Overview of WPC ETA Certificate

The WPC ETA is the type approval license that is compulsory for wireless products operating in unlicensed frequency bands, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, and other short-range radios, issued by the Department of Telecommunications, India. This ensures compliance with the technical standards prescribed, preventing interference with licensed spectrum operations in the country.

The approval process includes testing the prototype against standards for RF compliance, supported by test reports from accredited international labs. The WPC ETA Certificate shall be issued before marketing or selling of the product in India by the importer, manufacturer, or distributor. The WPC ETA being streamlined in its regulatory requirements will enable a much smoother entry of wireless technologies into the Indian market while taking care to protect spectrum usage.

What is WPA ETA Certificate?

The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) office issues ETA Certificate for IT and electronic devices that meet the demands of wireless technology users. Only wireless and Bluetooth IT and electronic devices that are approved by the WPC, operate on unlicensed frequency bands, and comply with human safety regulations are permitted for sale in India. Manufacturers, importers, traders, and suppliers must strictly adhere to the compliance and regulatory requirements specified in the WPC or ETA certification.

Importance of WPC ETA Certificate

• Regulatory Compliance: It ensures that wireless devices comply with India’s regulatory framework and technical standards, avoiding legal penalties and import restrictions.
• Spectrum Management: By certifying that devices operate only within designated unlicensed frequency bands, ETA approval prevents interference with licensed spectrum and ensures seamless communication.
• Market Entry: WPC ETA is mandatory for introducing wireless products into the Indian market, facilitating smooth import, sale, and distribution.
• Consumer Safety: Ensuring technical compliance reduces risks associated with poorly manufactured or non-compliant devices, enhancing consumer trust and safety.
• Promotion of Innovation: Simplified ETA processes, like SETA, encourage faster deployment of cutting-edge wireless technologies, promoting innovation and economic growth.

Applicability

Products requiring WPC ETA certification include:

• Bluetooth devices
• Wi-Fi technology
• RFID equipment
• Other wireless communication devices

Types of ETA Equipment Approval

ETA verifies that wireless equipment meets established technical specifications and legal requirements. The approvals encompass a diverse array of wireless devices, including radio-frequency equipment, wireless routers, and mobile phones.

• Network License:

This license authorizes the establishment and operation of wireless networks, including cellular, point-to-point, and Wi-Fi networks.

• Internet Service Provider (ISP) License:

This license is crucial for companies providing internet services, such as broadband or dial-up connections. It is a necessary condition for the initiation and management of internet services.

• Experimental License:

This license is issued to educational institutions and research organizations, allowing them to conduct experimental applications of wireless equipment or frequencies, primarily for research and development purposes.

• Non-Network License:

This license is granted to companies that provide non-network services, such as distributors of cable television and wireless products. It is required for the importation, purchase, and sale of specific wireless equipment.

The following are three types:

• Import License: An import license is required for the export of wireless products to India. The holder of this license is permitted to sell wireless items within Indian territory.
• Dealer Possession License: The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) issues Dealer Possession Licenses to individuals or companies engaged in the distribution and trade of wireless products.
• Non-Dealer Possession License: The WPC grants a non-dealer possession license to individuals or organizations that do not engage in the trade of wireless devices and do not possess a license from the WPC.

Essential Requirements for WPC ETA Approval and Import License

• For foreign manufacturers: Any foreign manufacturer without a liaison or branch office in India must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). If the manufacturer possesses a liaison or branch office in India, that office will serve as the AIR. To secure an import license, the foreign manufacturer is required to appoint an AIR, which must be consistent with the representative listed in the WPC ETA application.
• For Indian Manufacturers: For Indian Manufacturers they don’t need to appoint AIR but the issuance of an ETA is necessary if the wireless product being produced operates within delicensed frequency bands.
• Product Type: The device must operate on unlicensed frequency bands, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, or other short-range communication technologies. Devices using licensed frequencies require a separate licensing process.
• Technical Compliance: The product must comply with technical standards set by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing, supported by valid radiofrequency test reports from an accredited laboratory. From year 2021 only the domestic accredited laboratories reports are acceptable.
• Legitimate Purpose: ETA approval is granted only for devices intended for legal and legitimate use within India, such as personal, commercial, or industrial purposes, without causing spectrum interference.

Documents Required for WPC ETA Certification

• Certificate of incorporation for your company
• Company's PAN Card
• Authorization letter permitting submission of the application on behalf of the company
• Declaration affirming information accuracy (WPC ETA self-declaration)
• RF Test report issued by a NABL accredited laboratory
• Product description
• Receipt for the online fee payment

Procedure of obtaining WPC ETA Certificate

• Step 1: Online Registration

To obtain a WPC Certificate, please register on the Saral Sanchar website. Subsequently, complete an online application on the DOT website, specifying the goods you wish to import in order to secure a WPC license. An Import ID will be issued to you.

• Step 2: Self Declaration

It is necessary to provide a self-declaration for every commodity you export, along with your application for a new ETA.

• Step 3: Take RF test reports

In 2021, a new guideline pertaining to RF testing was adopted, which states that RF testing results from locally recognized laboratories in India would be allowed.

• Step 4: WPC Application

Only if all above required conditions are satisfied you will be able to apply for the WPC approval of your wireless product

• Step 5: Submission of Documents

To obtain a WPC Certificate, you must prepare the necessary documentation and submit it to the Wireless Planning and Coordination Authority, both online or offline. Once submitted, your documents will be sent to WPC officials for verification.

• Step 6: Submit the Government Fees

To obtain a WPC license, it is necessary to pay the government fees through an online platform. Payments can be processed using digital wallets or debit/credit cards.

• Step 7: Issuance of WPC Certificate

Once the documents have been validated, the application is forwarded for processing. The WPC wing then issues the WPC Eta certificate for the particular device. Following the acquisition of a WPC license, importers can seamlessly bring wireless equipment into India.

How Whizseed can help you?

• End-to-End Support: We take full responsibility for the application process starting from registration on the Saral Sanchar portal to generating, filling in and submitting your WPC application, thereby reducing the chances of mistakes and unwarranted delays.
• Proven Expertise: With many years designing and assisting in the compliance process for our clients; your application will be in safe hands thereby avoiding unnecessary rejections or delays.
• Comprehensive Knowledge: We fully understand WPC guidelines and update them frequently to provide you with a product that is suitable with the Indian standards.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Our charges are reasonably priced with high added value because we facilitate efficient processing of the certification procedures.
• Customer-Centric Approach: At Whizseed, we wish for our clients to succeed always. We take time to attend to any questions or issues that the user may have individually.