WPC Certification – An Overview

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, established in 1952, is the governing body for the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing. Its main office is located in New Delhi, with regional offices in Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The WPC's key responsibilities include monitoring and managing the frequency spectrum, as well as issuing permits for amateur radio operators. In addition to these duties, the WPC is also authorized to issue the WPC ETA (Equipment Type Authorization) Certification and other wireless-related certifications.

Any process involving radio frequency-enabled equipment requires permission from the WPC. Before any radio-based frequency equipment can be imported into India, or before importing wireless devices, the WPC department must grant authorization. The WPC ensures that service providers comply with all licensure requirements. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is responsible for wireless coordination and planning. The WPC is also involved in radio frequency testing and wireless testing license requirements.

What is WPC Certification for India?
WPC Certification is a mandatory authorization for importing and marketing wireless devices in India. Issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing of the Department of Telecommunications, it is essential for ensuring the compliance of wireless equipment.

As wireless devices become increasingly common, India’s demand for such products continues to rise. While the country is becoming more self-sufficient, some high-quality wireless devices from other countries remain irreplaceable. These foreign products are often more affordable for consumers. Therefore, if you're in the business of selling wireless devices, obtaining the WPC ETA certificate is crucial.

Products Requiring a WPC Certificate

Wireless products in India require a WPC certificate for import and sale. The following products are among those that need this certification:

• WiFi Router
• WiFi Bulb / Smart Bulb
• Wireless Mouse
• Wireless Point of Sale Terminals
• Wireless Speakers
• Wireless Receiver
• Bluetooth Headphones
• Wireless Camera
• WiFi Smart Watch
• Wireless Drones
• Wireless Pendrive
• Wireless Plug
• Wireless Nano USB
• Wireless Repeater
• Wireless Keyboard
• Wireless Home Automation Devices
• Hotspot Devices
• Smart Home Gateway
• Walkie Talkie
• Wireless Terminal
• Bluetooth Devices
• Wireless POS Terminal
• Transmitter

Approval Authorizations of WPC Certification

The following approvals are included under the Indian WPC certification:

• WPC Equipment Type Approval Certificate
• Approval for Experiments
• Dealer Possession License (DPL)
• Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL)
• Licenses to Import Radio Devices

Regulations of WPC
The WPC is primarily responsible for frequency spectrum management and granting non-professional radio licenses. It is organized into several departments with the following responsibilities:

• New Technology Group (NTG)
• Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA)
• Licensing and Regulation (LR)

Types of WPC ETA Registration

The types of WPC ETA licenses or certifications are discussed below:

Non-Network License

This license is given to companies providing non-network services, such as wireless goods and cable TV distributors. It is required to import, buy, and sell specific wireless equipment. A non-network license is granted to an incorporated company with the necessary personnel for its operation. There are three varieties:

• Import License: Required to export wireless products to India, granting permission to sell wireless items within Indian territory.
• Dealer Possession License: Granted to individuals or organizations distributing and dealing with wireless items.
• Non-Dealer Possession License: Given to individuals or organizations that do not deal with wireless devices or hold a WPC license.

Network License

A corporation seeking to provide communication services (such as cable, DTH, and mobile networks) across the nation's restricted radio frequency capacity must acquire a network license.

• Internet Service Provider License (ISP): Issued by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to entities wishing to offer internet services.
• Experimental License: Granted to groups or individuals who want to conduct studies or investigations involving wireless devices.

Equipment Type Approval & WPC ETA Certificate

When importing products into India, it is important to consider the necessary compliances for the product. For devices like RFID or Bluetooth, a WPC ETA Certificate is required.

A WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is mandatory before importing any wireless device operating in the delicensed frequency spectrum into India. This includes products such as Bluetooth devices, cell phones, Wi-Fi technologies, RFID devices, and others. Every product made in India must also have a WPC ETA certificate.

• A separate WPC ETA approval is not required for a final product made in India, as long as the RF module(s) with the ETA are installed without any changes.
• If a product is imported, each item made outside India must have a WPC ETA certificate.
• If the RF modules are different, the RF module will need its own ETA.

Self-Declaration for WPC ETA Certificate

Wireless goods that meet the following criteria can get a WPC ETA certificate by self-declaration:

• The product is exempt from DGFT's EXIM Policy's import license requirements.
• The product uses a delicensed frequency range.
• Examples include mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, electronic notepads, smartwatches, SRDs with accessories, speakers, headphones, earphones, printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, TVs, and cameras.

If the product does not fall into these categories, a WPC ETA certificate can be obtained by filing an online application through the standard process to the relevant RLOs (such as for drones and special cameras).

Importance of WPC License

WPC certification is required for wireless products and holds the following significance:

Product Communication

"Product communication" refers to ensuring that wireless goods can communicate with one another. Since wireless devices depend on communication with other devices for proper functionality, any issues in this communication during the application process may render the product faulty.

Maintaining National Security

As some wireless devices may pose a risk to national security, the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing has enforced stringent regulations to manage their usage.

Preventing Frequency Interference

Devices that operate on unlicensed frequencies can interfere with other goods. This issue can arise if users are careless. The WPC ETA certificate plays a vital role in eliminating such interference by ensuring that devices operate on designated frequencies.

Access to the Indian Market

With an increasing demand for wireless devices in India, businesses need to obtain WPC certification to enter the market. Wireless devices cannot be marketed in India without certification from the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, making the ETA certificate essential for anyone involved in the production, sale, or import of wireless equipment.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for WPC Certification
The criteria for applying for WPC certification are outlined below:

For Manufacturers and Importers

Manufacturers and importers of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled products must obtain a Certificate of Import Authorization and WPC certification before selling their products in the Indian market.

For Authorized Representatives

Foreign applicants must appoint an authorized agent to handle the WPC clearance process in India. The appointed representative will act on behalf of the foreign company during the application process.

Frequency Results

The frequency results for the specific wireless accessory must be included in the application. The results should detail the resolution bandwidth, video bandwidth, frequency, and sweep specifications.

ISO Laboratories Report

If the product is manufactured domestically, special in-country testing is not required. The only prerequisite is the acquisition of a Radio Frequency (RF) report from a laboratory recognized by ISO/IEC 17025.

Delicensed Frequency Bands

Devices must operate on designated delicensed frequency bands. It is a necessity for all wireless-enabled devices to function within these bands.

Technical Information Sheet

Applicants must have the technical data sheet available upon request from the relevant authorities.

Documents Required for WPC Certification

The following documents are required for obtaining a WPC Certificate for a device that functions wirelessly or for the importation of wireless products:

For Foreign Producing Companies

• If no liaison branches are established in India, the foreign company submitting the application must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• If a liaison branch is created in India, it must be registered as an AIR.
• The foreign company must authorize the AIR to obtain an import license.

For Indian Producing Companies

• Indian companies can file for the WPC ETA without the need for an AIR, provided they have all the necessary documents.

For WPC ETA Certification

• Technical specifications of the product
• Authorized Person's ID and Address Proof
• Copy of Company Registration
• Copy of Company GST Registration
• Radio Frequency Test Result
• Authorization Letter
• IEC (Import Export Code) in case of import
• Purchase order for imported products (if applicable)
• Online fee receipt for ASTM, EN, RoHS, or CE test reports

WPC Certification Process
Here’s a step-by-step process for obtaining a WPC Certificate in India:

1. Register on the Online Portal of WPC

To apply for a WPC Certificate, register on the Saral Sanchar site. Submit an online application on the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) site for the goods you wish to import. Once submitted, the system will generate an import ID.

2. Click on Apply New ETA

For each commodity you wish to export, submit a self-declaration along with your new ETA application. Use the import ID to check whether your equipment is exempt from WPC ETA approval. You can also verify if the equipment uses different radio frequencies (RFs) by entering the ID and captcha.

3. Get RF Test Reports

A Radio Frequency (RF) test report from a recognized laboratory is required for ETA approval and WPC license registration. RF test reports confirm that the imported equipment complies with the designated frequency range and safety regulations.

In 2021, new guidelines for RF testing were introduced. RF test reports from locally recognized laboratories in India are now accepted. Test reports from overseas labs were previously allowed. Additionally, factory inspections are no longer required for obtaining a WPC license.

The WPC ETA certificate will only be granted if the equipment's radio frequency in the RF test report matches the WPC’s standard list of required items.

4. WPC Application

Once the prerequisites are met, you can apply for WPC approval for your wireless product.

5. Submit the Required Documents

Prepare and submit the necessary documents both online and offline to the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Authority. After submission, your documents will be verified by WPC officials.

6. Submit the Government Fees

To complete the registration for a WPC license, submit the government fees online. Payments can be made using wallets or debit/credit cards.

7. Issuance of WPC Certificate

After document verification, the WPC certificate will be issued for the specific gadget. Once the certificate is obtained, importers can easily import wireless equipment into India.

What is the Cost of WPC Certification?

To get the most accurate and current information on the cost of WPC certification in India, it is advisable to visit the official website of the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Additionally, you can reach out to WPC ETA consultants at Fastzeal for detailed information about the various permits, certifications, and associated costs involved in obtaining a WPC ETA certificate.

Fastzeal: Your One-Stop Solution for WPC Certification
Fastzeal is a reliable partner that ensures your financial and legal needs are met and connects you with trusted specialists. Our focus on streamlining legal procedures has consistently resulted in positive feedback from our clients. We keep our clients informed with regular updates and maintain excellent communication throughout the process.

Furthermore, clients can track the progress of their WPC certification on our platform. Our WPC consultants are available for calls to address any questions you may have regarding the WPC Equipment Type Approval certification procedure. Fastzeal ensures that you have a smooth and hassle-free experience working with professionals.

Get Professional Help

• Add Questions Regarding WPC Equipment Type Authorization
• Submit documents to Fastzeal experts to prepare the WPC Equipment Type Authorization application
• Complete all prerequisites for obtaining WPC certification
• Preliminary Screening: Let Fastzeal manage your process from start to finish with full assistance.