What is WPC-ETA approval? Process & Benefits

•  28 Jun, 2024
•  WPC Approval (ETA)

The use of wireless technology has grown steadily in the daily lives of people. People rely on wireless technology in the office, at home, in arenas, and even in cars for information, entertainment, communication, and other purposes. According to the most recent research from Nokia India, the average user's monthly mobile data consumption in 2023 hit a record 24.1 GB.

Acquiring the WPC-ETA certification for your product line builds client trust. It helps boost sales and establish your brand's credibility as it indicates your electronic devices are dependable, secure, and compatible with the network infrastructure in India.

In India obtaining WPC-ETA Approval according to Indian WPC regulations is a legal requirement, and non-compliance can result in regulatory actions by the authority.

The primary responsibility of the WPC is to issue radio licenses and to allocate and monitor the frequency spectrum. Under the Department of Telecommunications, the WPC wing issues the WPC ETA certifications/ WPC ETA Approval to the manufacturer to sell, produce, and import the wireless equipment. This is done to ensure that the products are safe and secure.

Types of WPC ETA Approvals

Effective regulatory oversight and adherence to Indian telecommunications laws and standards are ensured by subclassification of WPC approvals and licenses, which cover a broad spectrum of wireless and telecommunications equipment, services, and operating objectives.

The types of WPC ETA licenses are categorized into three main types as follows : 

Equipment Type Approval (ETA): 

ETA certifies that wireless equipment complies with technical specifications and legal criteria. Approvals cover a wide range of wireless equipment, including radio-frequency devices, wireless routers, and cell phones.

1. Network license : 

Permission to set up and run wireless networks, such as cellular, point-to-point, and Wi-Fi networks.

2.  Internet Service Provider (ISP) license - 

This license is essential for corporations offering internet services, such as broadband or dial-up internet connections. It is a prerequisite for the establishment and operation of Internet services.

3.   Experimental License - 

Educational institutions and research organizations are granted this license to conduct experimental uses of wireless equipment or frequencies, usually for research and development.

4.  Non-Network License

Companies that offer non-network services, such as distributors of cable TV and wireless products, are granted this license. This license is required to import, purchase, and sell specific wireless equipment.

The following are three varieties :

Import License: An import license is necessary to export wireless products to India. The license holder is authorized to sell wireless items in Indian Territory.

Dealer Possession License: WPC issues Dealer Possession Licenses to individuals or companies that distribute and trade in wireless products.

Non-Dealer Possession License: WPC grants a non-dealer possession license to an individual or organization that does not deal with wireless devices and does not hold a license from WPC.

WPC Certification Process

Following is the WPC ETA application process in India for obtaining a WPC Certificate :

• Registration 

Register on the Saral Sanchar site for a WPC Certificate. Submit an online application on the DOT site indicating the goods you want to import to obtain a WPC license. You will get an Import ID.

• Click on Apply New ETA - 

You are required to submit a self-declaration for each commodity you export, together with your application for a new ETA.

• Get RF Test Reports -

New RF testing guidelines were adopted in 2021, stating that results from regionally accredited laboratories in India would be accepted. To verify and ensure that the imported equipment is within the approved frequency range and conforms with safety requirements, RF test reports are required. A factory inspection is not required to receive a WPC license.

• WPC Application

You will be able to apply for the WPC approval of your wireless product after all the prerequisites are satisfied.

• Submit the Required Documents

To register a WPC Certificate, prepare the paperwork and submit it to the Wireless Planning and Coordination Authority online or offline. After they are submitted, your documents will be forwarded to WPC officials for verification.

• Submit the Government Fees

To register for a WPC license, the government fees must be paid online using wallets or debit/credit cards.

• Issuance of WPC Certificate

After the documents are verified, the application is submitted. The WPC wing issues the WPC Eta certificate for that specific device. Importers can easily import wireless equipment into India after getting a WPC license.

Contact the WPC ETA Consultant for more details.

Documents Required for WPC Certification

Following is the list of required documents for WPC ETA Certification

For Foreign Producing Companies

• If no liaison branches are set up in India, the foreign-producing applying company must designate an Authorized Indian Representative or AIR.
• The branch must register as an AIR if the liaison branch is created.
• The Foreign Producing Company must authorize an AlR to get an import license.

For Indian Producing Companies

The company can file the WPC ETA without AIR as long as they have all the necessary documentation.

For WPC ETA Certification

• Technical specifications of the product
• Authorized Person's ID and Address Proof
• Company Registration Copy
• Company GST Registration Copy
• Radio Frequency Test Result
• Authorization Letter
• IEC in the event of import
• Purchase order for the imported product, if any
• Online fee receipt for an ASTM, EN, RoHS, or CE test report

Check out the list of mandatory products for WPC approval

Benefits of WPC-ETA Approval 

The following are the benefits of WPC certification for wireless products:

Product Communication

Ensuring that all goods communicate with one another is known as "product communication," since wireless products rely on communication with other devices to operate. If there are issues with that communication at the time of the application procedure, the product is considered defective.

Maintaining National Security

The Wireless Planning and Coordination wing has imposed rigorous limitations on the use of wireless items and gadgets because they can occasionally pose a threat to national security.

Eliminate Unlicensed Frequencies

If a user is careless, some gadgets may operate on unlicensed frequencies, which may result in the intrusion of that device with other goods. As a result, the ETA certification is indispensable for the removal of these frequencies.

Access to Indian Market

The Indian market for wireless devices is growing as people choose more comfortable options. Anyone engaged in the manufacture, marketing, or import of wireless devices must have an ETA certificate, as wireless equipment cannot be marketed in the Indian market without approval from the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing.