WPC Certificate for Import: Everything You Need to Know

If you are planning to import wireless devices in India, you must obtain the WPC Certification for Import. The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, part of the Ministry of Communication, regulates the use of wireless frequencies in India and ensures that imported wireless equipment meets the quality of the Indian Standard.

As demand for smart electronics and IoT devices continues to rise, importers, manufacturers, and distributors need to understand the WPC certification process. Without the proper approval, your products risk being seized at customs or barred from entering the Indian market.

The products under ETA Approval must go through the certification process, which involves application, evaluation, and testing before the WPC certificate and ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Cert Number are issued. Let’s delve deeper and know more.

An Overview of WPC Certification

The WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) wing is a part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, which is the national broadcasting body founded in 1952, operated by the Saral Sanchar Online Portal. A WPC Certificate is necessary for everyone who wants to sell wireless devices in India. Manufacturers and importers of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices are required to obtain a WPC license (ETA certificate) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing in India.

WPC ETA certification for importers is a compulsory requirement in India for products that use radio frequency or wireless technologies. It ensures that devices comply with required safety standards, performance, and proper usage of radio frequency spectrum.

ETA ensures that devices comply with required safety standards, performance, and proper usage of the radio frequency spectrum. WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) is the governing body under the Department of Telecommunications responsible for providing certifications.

Which Products Require a WPC Certificate for Import in India?

Below, you can go through the list of products required under the WPC Approval for Import in India:

• Wireless Mouse
• Wireless Bluetooth Gadgets
• Wireless Transmitter
• Wireless Drones
• Wi-Fi Router
• Smart Speaker
• Wireless POS Terminal
• Wireless Repeater    
• Wireless Walkie Talkie
• Wireless Terminal
• Wireless Microphone
• Wireless Hotspot
• Wireless Camera
• Bluetooth Headphones
• Wireless Receiver
• Wireless Nano USB

How to Obtain WPC ETA Certificate With ERCS?

WPC Certification in India is applicable for all wireless and RF-capable devices working in de-licensed frequency bands (i.e., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID) before you can import, sell, or use them in India. The full form of ETA in this project is (Equipment Type Approval).

Step 1: Product Testing (RF Test Report)

You will need to have the device tested by an accredited test lab (either Indian or International). Regardless of the test lab's location, they will be required to provide you with an RF test report that shows that the device works in the allowed bandwidths in India (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). This is the most important technical document in the approval process. 

Step 2: Gather required documents

The following documents will need to be gathered: 

• RF test report 
• Technical Datasheet or Product Specification 
• User Manual 
• Authorization Letter (for products where you are not the manufacturer) 
• Self-Declaration Letter 
• Business Identity Proof (PAN, GST, IEC, etc.)

Step 3: Sign up on the Saral Sanchar Portal 

• Navigate to Saral Sanchar Portal. 
• Register and create an Account as an Applicant (individual/company). 
• Select the WPC services category and select "Equipment Type Approval (ETA) through Self-Declaration”.

Step 4: Fill out the ETA Application 

• Complete the online application with: 
• Product details (name, model, frequency range) 
• Company details (name, contact, GST, IEC)

Step 5: Pay the Government Fee 

• A nominal application fee (non-refundable) is to be made online through the Saral Sanchar Portal. 
• Fees will depend on the product category and the type of application made.

 
Step 6: WPC Reviews Application

• WPC will either review your application and documentation 
• If everything complies, your WPC certificate for Import, ETA certificate will appear approved online, usually in 1-3 weeks (may take longer). 
• If the application requires clarification, WPC may request additional documentation.

Step 7: Download ETA Certificate

• When your ETA is approved, you will log in to your Saral Sanchar dashboard and download the WPC certificate / ETA Certificate.

Important NOTES: 

• No physical sample submission will be required for your ETA. 
• ETA will be required for each product model number. 
• If you are importing the device, you have to apply for a WPC Import Licence once you have your ETA.

Documentation Required for the WPC Certification  

The requisite documentation for WPC ETA registration is as follows:  

• Certificate of Incorporation  
• GST registration certificate  
• Import Export Code (IEC Certificate)  
• Receipt of online Payment  
• Purchase Order(PO) of the imported equipment
• Address Proof of Applicant organization  
• RF test reports either from an international laboratory that has been accredited by an ISO or a laboratory accredited by NABL  
• Letter of Authority  
• Technical details of the Product

Benefits of ETA Approval - Wireless Planning & Coordination

Here is a revised list focused only on WPC License Benefits for the Importation of Wireless Products into India:

• Mandatory for Customs Clearance:  While importing telecommunications devices like Bluetooth, wi-fi, or RFID-enabled products into India, you will need a WPC ETA license so that your products may legally clear customs.

• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with wireless frequencies for your imported product, as defined by the Indian Government, is overseen by the Department of Telecommunications.

• Avoids Shipment Rejection: Products that do not have WPC approval can be held up or rejected at a port; therefore, you should avoid delays to avoid shipment delays or lost products.

• Seamless transaction in the market: Enables legal and smooth entry into the market for electronic devices and products with wireless technology.

• Enhances Buyer Trust: Certified products show that your product is authentic and regulatory compliant for customers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms.

Get the Key Points of Difference between WPC and ETA

Who is Eligible for WPC ETA Certification for Import?

WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) certification can be applied for by any individual or company intending to import wireless products that operate in de-licensed frequency bands (principally, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, etc.) to India.

• Importers & Traders: Companies importing wireless products for resale or distribution in India.
• Indian Manufacturers: Corporations are developing wireless-enabled devices in India but using imported wireless modules.
• Foreign Manufacturers (via Authorized Indian Representative): Foreign brands planning to enter the Indian market must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply on their behalf
• E-commerce Sellers & distributors: Sellers or distributors on e-commerce platforms that produce wireless-enabled devices (ie, Amazon, Flipkart, etc.) must obtain WPC-approved products for product listings.
• Startups & OEMs:  Developers of products or OEMs that are developing products with wireless modules (Bluetooth, wi-fi, etc.) in their electronics must apply for ETA.

Note:

• WPC ETA is required for products that will operate in license-free (or de-licenced) frequency bands only.
• Products that will use licensed frequency bands must apply for a separate Wireless Operating License.

Why Choose ERCS for the WPC Certificate?

As the experts in WPC ETA Consultant, ERCS Pvt. Ltd. assists importers in understanding WPC ETA Certification for wireless products. With more than a decade of experience in dealing with regulatory approvals, we ensure your certification process is easy and trouble-free. 
We manage the process, including documentation, frequency analysis, representation, and communication with the WPC authorities for any wireless-enabled product or service, including Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi modules, and RFID products. We also represent foreign manufacturers as their Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).