WPC Certification in India - Equipment Type Approval (ETA)

A WPC Certificate, also known as a WPC License, is an official document from India's Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing. This wing is part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications.

This certificate allows Indian importers, manufacturers, and sellers to legally import, manufacture, sell, or distribute radio and wireless equipment in India. This ensures that wireless devices adhere to Indian frequency regulations and safety standards, preventing interference with existing communication networks.

Key Differences: WPC ETA Certificate vs. Import License

There are different types of WPC approvals depending on the nature of the wireless device and how it is being used or imported. The two most common approvals are the WPC ETA Certificate and the WPC Import License. While both fall under WPC regulations, they serve different purposes.

Here's a clear comparison to help you understand the key differences:

A WPC License is a must-have in India for several key reasons:

• For Legal Business: It's a legal requirement under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for anyone importing, manufacturing, selling, or using wireless equipment in India. Without it, businesses risk fines, product seizures, and market bans.
• For Market Access to India: The WPC license opens the door to India's huge market for wireless products. It shows your product meets national standards, building trust with buyers and stores.
• For Customer Safety and Trust: The certification process includes strict testing to ensure devices meet safety standards, including radiation levels and overall performance. This protects consumers from unsafe or poor-quality products.
• To Prevent Network Interference: WPC certification ensures wireless devices operate within their assigned frequency bands. This stops them from interfering with other important communication systems like mobile networks, radio, and defense communications.
• To Block Counterfeit and Substandard Products: By setting strict technical and quality rules, WPC certification helps block counterfeit and low-quality wireless products from entering and being sold in the Indian market.

The WPC license is mandatory for importing and operating wireless equipment in India. Depending on the device type and frequency band, you may require a WPC ETA certificate, an Import License, or both.

Here are some common products that require a WPC license:

• Wi-Fi routers and modems
• Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers, keyboards)
• Smartphones and smartwatches
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers and tags
• Walkie-talkies and wireless microphones
• IoT devices with wireless transmission
• Wireless CCTV cameras
• Remote-controlled drones (using radio frequency)

Note: Devices operating in licensed bands, like telecom or military, may need additional clearance from the Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation (SACFA) or a spectrum license.

The WPC has set aside certain frequency bands as "de-licensed." This means devices using these bands don't need an individual operating license, though they still need an ETA certificate if they are wireless products. Some common de-licensed frequency bands in India include:

• 50-200 kHz (for very low-power devices)
• 13.553-13.567 MHz (for very low-power RF devices, indoor use only)
• 26.957 MHz-27.283 MHz (for low-power wireless equipment)
• 402-405 MHz (for medical RF wireless devices)
• 865-867 MHz (for RFID and other low-power wireless devices)
• 2.400 - 2.4835 GHz (commonly used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
• 5.150 - 5.350 GHz (for Wireless Access Systems, indoor use only)
• 5.725 - 5.825 GHz (for Wireless Access Systems, indoor use only)

Note: Though these bands are de-licensed, ETA certification is mandatory before selling, distributing, or importing devices operating in them. For bulk or commercial imports, a WPC import license is also required.

Obtaining a WPC ETA certificate ensures your wireless product complies with Indian telecom regulations. Here's why it's beneficial:

• Legal Market Entry: It's essential for legally importing, making, and selling wireless products in India.
• Faster Customs Clearance: ETA speeds up the import process, cutting down delays and possible seizures at customs.
• Consumer Trust & Brand Image: It shows compliance with national standards, making your product more believable and building consumer confidence.
• Reduced Risk of Interference: It ensures devices work within approved frequency bands, greatly reducing interference with other communication systems.
• Enhanced Product Quality: The approval process often involves strict testing, leading to better product reliability and safety.
• Competitive Advantage: Certified products get an edge in the market, often being preferred by stores and consumers.

Besides ETA and Import Licenses, the WPC issues various other licenses depending on the type and use of wireless equipment:

a. Equipment Type Approval (ETA)

This approval is necessary for wireless devices that operate within de-licensed frequency bands. It confirms that the device meets the technical and safety standards set by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) authority.

Common products requiring ETA include:

• Bluetooth gadgets
• Wi-Fi routers
• RFID equipment

Note: ETA is granted only for devices operating in de-licensed bands. If a device works outside these bands, a frequency license is required.

b. Experimental License

Organizations or individuals conducting experiments, trials, or demonstrations involving wireless equipment must obtain this license. It permits temporary and controlled use of wireless frequencies for research (R&D), prototyping, or testing purposes.

c. Import License

This license grants permission to import wireless communication devices into India for commercial distribution or sale. Even if a product holds an ETA certificate, an import license is often required to clear customs and comply with regulations for bulk commercial import.

d. Dealer Possession License (DPL)

Issued to businesses that deal with wireless equipment by stocking, selling, or distributing devices, but do not operate them. This license ensures that dealers comply with regulatory norms for possession and trade.

e. Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL)

Designed for individuals or entities who own wireless equipment for their use but are not involved in selling or distributing these devices. This license permits legal possession without commercial involvement.

f. WPC NOC Certificate

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from WPC may be required in special cases, particularly for importing certain radio communication devices that need additional clearance due to security or operational concerns.

The exact documents needed might vary slightly based on the type of approval and whether you're an Indian manufacturer or an importer. Here are the details:

Documents for Indian Manufacturers

• Company Incorporation Certificate
• GST Registration Certificate
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• ID and address proof of the authorized person
• RF Test Report from an NABL-accredited lab
• Product technical datasheet/user manual
• Authorization letter (if applying through a consultant)

Documents for Importers

• Certificate of Import Export Code (IEC) Registration
• Company Incorporation Certificate
• GST Registration Certificate
• ID and address proof of the authorized person
• RF Test Report from an NABL-accredited lab (or foreign-accredited lab in some cases)
• Product technical datasheet/user manual
• Purchase Order (PO) and Proforma Invoice (PI)/Commercial Invoice (CI)
• Authorization letter from the foreign manufacturer to the Indian applicant/AIR
• Copy of ETA certificate (if the product needs it)

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for Foreign Companies

Foreign manufacturers without an office in India must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply for WPC certification for them. The AIR acts as the local contact and ensures compliance with Indian rules.

A Power of Attorney or Authorization Letter from the foreign manufacturer to the AIR is a vital document.

Applying for a WPC License, especially an ETA, generally involves these steps:

Step 1: Check Product and Frequency

Start by identifying whether your wireless device requires WPC approval. Review the product’s technical specifications to determine the frequency band it operates in. If it falls under the de-licensed frequency bands like 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz bands, etc., it may be eligible for Equipment Type Approval (ETA).

Step 2: Get the RF Test Report from an Indian Lab

Arrange for your device to undergo Radio Frequency (RF) testing at a lab accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) in India. This test confirms that the device meets local technical criteria, including permissible frequency range and power levels.

Note: In some cases, test reports from foreign labs accredited by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) may be accepted, especially for importers. However, acceptance is not guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of the WPC. To avoid potential delays or rejection, using a test report from an NABL-accredited Indian lab is the recommended and most reliable approach.

Step 3: Register on the Saral Sanchar Portal

Access the Saral Sanchar portal (saralsanchar.gov.in), managed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). To proceed with the application, you must first sign up and create an account on the platform.

Step 4: Fill WPC License Application and Upload Documents

Log in to your Saral Sanchar account and complete the online application form with accurate product information, manufacturer details, and device specifications. Make sure to upload all necessary documents (check the section below for a complete document checklist), such as the RF test report and authorization letters if needed.

Step 5: Pay the WPC License Fee

After filling out the application, pay the prescribed WPC license fee via the portal’s secure payment gateway. The fee amount will vary depending on the license type you're applying for.

Step 6: Application Review and Certificate Issuance

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the WPC authorities. If everything is in order and meets the compliance criteria, the relevant certificate, be it an ETA or import license, will be granted and made available for download from the portal.

The total cost of obtaining a WPC license in India varies depending on the type of wireless device, the certification required (ETA or Import License), and whether you use professional services. Here's a detailed breakdown of the typical expenses involved:

Government Fee for ETA

The Equipment Type Approval (ETA) issued by WPC for devices operating in de-licensed frequency bands generally does not have a fixed government fee. The application process is free on the Saral Sanchar portal, but charges may apply in certain cases (e.g., for revised submissions or technical clarifications).

RF Lab Testing Fee

Before applying for ETA, you must get an RF (Radio Frequency) test report from an NABL-accredited Indian lab.

• Estimated Cost: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000 per product/model
• Cost depends on factors like frequency band, device type, and lab location.

Professional Consultancy Fee

If you're unfamiliar with WPC procedures, hiring a consultant or service provider can help streamline the process.

• Estimated Fee: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000
• Services include documentation, portal registration, coordination with the lab, and follow-up with WPC officials.

Government Fee for Import License

If you're importing wireless equipment in bulk or for commercial use, a separate Import License must be obtained.

• Government Fee: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000
• The amount can vary depending on the product category and the number of units.

Estimated Total Cost

Here’s a general estimate for getting WPC certification in India:

Note: These are approximate figures. Costs may vary based on the complexity of the product, lab charges, urgency, and volume of devices.

Understanding the validity and renewal requirements for your WPC license is crucial for uninterrupted business operations. The need for renewal depends on the specific type of WPC approval you hold:

1. ETA Certificate

An ETA certificate generally has lifelong validity for a specific product model, as long as the wireless module or its technical details aren't changed.

This means if you introduce a new version of the product with a different wireless component (e.g., a new Bluetooth chip or Wi-Fi module) or if its RF features (like frequency band or power output) are altered, a new ETA application is needed.

2. Import License

An Import License is typically issued for a specific period, often one year. It must be renewed if you continue importing the wireless equipment beyond that period.

The renewal process usually involves resubmitting an application with updated commercial documents like purchase orders and proforma invoices, along with the relevant ETA certificate. It's important to initiate the renewal process to avoid any disruption in your import activities.

Importing, selling, or operating wireless devices in India without a valid WPC License or ETA certificate is a violation of Indian telecom laws. The consequences can be serious and include both financial and legal actions:

• Product Seizure by Customs: Wireless products without WPC approval may be detained, seized, or confiscated at ports of entry.
• Heavy Monetary Penalties
  • Fines can go up to Rs. 1,00,000 per violation.
  • Penalty amounts may increase based on quantity and recurrence.
• Imprisonment
  • As per the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, violators may face:
    • Up to 3 years of imprisonment,
    • Or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Ban from the Indian Market
  • Businesses may be barred from selling, importing, or operating uncertified wireless devices.
  • Risk of being blacklisted from government projects or telecom-related contracts.
• Legal Proceedings by DoT
  • The Department of Telecommunications may initiate formal legal action.
  • This can include court cases, regulatory scrutiny, and cancellation of existing telecom permissions.

Going through the WPC certification process can bring several difficulties:

• Understanding Technical Requirements: The technical rules and frequency band regulations can be complicated and need expert knowledge.
• Preparing the Right Documents: Making sure all required documents are correct, complete, and in the right format is key. Missing or wrong documents can cause delays.
• Navigating the RF Testing Process: Getting an RF test report from an approved lab that meets WPC's specific rules can be tough, especially for foreign manufacturers.
• Delays in Processing Time: While official processing time might be a few weeks, actual times can vary due to many applications, questions from the department, or incomplete submissions.
• Keeping Up with Regulatory Updates: WPC rules and de-licensed frequency bands can be updated. Businesses need to stay informed to keep following the rules.
• Overcoming Language Barriers: For foreign companies, going through the application process and talking with Indian authorities can be hard due to language differences.
• Difficult Online Portal: The Saral Sanchar portal, used for submitting applications, can be confusing and hard to navigate. This often slows down the process.