WPC (ETA) Approval

WPC (ETA) Approval in India

For Wi-Fi & BT- Enabled Products

Approvals for the Indian market

Explore the Content
  • What is WPC ETA Approval?
  • Who Needs a WPC ETA Approval?
  • Applicable Products Checklist
  • Standard Costing and Timeline
  • How to get WPC ETA Approval?
  • Applicable Frequency Chart
  • Other Guidelines for WPC ETA Approval
  • What will happen if there is no WPC ETA Approval?
  • How Brand Liaison Will Help You?
  • FAQs
  • Quick Links

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What is WPC ETA Approval?

The Wireless Planning Communication - Equipment Type Approval (WPC ETA) is a mandatory certification issued for Wi-Fi and BT-enabled products before selling in the Indian market. The WPC certificate is issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing under the Ministry of Communications. The WPC ETA license is a necessary certification required to ensure that the products are tested on the necessary RF (Radio Frequency) parameters and do not interfere with other frequencies. 

Note: 
A WPC ETA Approval is also commonly known as WPC ETA certificate, WPC Registration, WPC license, ETA Certification, WPC Approval and ETA license.

Who Needs a WPC ETA Approval?

All manufacturers (Indian and foreign) who are producing the notified wireless (wifi and BT-enabled) products to sell in India are required to obtain a WPC ETA Approval before selling their products in the Indian market. Please refer to the applicable product checklist to confirm the applicability for WPC ETA certification. 

Indian Manufacturers to Sell in India

A WPC ETA Certification is a mandatory requirement for Indian manufacturers who are producing notified Wi-Fi and BT-enabled products before selling in the Indian market. For ensuring legal compliance, an ETA Approval license for Indian manufacturers is an essential requirement in India.

Foreign Manufacturers for Export to India

Foreign Manufacturers who want to export notified wireless and BT-enabled products to India should get the WPC ETA approval first. It is mandatory to obtain the WPC ETA Approval before exporting the products to the Indian market. However, they have to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to proceed with the application. You should talk to our team of experts or your consultant for the same.

Guidelines for Importers and Traders

Importers and traders cannot apply directly for WPC ETA Certification, as the WPC license is granted only to the actual manufacturer of the product (whether an Indian or foreign manufacturer). However, importers must ensure that the foreign manufacturer whose products they are importing has a valid WPC ETA Approval for export to India. A copy of the WPC license can be obtained from manufacturers to ensure legal compliance for the Indian market. So, traders and importers are advised to request their respective manufacturers to provide the WPC ETA certification to sell the products in India.

Note:
Indian Importers can become an AIR, for their respective foreign manufacturer.

Mandatory Products Under WPC (ETA)

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Standard Costing and Timeline for WPC (ETA) License

Costing for WPC (ETA) Approval

ComponentDomestic ManufacturerForeign Manufacturer
ApplicationRs 10,000Equivalent USD
Sample TestingAs per the product & IS standardAs per the product & IS standard
Minimum Marking FeeAs per the product & IS standardAs per the product & IS standard
Consultancy charge Varies Varies 

📞 Contact us today to receive a cost estimate for your WPC ETA Approval.

 

Standard Timeline for WPC (ETA) Approval

The standard timeline to obtain a WPC ETA license is approximately 1-2 working days, subject to the technical discretion of WPC. 

How to get WPC ETA Approval?

Required Documents for a WPC ETA Approval 

The list of documents required for WPC (ETA) approval is as follows:

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

 

Process to get a WPC ETA Approval

WPC approval process for Indian and foreign manufacturers is discussed below:

  1. Preparation of the Documents 

    The applicant should prepare the documents as per the prescribed checklist. 

  2. RF Testing of the Product 

    The product sample will be tested in WPC-accredited laboratories, as per relevant standards. 

  3. Submission of the Application 

    The applicant needs to submit the application along with the RF test report to the WPC authorities to initiate the certification process. 

  4. Grant of WPC ETA Approval

    After verifying the details, credibility, and the test report, the WPC ETA Approval will be granted to the applicant. 

To ease this process, a WPC approval consultant, like Brand Liaison, can be contacted to make the process simpler.

Applicable Frequency Chart

Below is the Frequency List for which WPC (ETA) Approval is mandatory in India:

Frequency List for WPC (ETA) Approval

Source: CIS-India

Technical characteristics of inductive applications using the following frequency bands:

frequency bands for WPC (ETA) Approval

Other Important Guidelines for WPC ETA Approval

1. Types of WPC (ETA) Approval

There are three different types of Wireless Planning & Coordination WPC (ETA) Approval, such as Non-Network License, Network License, and Equipment Type Approval. These are categorised to cater to different kinds of wireless devices and equipment. 

  1. Non-Network License

    The Non-Network License is a type of WPC (ETA) approval that is provided by the WPC to business entities that are not engaged in the sale or import of network services. They sell or distribute types of equipment and services such as Bluetooth mice, wireless earbuds & headphones, keyboards, video editing software, mobile phones, cable TV services, etc.
    This License can be further categorised into the following:

    1. Import License - An Import License is issued by WPC (ETA) to importers of wireless devices and equipment meant to be sold in the Indian market.
    2. Dealer Possession License (DPL) - This is meant for the distributors of wireless devices, equipment & services in India.
    3. Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL) - This License is required by organisations and individuals who possess wireless equipment & devices but are not involved in the sales, import, or distribution in the Indian market. 
  2. Network License

    The Network License is provided by WPC (ETA) to individuals, organisations, and companies that provide communication services using India’s RF spectrum. These services include DTH broadcasting and mobile services. Network License is further categorised into two kinds:

    1. Internet Service Provider (ISP) License - Organisations intending to provide internet services in India must obtain an ISP License.
    2. Experimental License - This license is required for entities and organisations intending to conduct experiments, research, and development of new technologies using wireless equipment & devices. The license allows them to conduct these experiments and research in a controlled and safe manner.
  3. Equipment Type Approval (ETA)

    Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is a type of WPC approval in India that is mandatory for wireless equipment that functions in de-licensed frequency bands. It is a mandatory requirement for individuals, importers, organisations, and companies who intend to distribute, sell, or import such equipment in India legally.

Note: 
If a product is produced in India and incorporates RF module(s) with ETA without any changes, there's no need for separate WPC ETA approval for the final product. However, a WPC ETA certificate is essential for products manufactured outside India before import. The ETA applies to the RF module in cases where the RF modules are separate.

 

WPC ETA certificates can be obtained through self-declaration for wireless products meeting the following criteria:

  1. The product is exempt from import licensing requirements according to the EXIM Policy of DGFT
  2. It operates within the de-licensed frequency band
     

2. Validity and Renewal

WPC certification is granted for a specific model, and it remains valid as long as the product model is in production without any modifications.

Note: No need for renewal.

3. Format of RF Test Report - Indian Manufacturers

Specimen copy of RF Test Report for WPC (ETA) License for reference purposes (in case of an Indian manufacturer) is as follows:

Format of RF Test Report for WPC(ETA) License - Indian - Section 1
Format of RF Test Report for WPC(ETA) License - Indian - Section 2

This is an indicative document (few initial pages) only to show the contents mentioned on Lab Test Report. This is not for any legal presentation.

Looking for a reliable WPC (ETA) registration consultant? Brand Liaison is just a call away.

4. Format of RF Test Report - Foreign Manufacturers

Specimen copy of RF Test Report for WPC (ETA) License for reference purpose (in case of foreign manufacturer) is as below:

 

Format of RF Test Report-Foreign Manufacturer- Section 1
Format of RF Test Report-Foreign Manufacturer- Section 2

5. Format of WPC (ETA) License

Specimen copy of WPC (ETA) License for reference purposes is as follows:

This is an indicative document only to show the contents mentioned on the WPC (ETA) License. This is not for any legal presentation.

Your one-stop solution for efficient WPC ETA Services is Brand Liaison. Connect with us and grow your business.

What will happen if you are selling products without WPC ETA Approval?

WPC (Equipment Type Approval – ETA) is a mandatory authorization for wireless and radio-frequency equipment in India, which is governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and related Rules and Government Directions. The ETA approval verifies compliance with permitted frequency bands, power limits, emission standards, and technical parameters prior to manufacture, import, sale, distribution, or use. 

For Foreign Manufacturers

If you are exporting the notified products in the Indian market without a WPC ETA Approval, there might be various risks, such as:

  1. No custom clearance
  2. Financial losses
  3. Loss of market opportunities
  4. Product seizures

For Indian Manufacturers

If you are selling the notified products in the Indian market without a WPC ETA Approval, there might be various penalties such as:

  1. Fines up to ₹5,00,000 per violation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023
  2. Additional ₹50,000 per day for continuing breaches
  3. Penalties and imprisonment up to 3 years under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
  4. Seizure and confiscation of equipment

Visit here for the complete Legal Aspect of the WPC ETA Certification in India.

How Brand Liaison Will Help You?

Brand Liaison is a trusted and reliable compliance expert who provides manufacturers and importers with end-to-end regulatory support for approvals and certifications in India. We offer professional services such as BIS Certification, ISI Marking, BEE Certification, WPC/ETA Certification, EPR Registration, LMPC Registration, and other regulatory compliances with:

  1. Practical solutions for compliance management
  2. End-to-end regulatory support to avoid delays
  3. Cost-effective guidance
  4. Expertise backed by excellent industry experience
  5. Simplified documentation
  6. Technical Assistance
  7. Coordination with authorities and timely follow-ups
  8. Support in factory audits and inspections
  9. Regular industry updates

The above-mentioned features make Brand Liaison the best WPC ETA approval consultant and a trusted choice for manufacturers, importers, and brands looking for smooth and hassle-free compliance. Get in touch today for smooth and worry-free approvals.

FAQs on WPC (ETA) Approval

What is an RF (radio frequency) test report, and how do I get an RF test report?

Is WPC (ETA) required for products using modules already approved by WPC?

What are the WPC ETA online certification services?

Is testing required for WPC (ETA) Approval in India?

What is the fee for WPC (ETA) Certification in India?

What are the penalties for non-compliance with WPC (ETA) rules?

Can foreign manufacturers apply for ETA directly?

Who is the best WPC (ETA) license agent for export to India?

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