WPC (ETA) Approval

For Wi-Fi & BT- Enabled Products

Introduction: WPC (ETA) Certification

WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is granted by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications, India. It is mandatory for wireless products like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF devices using de-licensed frequency bands. ETA ensures the device operates within approved frequencies and power limits in India. Required before importing, manufacturing, or selling wireless-enabled products in the Indian market.

What is WPC (ETA) Certification?

WPC (ETA) stands for Wireless Planning Communication – Equipment Type Approval, a regulatory requirement to approve wireless and telecommunication equipment produced, sold, or imported in the Indian market. The WPC (ETA) is established by the Wireless Planning Communication (WPC) wing, under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India. WPC (ETA) certificate for export to India and domestic imports and production ensures that the wireless and telecommunication equipment that is being manufactured, sold, and imported conforms to the Indian standards of safety and quality.

WPC (ETA) Certification is a mandatory requirement for manufacturers, importers, and service providers of wireless and telecommunication equipment to sell them legally in the Indian market.
The WPC (ETA) license ensures standardisation of the products and protects the rights and interests of the consumers.
To maintain the quality and safety of the wireless and telecommunication equipment, a process of rigorous testing is required to ensure compliance with the specified frequency bands, technical parameters, and safety regulations specified by WPC (ETA).

A WPC (ETA) license for Foreign manufacturers for export to India is required to avoid legal penalties and maintain the credibility of their products in the Indian market. This certification is beneficial for both domestic as well as international manufacturers as it helps them enhance their reputation in the market, get new opportunities, prevent product seizures, gain confidence & trust of consumers, and increase their profitability from repeated sales. It is important to note that the WPC (ETA) certificate for export to India, as well as domestic production and imports, is valid till the lifecycle of the product, but the manufacturer must apply for a new certificate if there are any changes or modifications to the product. The application for the renewal can also be submitted online on the official portal.

Importance of WPC (ETA) Approval

Below is an in-depth explanation of the importance of WPC (ETA) Approval:

Acquiring WPC (ETA)approval helps manufacturers to gain easy access to the market. The Indian manufacturers and importers can sell their wireless and telecommunication equipment in the Indian market legally.
Getting a WPC (ETA) certificate is a legal prerequisite in India to sell or import wireless devices in India. Doing so without the certification may lead to product bans, seizures, and recalls, and the businesses might face legal penalties.
The WPC (ETA) certification ensures that the wireless devices and equipment meet regulatory standards and operate within the designed frequency bands without interfering with the existing frequency and communication setup.
This certification ensures consumer safety as they are manufactured according to the safety regulations. It protects consumers from substandard products whose radiation and emissions are harmful.
WPC (ETA) approval helps manufacturers to build a strong brand image in the market, gaining consumer safety and trust.
The WPC (ETA) certificate for export to India helps foreign businesses to operate smoothly in the Indian market. Therefore, all foreign manufacturers must abide by the necessary compliances and aim to get a WPC (ETA) license for export to India, seamlessly.

Types of WPC (ETA) Approval

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

The following section provides a detailed discussion of these categories:

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:

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.
Dealer Possession License (DPL) – This is meant for the distributors of wireless devices, equipment & services in India.
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.

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:

Internet Service Provider (ISP) License – Organisations intending to provide internet services in India must obtain an ISP License.
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.

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:

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

What is a WPC Import License?

A WPC license is mandatory for importing equipment except for broadcasting Receivers and TVRO systems. Even if the equipment has obtained a WPC-ETA approval, it must still secure an Import license if it is intended to be imported into India.

To get a WPC certificate for equipment that works in de-licensed bands, you need to send a test report to WPC India from a well-known lab that shows the device works well. We aid our clients by testing the equipment they give us and giving them the test report in the format that WPC India will accept.

HBS has experience in navigating manufacturers through the WPC-ETA clearance process. We can help you get your wireless goods approved so that they are safe, reliable, and ready to use.

Looking for a good WPC ETA Certification agency? Reach out to Horizon Business Solutions today.