WPC stands for Wireless Planning and Coordination, and ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval, both of which are handled by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. It was established in 1952, and the WPC headquarters is in New Delhi, with four branches in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati. To sell wireless goods in the Indian market, manufacturers need to obtain WPC certification. A mandatory products list is available to clarify which items require a WPC certificate or WPC ETA approval.
WPC certificate/ETA certificate are two sides of the same coin. If manufacturers, traders, or suppliers want to sell their wireless goods in the Indian market, they need to clarify how to get a WPC licence along with the required documents list. Apart from this, why do we need a WPC consultant at the time of getting WPC approval? Before that, it is necessary to know what the WPC Licence is.
What is the WPC Certification in India?
In India, the WPC certification is one of the essential requirements for wireless devices and equipment. It permits users and facilities to import, manufacture or use wireless devices operating in unlicensed frequency bands, notably Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Compliance with the certification ensures that the devices will not disrupt authorized communication systems and adhere to Indian wireless standards.
What is a WPC ETA Approval?
WPC wing of the Ministry of Communications, formed in 1952, governs the broadcasting services in India through the Saral Sanchar Online Portal. WPC issues an Equipment Type Approval Certificate that is essential for any product holding a radio or wireless feature, whether manufactured or imported, having a variety of aspects including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and RFID products. This certificate, therefore, is a pre-condition for market entry for any company involved with wireless devices in India. They must obtain this approval from the manufacturers and importers to be allowed to market their products.
What is the difference between a WPC Certificate and WPC ETA Approval? WPC generally covers all types of wireless products and devices that use radio frequency (RF). On the other hand, WPC ETA Approval specifies the type of approval and falls under WPC. The WPC ETA License applies to devices such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other short-range devices.
Types of WPC Certification:
The following are the types of WPC Certification available in modern times:
1. ETA (Equipment Type Approval): ETA is approval for equipment like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices that work on unlicensed frequencies in India, and India requires its testing and certification so that such equipment is not only imported and utilized within the purview of law but also as per Indian regulatory requirements.
2. Import Licence: An import licence is required for bringing satellite phones, radios, and other wireless devices into India. This ensures that these devices comply with the regulations of the country, thus maintaining control over the wireless communication equipment in the country.
3. DPL (Dealer Possession License): The DPL allows authorized dealers to have and stock wireless communication devices. Such a license is strictly controlled by the National Frequency Management Regulations in order not to allow any unlicensed devices to be released into the market.
4. NDPL (Non-Dealer Possession Licence): NDPL offers organizations or individuals the license to use wireless devices, such as walkie-talkies, for organizational purposes. However, this license does not offer the ability to sell the devices but ensures a legal possession of the devices for use by either the organization or the individual.
5. Network Licence: A Network Licence has to be obtained to form private wireless networks. Private wireless networks are permitted, provided they do not jeopardize public communications. That way of using the frequency spectrum by responsible use while still meeting the needs of private communications is permitted.
6. Experimental License: An experimental license is provided for companies and research institutes so that they can experiment with new technologies related to wireless within defined areas. It provides a secure environment which enables the development and testing of new technologies before they are deployed in public networks.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a WPC Certificate
An applicant must meet specific criteria, primarily related to his status and the type of equipment, to obtain the WPC Certification in India. These are the main requirements:
There are different documents required for the different types of certification. A brief overview is given below:
For ETA Certificate –
Copy of Company Registration /GST registration (For address Verification)
ID and address proof of an authorized person
Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL-accredited Indian lab
Authorization letter (If the authorized person is other than the CEO)
Product technical details
For Import License –
ETA Certificate
Purchase order
IEC Certificate
Proforma Invoice
What is an RF (Radio frequency) test report and how to get it?
RF (Radio Frequency) testing is a method of checking the frequency of radio transmissions to ensure that they are efficiently using the spectrum. Efficiency means that radio waves in the airspace do not interfere with one another. Manufacturers/Importers need to get the RF test report from the ILAC/NABL accredited lab for ETA approval to sell the product in India. If multiple RF modules are contained in the particular product, then the test report of all modules is to be uploaded to get ETA approval.
Frequency Spectrums Applicable For the WPC- ETA Certificate:
Frequency List for which WPC-ETA Certification is compulsory in India:
Technical characteristics of inductive applications using the following frequency spectrum are as follows:
Procedure for WPC - ETA Certification:
Here are a few steps to obtain a WPC - ETA Certification:
1. Device Compliance Confirmation: Confirm whether the device is operating in unlicensed frequency bands.
2. Documentation Preparation: Technical document in nature or could be any document from a test report to a device specification.
3. Application: Apply online using an application form submitted through the WPC website along with the required papers.
4. Fees Payment: Pay all applicable fees towards the certification process.
5. WPC Review: The application and all the documents by WPC are checked on whether they comply.
6. Issue of ETA Certificate: After the successful verification of the applicationtheETA certificate is issued by the WPC.
The Timeline for WPC - ETA Certification
The normal time required for the approval of WPC for ETA is 10 to 12 working days. These will be after submitting relevant papers and initiating the process. The time may, however, exceed this period on a case-to-case basis.
What are the fees for a WPC Licence?
People usually need clarification about the fee structure for attaining the WPC certification. Worry not! To ease this confusion kindly reach out to us for a customized quotation for a WPC License for wireless equipment.
Validity and Renewal of WPC - ETA Certificate
The ETA certificate is granted for a particular product model after it complies with all WPC guidelines. Additionally, it will be valid till the product lasts.
Benefits Of Obtaining a WPC Certificate in India
Obtaining a WPC certificate in India makes wireless devices conformant to the law, thus they are allowed to import and sell them. It means market access and credibility while following the national standards, which will help attain consumer trust. Thus, this also prevents interference with licensed communications, which will help maintain the product's reliability and regulatory integrity.
Why Choose ERCS Private Limited?
ERCS acts as a bridge between you and the WPC - ETA authorities. We are a well-experienced group of professionals who strive hard to maintain the credibility of obtaining a certificate for your business. Right from checking the applicability of the product and document preparation to granting WPC approval, we will be with you. We are dedicated to simplifying the complexities of the whole process, making it hassle-free.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
WPC Certificate stands for wireless and Bluetooth products. WPC is department which is running under Department of telecommunications. We help Foreign and Indian Brands to obtaining the WPC approval.
WPC approval would be required, If the product utilizes any form of WIRELESS device. Such device operate in De-license frequency band.
Equipment Type approval (ETA) is issued by WPC. Such Products require approval in order to comply with the specific requirements of the WPC officials.
Test report of the de-licensed frequency band devices from the NABL accredited laboratory has to be submitted to WPC for verification.
Rs. 10,000 is required to be paid for each having enabled one or more RF modules. Please contact us on +91-9999999999 for your hassle free certification.
It is valid for the entire lifetime of the product model, as long as the model is manufactured without any modifications.
Yes, BIS registered/approved product required WPC ETA Certificate.
Yes, the WPC ETA certificate is available in India. The Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing is the body that issues it. For wireless devices—like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID—that operate in unlicensed frequency bands, this certification is required to guarantee that they adhere to Indian laws.
WPC is the abbreviation for an authority of India, in compliance of the Ministry of Communications. It offers central frequency management, licensing, and device certification while ETA is a specific type of approval/certification issued by WPC to equipment working in unlicensed frequency bands like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Once your ETA application has been submitted, a department within WPC in Wireless Planning and Coordination follows this process:
Check up the documents- submitted documents are thoroughly scrutinized for accuracy.
Verification of documents: The department verifies the correctness of the information given.
Issue the ETA certificate – When the prerequisite is fulfilled, the WPC issues the ETA certificate.
Getting WPC ETA approval from DoT can be a tough task. The application itself would be tedious and factors like AIR requirements, frequent follow-ups, and visits to the department make the process even more overwhelming so potentially discouraging applicants.
The WPC wing or Wireless Planning and Coordination wing of the Department of Telecommunications manages Frequency Spectrum Management (FSM). The approvals by equipment type approval (ETA), Network or Non-Network licenses, and DPL/NDPL licenses ensure proper regulation of wireless communication.
You'll get your Equipment Type Approval through the WPC, which forms a part of the Department of Telecommunications.
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