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WPC ETA Approval: Essential Steps for India Compliance

Certified to Launch: Navigating Compliance for Consumer Electronics

WPC Approval: License to Transmit in India

Your electronic product uses wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or LoRa. If you’re launching it in India, then WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) approval is a must. Without this, your product can’t legally operate wireless communication in India.

What is WPC Approval?

WPC is a wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Indian government. It manages and allocates spectrum and ensures that all wireless devices operate within India’s licensed frequency bands.

There are two main types of WPC approvals for electronic devices:

  1. ETA (Equipment Type Approval) – Required for devices using de-licensed bands (like 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.)
  2. License for Licensed Frequency Bands – Required for telecom or proprietary radio devices using licensed spectrum.

Why is WPC Approval Required?

  • Legal Requirement: All RF-enabled devices must be approved to operate in India.
  • Spectrum Regulation: Ensures the device transmits within allowed frequency bands.
  • Customs Clearance: Mandatory for import into India.
  • Market Authorization: Required for sale and distribution in India.

Who Needs ETA Approval?

Devices that use ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) bands like:

  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Bluetooth earphones/speakers
  • Smartwatches & wearables
  • Zigbee sensors
  • LoRaWAN gateways
  • Any IoT device with wireless capability

Even pre-certified modules inside your product require WPC approval for the finished device.

WPC ETA Approval Process

Step 1: RF Test Report

  • Get a radio frequency (RF) test report from an international or Indian accredited lab.
  • Report must clearly state:
    • Frequency band used
    • Output power
    • Modulation type
    • Channel bandwidth

Step 2: Online Application

  • Submit ETA application through Saral Sanchar portal (https://saralsanchar.gov.in).
  • Required documents:
    • RF Test Report
    • Product brochure/spec sheet
    • Authorization letter (if foreign applicant)
    • Company PAN, GST details

Step 3: WPC Review

  • WPC reviews application and report
  • Approves ETA if frequencies fall under de-licensed band

Step 4: Issuance of ETA Certificate

  • A soft copy of the ETA certificate is provided via the portal
  • No physical certificate is sent

Labeling Requirement

There is no mandatory WPC label, but it’s good practice to mention:This device complies with WPC ETA Approval No. ETA-XYZ12345

Cost of WPC ETA Approval

Item Approximate Cost (INR) RF Testing (if needed) ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 ETA Application Govt. Fee ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 Consultant/Agent (optional) ₹15,000 – ₹40,000

Total Estimate: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000
(Much lower if RF test report is already available)

Timeline

  • With RF report ready: 1–2 weeks
  • With RF testing: Add 1–3 weeks for testing

Key Notes

  • No factory inspection required
  • RF test report must be from an NABL or ILAC certified lab
  • WPC ETA is product-specific (model + brand)
  • For multiple radios in one device (e.g., Wi-Fi + BLE), all must be listed

Risks of Non-Compliance

  • Blocked at Customs
  • Fines and legal action
  • Product ban
  • Trouble onboarding to Indian marketplaces

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