WPC

The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) is a government agency in India that regulates the use of radio and wireless devices. It was established in 1952 and is part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. WPC issues licenses for wireless devices that operate in India, including those that use unlicensed frequency bands such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

ETA

Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is required for all wireless devices imported into India, unless the device is certified by WPC to meet applicable safety standards. ETA certificates are also required for wireless devices that operate in unlicensed frequency bands but do not meet WPC certification standards.

Most common products that require WPC ETA certification:

• Bluetooth devices
• Drones
• Wi-Fi routers
• Laptops
• Mobile phones
• Wireless keyboards and mice
• Wireless headphones and earbuds
• Wireless cameras
• RFID tags and readers
• Wireless medical devices
• Wireless home appliances

Types of WPC certification:

• Importer's License: WPC issues a license to importers of wireless products in India. This license allows you to sell wireless devices imported from abroad.
• Equipment Type Approval (ETA): Any wireless device that operates in the unlicensed frequency range must first receive ETA from WPC before being imported into India. Each product made in India must also have a WPC ETA certificate. This includes products such as RFID tags, cell phones, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices.
• Network License: An organization that wants to use India's limited radio frequency capacity to offer communication services such as mobile networks, cable, and DTH must obtain a network license.

To apply for a WPC ETA Certificate, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Foreign manufacturers:

Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply on their behalf.

Domestic manufacturers:

Must apply directly if their wireless products operate in delicensed bands.

Foreign manufacturer

A foreign manufacturer is a manufacturer of wireless devices that is not headquartered in India. To apply for a WPC ETA Certificate, a foreign manufacturer must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR is a legal representative of the foreign manufacturer in India and is responsible for submitting the ETA application and complying with all relevant Indian laws and regulations.

Domestic manufacturers

A domestic manufacturer is a manufacturer of wireless devices that is headquartered in India. Domestic manufacturers can apply directly for a WPC ETA Certificate if their wireless products operate in delicensed frequency bands. Delicensed frequency bands are frequency bands that are not licensed to any specific operator or service provider.

It is important to note that all wireless devices that operate in India must be certified by the WPC, regardless of whether they are manufactured domestically or imported. The WPC ETA Certificate is the only valid proof of certification for wireless devices in India.

Documents Required:

The following documents are required for WPC-ETA approval:

• Radio frequency (RF) test report from a laboratory accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
• Product description
• Receipt of online fee
• Letter authorizing a third-party agency to file the application on your behalf
• Undertaking that all information provided in the application is true
• Certificate of incorporation of your company
• PAN card of the company

Procedure to get ETA

• Step 1: Register on the WPC online Portal

To register on the WPC online portal, visit the Saral Sanchar portal and click on the "Register" button. Enter your personal details, such as your name, email address, and contact number. Once you have registered, you will be able to log in to the portal and submit an online application for a WPC certificate.

• Step 2: Click on Apply new ETA

Once you have logged in to the WPC online portal, click on the "Apply new ETA" button. You will be required to provide the self-declaration of every commodity you are importing. You can use your import ID to search whether your equipment falls under the equipment exempted from WPC ETA Approval.Equipment that utilizes different RF(Radio Frequency) can be checked by entering the ID and captcha.

• Step 3: Get RF test reports

An RF test report issued by an accredited laboratory is mandatory for ETA approval and WPC license registration. RF test reports are required to verify and ensure that the imported equipment falls under the specified frequency range and meets the safety standards.

• Step 4: WPC application

Once you have obtained the RF test reports, you can submit the WPC application online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

• Import ID
• RF test reports
• Self-declaration of commodities
• Payment receipt for government fees
• Step 5: Submit the required documents

Once you have submitted the WPC application online, you will need to submit the required documents offline to the Wireless Planning and Coordination Authority (WPC). The following documents are required:

• Hard copy of the WPC application
• Hard copies of the RF test reports
• Hard copy of the self-declaration of commodities
• Hard copy of the payment receipt for government fees
• Step 6: Submit the Government Fees

You can pay the government fees for WPC registration online through debit/credit cards or wallets. The government fees vary depending on the type of equipment you are importing.

• Step 7: Issuance of WPC certificate

Once the WPC has verified your documents and application, they will issue the WPC certificate for the specific device. Importers can easily import wireless equipment in India after getting the WPC license.

Renewal

Please note that the WPC certificate is only valid for one year. After one year, you will need to renew your WPC certificate.

Why Ecfile

• Guidance and Documentation Preparation: We offer guidance on the required documents and information needed for the ETA application. This includes technical specifications, test reports, and other necessary paperwork.
• Application Submission: We assist in preparing and submitting the application for ETA to the WPC on your behalf. This involves ensuring that all required documents are correctly compiled and submitted in accordance with WPC guidelines.
• Follow-Up and Communication: We keep track of your application's progress and maintain communication with the WPC to address any queries or additional requirements they may have during the review process.
• Expertise and Compliance: Our team is well-versed in the WPC regulations and compliance standards, ensuring that your application adheres to all necessary guidelines, thereby increasing the likelihood of approval.
• Streamlined Process: By leveraging our experience and knowledge of the WPC procedures, we aim to streamline the entire ETA application process, saving you time and effort.
• Support and Assistance: We provide ongoing support and assistance throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.