risks of non-compliance in detail.

How to Get the Certification for an IoT Gateway in India?

1. BIS CRS Registration

Documents for a BIS CRS Registration for IoT Gateway

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prescribed a list of documents that must be well-read and understood by applicants. The list of documents, as mentioned and specified, must be furnished to the authorities:

1. Trademark / Brand Registration Certificate
2. Factory Address Proof
3. Product Test Report (BIS-approved lab)
4. PCB Layout & Critical Component List (CCL)
5. Product User Manual
6. AIR Appointment Letter (for foreign manufacturers)

Note: You can appoint Brand Liaison as your AIR

Complete BIS CRS Registration Process for IoT Gateway

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prescribed a dedicated format by which manufacturers and importers of all IT and Electronic products can easily apply for and gain a BIS registration. Have a look at the detailed process of acquiring a BIS CRS License: 

1. Prepare Documents
2. Test Product
3. Apply Online
4. Grant of BIS CRS Registration 

2. WPC ETA Approval

Documentation Guide for WPC ETA Certification for IoT Gateway

Accurate documentation is essential to demonstrate that the product complies with the frequency and power limits permitted for wireless use in India. Here’s a list of essential documents that must be arranged and submitted to obtain WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) for wireless devices in India:

1. A Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from either an ILAC-accredited Foreign lab or an NABL-accredited Indian lab
2. Product Technical Details
3. Manufacturing Details
4. Declaration by the Manufacturer (in case you are an importer)

Complete WPC ETA Approval Process for IoT Gateway

To obtain WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) ETA (Equipment Type Approval) for wireless and RF-enabled products in India, applicants must follow a structured procedure defined by the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Here's a step-by-step overview designed to guide manufacturers, importers, and distributors through the WPC approval process efficiently and without complications:

1. Prepare documents
2. RF Testing of the products
3. Submit the application
4. Grant of ETA License

3. TEC Certification 

Documents for a TEC Certificate for IoT Gateway

Here are the key documents for the TEC license that must be prepared by businesses in the Indian market: 

1. Trademark/ Brand Registration Certificate
2. Factory address proof
3. Lab test reports of the product
4. Technical Details of the product & User Manual
5. Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

Note: You can appoint Brand Liaison as your AIR

Process for a TEC License for IoT Gateway

Have a look at the process to easily get a TEC registration in the Indian market: 

1. Prepare documents
2. Test products
3. Submit application
4. Grant of TEC Certification

4. EPR Certification for Electronics

Documents for EPR Certification for IoT Gateway

Review the list of essential documents required for obtaining EPR registration. These documents must be carefully prepared by producers, importers, and brand owners on time to avoid delays and ensure a smooth certification process:

1. Basic documents related to the Firm / Company
2. Details of the authorised signatory
3. Product details and specifications
4. Plans and flowcharts for the collection and recycling of Electronics
5. CTE/CTO consents, Agreement copies 

Process to Get EPR Certification for IoT Gateway

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has outlined a dedicated format through which manufacturers and importers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) can apply for and obtain EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certification for e-waste management. Here's a detailed overview of the process for acquiring an EPR Registration Certificate:

1. Prepare documents
2. Submit application
3. Review and verification
4. Grant of Certification

Certification Guidelines For Indian Manufacturers

1. BIS CRS

• Must have proper manufacturing and testing capabilities for the product.
• Apply through the BIS Manak portal with all required documents.
• Product samples are tested in a BIS-accredited lab.
• The registration is granted if test results and documents meet the Indian standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

2. WPC certificate

• Ensure wireless/IoT products comply with Indian RF and frequency regulations.
• Apply for the WPC approval before selling products in India.
• Submit technical details, RF test reports, and compliance documents.
• Professional assistance can help simplify the process.

3. TEC Registration

• Ensure telecom products meet standards set by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre.
• Obtain TEC certification before selling in India.
• Submit technical documents and get products tested in approved labs.
• Label products with TEC certification and maintain records.

Certification Guidelines For Foreign Manufacturers

1. BIS CRS

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) as per BIS guidelines.
• Submit application with Factory Test Report (FTR).
• BIS conducts factory inspections and selects samples for testing.
• A license is issued after successful testing and compliance with standards.

2. WPC certificate

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Ensure products meet Indian RF standards before export.
• Submit verified test reports and technical documents through AIR.
• Obtain ETA approval before selling in India.

3. TEC Registration

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Submit test reports and technical documents through AIR.
• Ensure proper labelling with TEC certification before entering the market.
• Maintain records and cooperate with audits and inspections.

Need complete knowledge about the certification? Click to view the complete guidebook. 

Certification Guidelines For Indian Importers

1. BIS CRS

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain BIS ISI registration.
• Must coordinate with the manufacturer to get the certificate.
• Keep a copy of the registration to avoid customs issues.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturer.

2. WPC certificate

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain WPC approval.
• Must coordinate with the manufacturer to get the certificate.
• Keep a copy of the ETA certificate to avoid customs issues.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturer.

3. TEC Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain certification.
• Must obtain the TEC certificate from the manufacturer.
• Keep a copy to avoid customs issues.
• Can act as AIR if authorized.

Certification Guidelines For Traders

1. BIS CRS

• Cannot apply for BIS ISI registration directly.
• The certificate must be obtained by the manufacturer.
• Maintain a copy of the registration for compliance.
• Can act as AIR if authorized.

2. WPC certificate

• Not eligible to apply directly; certification must be done by the manufacturer.
• Maintain a copy of the WPC certificate for compliance.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturers.

3. TEC Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; certification must be done by the manufacturer.
• Maintain a copy of the TEC certificate for compliance.
• Can act as AIR if authorized.

Certification Guidelines For Online Sellers

1. BIS CRS

• Not eligible to apply directly; only original manufacturers can apply.
• Must obtain the BIS ISI certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required to present the registration for e-commerce compliance.

2. WPC certificate

• Not eligible to apply directly; only original manufacturers can apply.
• Must obtain the ETA certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required for compliance on e-commerce platforms.

3. TEC Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; only original manufacturers can apply.
• Must obtain the TEC certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required for compliance on e-commerce platforms.

Visit here to check your eligibility for an IoT Gateway for the Indian market now! 

Certification Guidelines for EPR for IoT Gateway

For Producers (Importers)

• Must obtain mandatory EPR registration from the Central Pollution Control Board before selling or importing products.
• Fulfill e-waste collection and recycling targets as per CPCB norms.
• Ensure compliance through authorized recyclers and maintain records with annual return filing.

For Recyclers

• Must have authorization from CPCB/SPCB to operate.
• Follow E-Waste Management Rules and CPCB guidelines for recycling.
• Issue recycling certificates and maintain records with annual returns.

For Refurbishers

• Registration and authorization from CPCB/SPCB are mandatory.
• Carry out refurbishing as per E-Waste Management Rules and CPCB guidelines.
• Maintain records and file annual returns on the CPCB portal.

For Manufacturers

• EPR registration on the CPCB portal is mandatory before manufacturing.
• Meet e-waste collection and recycling targets set by CPCB.
• Ensure compliance through authorized recyclers and maintain records with annual filings.

How Brand Liaison Assists Businesses in Obtaining Seamless Compliance

• Acts as a trusted consultant, guiding businesses through the entire BIS registration, WPC Approval, TEC Certification, and the EPR license process.
• Offers end-to-end Certification services, from documentation to final approval.
• Helps prepare and submit accurate applications to avoid delays and rejections.
• Liaises with officials on behalf of clients to ensure smooth communication and faster processing.
• Offers personalized compliance solutions that are tailored to product type and industry.
• Ensures cost-effective and time-efficient certification for manufacturers and importers.

Contact brand liaison to learn all requirements for managing smooth and hassle-free compliance in the Indian market.