WPC CERTIFICATION FOR IMPORT

A WPC certificate or WPC license is an essential authority certification for Indian importers, granting permission to import radio and wireless equipment from abroad. Issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this approval is mandatory for various radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, RC cars, boats, drones, UAVs, ZigBee devices, and Bluetooth gadgets. Importers must obtain WPC ETA approval before bringing these items into India; otherwise, customs officials will seize any radio equipment without prior WPC clearance at the border.

For phones, computers, and routers, separate WPC permission is not required. Before obtaining the WPC certificate and ETA (Equipment Type Approval) certification number, the product must undergo a certification process, which includes application, evaluation, and testing. Currently, factory inspection is not required, allowing any approved testing facility outside India to perform the necessary testing.

This article provides comprehensive information about WPC ETA certification for importers and the legalities associated with WPC ETA registration.

What is WPC Certificate or WPC ETA Certification?

The WPC certificate, officially known as the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) certificate, is crucial for managing frequency spectrum in India. Established in 1952 as part of the Ministry of Communications, WPC oversees spectrum allocation and wireless communication regulations. Its headquarters are in New Delhi, with regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

As a division of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, WPC handles frequency spectrum management, issues amateur radio licenses, conducts exams, and monitors radio waves. It also provides wireless certifications, including the WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) certificate, essential for importing radio and wireless equipment into India.

Which Products Require a WPC Certificate for Import?

Importing wireless equipment that operates on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth necessitates a WPC license. In India, WPC certification for import is mandatory for all devices equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee technologies.

The following types of devices are included in the list of products requiring WPC certification:

• Bluetooth Devices

• Wi-Fi Router

• Smart Speaker

• Wireless Repeater

• Walkie-Talkie

• Wireless Terminal

• Smart /Wi-Fi Enabled Bulb

• Wireless Mouse

• Bluetooth Headphones

• Wireless Transmitter

• Smart Watch

• Wireless Camera

• Wireless Nano USB

• Hotspot Devices

• Wireless POS Terminal

• Smart home Gateway

• Wireless Receiver

• Drones

• Wireless Plugs

• Wireless barcode Scanner

• Wireless Microphone

How to Apply for a WPC Certificate or WPC License

To obtain a WPC certificate or license, follow these steps in the WPC Certification process:

1. Register on the WPC Online Portal: Start by registering on the Saral Sanchar portal for your online application. The initial step involves submitting an application on the DOT portal, specifying the commodities you plan to import. After submission, you will receive an import ID generated by the system.

2. Apply for New ETA: Next, apply for a new Equipment Type Approval (ETA) by providing a self-declaration for each commodity you are importing. Use your import ID to check if your equipment is exempt from WPC ETA approval. Verify the equipment's eligibility by entering the ID and captcha.

3. Obtain RF Test Reports: An RF (Radio Frequency) test report from an accredited laboratory is required for ETA approval and WPC license registration. This report confirms that the imported equipment complies with the specified frequency range and safety standards. As of 2021, RF test reports from Indian (local) accredited labs are accepted, and factory inspections are no longer required.

4. Submit WPC Application: Once all prerequisites are fulfilled, submit your application for WPC approval for the device you intend to import.

5. Provide Required Documents: Prepare and submit the necessary documents for WPC certificate registration both online and offline to the Wireless Planning and Coordination Authority. The submitted documents will be verified by WPC officials.

6. Pay Government Fees: Pay the required government fees online using debit/credit cards or digital wallets.

7. Receive WPC Certificate: Once your documents have been verified and submitted, the WPC wing will issue the WPC certificate for your device. With this certificate, you can import wireless equipment into India.

Documents required for WPC Certification

The following documents are necessary for WPC ETA registration:

• Company Incorporation certificate

• GST registration certificate

• Import Export Code(IEC Certificate)

• Purchase Order(PO) of the imported equipment

• Receipt of online fee

• Address Proof of the Applicant entity

• RF test reports from an ISO-accredited international laboratory or an NABL-accredited laboratory are required.

• Letter of Authorization

• Product technical details

Types of WPC Certification

Importer’s License

The WPC issues an Importer’s License to individuals and businesses importing wireless products into India. This license authorizes you to sell wireless devices imported from abroad.

ETA (Equipment Type Approval)

Before importing any wireless device operating in the de-licensed frequency range into India, it must first obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC. This certification is also required for products manufactured in India, including RFID devices, cell phones, Wi-Fi equipment, Bluetooth gadgets, and more.

Network License

Organizations aiming to utilize the nation’s restricted radio frequency spectrum for providing communication services—such as mobile networks, cable services, and DTH—must secure a Network License from WPC.

Who is Eligible for WPC ETA Certification?

Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers of wireless devices without a branch office in India must obtain WPC ETA approval by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Domestic Manufacturers

Manufacturers with a branch office in India can apply directly for WPC ETA approval without the need for an Authorized Indian Representative.

Importers of Wireless Devices

Importers of wireless devices must secure an Importer’s License for the equipment they wish to bring into India.

We Offer WPC ETA Certification Services in These States