WPC ETA Certification Explained : Mandatory Approval for Bluetooth and WiFi

• What is WPC ETA: WPC ETA Certification is legally required for all wireless products (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID) imported into or manufactured in India.
• Customs Clearance: Without a valid WPC ETA product approval certificate, shipments can be seized at Indian ports, leading to heavy fines.
• The Process: Most consumer devices fall under the ETA-SD (Self-Declaration) category, requiring a valid RF Test Report from an ILAC/NABL lab.
• Expert Solution: Partnering with a specialized WPC consultant like Silvereye Certifications ensures error-free filing and faster approval on the Saral Sanchar portal.

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Introduction

If you are planning to import wireless products into India—whether it's Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, or industrial RFID tags—there is one regulatory hurdle you cannot skip: the WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval).

Without this approval, your shipment can be legally seized by customs, leading to heavy demurrage charges and business losses. For many importers, navigating the technical jargon of Radio Frequency (RF) testing and government portals is overwhelming.

In this guide, we break down exactly what is WPC ETA, the WPC license requirement, and how to secure your WPC India approval efficiently.

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What is WPC ETA?

WPC ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval. It is a mandatory certificate issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India.

Essentially, an ETA is a "license to operate" for any wireless device that works on de-licensed frequency bands (like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). It certifies that your product meets specific technical standards and will not interfere with critical national security or defense communication networks. Whether you need Bluetooth WPC approval or RFID WPC ETA, the ETA is the fundamental document proving your device is safe for the Indian airwaves.

The Role of WPC Wing in Indian Customs Clearance

The WPC Wing is the national radio regulatory authority. When your goods arrive at an Indian port, customs officials check for the WPC ETA product approval certificate. If this document is missing, the goods are classified as "prohibited" under the import policy for wireless equipment. The WPC Wing ensures that only authorized, tested devices enter the Indian market.

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Who can apply for WPC ETA?

Understanding who is eligible to submit the application is the first step in the WPC license requirement process. The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing has strict rules regarding the applicant's legal status in India.

1. Indian Manufacturers and Importers If you are a business entity registered in India, you can directly apply for WPC India approval. whether you are manufacturing wireless goods domestically or importing them for sale, you act as the primary applicant.

• Requirement: You must possess valid company registration documents, specifically a GST registration and, for importers, a valid Import Export Code (IEC).
• The Role: You will be the license holder and legally responsible for ensuring the products meet the technical standards mentioned in the RF Test Report for WPC.

2. Foreign Manufacturers (The AIR Requirement) Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) located outside India cannot apply directly for the certificate. The WPC portal (Saral Sanchar) requires a login authorized by Indian KYC documents.

• The Solution: Foreign brands must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• How it Works: The AIR acts as the local point of contact for the government. Many foreign companies hire a professional WPC consultant or an agency like Silvereye Certifications to act as their AIR. This ensures that the WPC Certification India process is handled smoothly without the foreign brand needing to set up a physical office in India just for compliance.

3. Authorized Signatory Regardless of whether the applicant is a manufacturer or a representative, the application must be signed by an authorized signatory. This person must provide an undertaking stating that the product details are accurate and that the device complies with the WPC ETA product approval certificate norms.

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Types of WPC ETA Certificate

When applying for WPC India approval, it is crucial to know which category your product falls into. The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing classifies applications into two main types based on the frequency band and product category. Choosing the wrong category can lead to immediate rejection.

ETA-SD (Self-Declaration): For De-Licensed Frequency Bands

The most common route is the ETA-SD. This applies to products operating in "free" or de-licensed frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz WPC ETA band (used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) and 5 GHz bands. Under this category, if your product has a valid RF Test Report for WPC from an accredited lab, you can obtain approval through a simplified Self-Declaration model on the Saral Sanchar portal.

Scrutiny-Based ETA: For Licensed/Restricted Frequency Bands

If your device operates on frequencies that are not entirely de-licensed (e.g., certain walkie-talkies or specialized industrial radios), the application undergoes a rigorous manual scrutiny process by WPC officers. This requires detailed technical justification and takes longer than the ETA-SD route.

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What is the RF test report for WPC ETA?

The RF Test Report for WPC is the single most critical document in your application. The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing does not test your product physically in their own office; instead, they rely entirely on the data presented in this report to grant approval.

Think of this report as the "proof of innocence" for your device. It certifies that your wireless product strictly follows the technical parameters set by the Indian government and will not cause harmful interference on the airwaves.

Verifying Your Test Report: ILAC vs. NABL Accreditation

The heart of your application is the Radio Frequency (RF) test report. WPC does not test the product themselves; they rely on reports from accredited labs.

• Foreign Labs: Must be accredited by ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation).
• Indian Labs: Must be accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
  As experienced WPC certificate and rf testing consultants in india, we strongly advise verifying the lab's accreditation scope before testing.

Key Technical Parameters to Check (Frequency, Power, Modulation)

The report must explicitly cover key parameters:

• Frequency Range: Must fall precisely within the de-licensed band (e.g., 2400–2483.5 MHz).
• Output Power: The transmission power (EIRP) must not exceed the government-specified limits.
• Modulation: The type of signal modulation used.

Finding a reliable RF test facility in INDIA can be challenging. Silvereye Certifications can guide you to authorized labs to ensure your test reports are generated correctly the first time.

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Is WPC ETA Certificate mandatory?

The short answer is Yes. Obtaining a WPC ETA product approval certificate is not optional—it is a strict legal requirement for anyone manufacturing, importing, or selling wireless devices in India.

Many new importers mistakenly believe that if their product has a CE (Europe) or FCC (USA) certificate, they are safe. This is incorrect. India does not accept foreign approvals directly; you must have a valid Indian WPC approval India certificate.

The requirement for WPC Certification India is rooted in two primary Indian laws:

1. The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
2. The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933

Under these acts, the possession, sale, or use of any wireless equipment without a valid license is a punishable offense. The government views the radio frequency spectrum as a finite national resource. Therefore, the WPC license requirement ensures that your private devices do not interfere with critical public safety networks, aviation signals, or defense communications.

Can You Clear Customs Without ETA?

Customs clearance systems are integrated with WPC regulations. Without a valid ETA number linked to your product model, the Bill of Entry cannot be processed for clearance. Attempting to bypass this results in confiscation and penalties.

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Mandatory Products under WPC ETA Certificate

If your device transmits or receives data wirelessly, it likely needs an ETA. The WPC Wing maintains a broad scope of mandatory products, ranging from everyday consumer gadgets to complex industrial machinery.

Consumer Electronics Checklist: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, & IoT Devices

The largest volume of WPC applications comes from the consumer electronics sector. If you are importing or manufacturing any of the following, you must obtain a WPC certificate for bluetooth or Wi-Fi compliance before market launch:

• Audio Devices: Wireless speakers, Bluetooth headphones, earbuds (TWS), and soundbars.
• Smart Wearables: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health bands.
• Computing: Laptops, tablets, wireless mice, keyboards, and Wi-Fi dongles.
• Smart Home (IoT): Smart bulbs, smart plugs, wireless security cameras, and home automation gateways.
• Networking: Wi-Fi routers, modems, and range extenders operating on 2.4 Ghz WPC ETA or 5GHz bands.

Note: Even if a product is battery-operated and small (like a wireless doorbell or remote toy), it still requires an ETA if it emits radio frequencies.

Industrial & Commercial Checklist: RFID, Drones, & Smart Sensors

Beyond consumer goods, many B2B products are detained at customs because importers assume they are "machinery" and not "wireless equipment." However, these industrial categories are strictly regulated:

• RFID Devices: RFID WPC ETA is mandatory for RFID tags, readers, and scanners used in logistics and inventory management.
• Drones (UAVs): All remotely piloted aircraft systems (Drones) require WPC approval for their communication links (remote to drone). Note: Drones often fall under the "Scrutiny" category rather than simple Self-Declaration.
• Point of Sale (POS): Wireless payment terminals and barcode scanners.
• Medical Devices: Wireless patient monitors and hearing aids that use RF transmission.
• Automotive: Key fobs (remote central locking) and car infotainment systems.

Silvereye Pro Tip: A common mistake is assuming that because a "module" inside your product (like a Qualcomm or ESP32 chip) has an ETA, your final product is exempt. This is false. The final finished product (e.g., the Smart TV) must have its own specific ETA model number to clear customs.

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Benefits of WPC ETA

Many importers view compliance as a cost, but at Silvereye Certifications, we view it as an investment in your supply chain security. Obtaining a WPC ETA product approval certificate offers tangible business advantages beyond just "following the rules."

Here is how a valid ETA directly impacts your bottom line:

Benefit Category	Business Impact & Advantage
Zero Demurrage Charges	Fast Customs Release: A pre-approved Eta certificate India acts as a "Green Channel" pass. It prevents your shipment from being detained at the port, saving you thousands of rupees in daily storage fees.
Market Access	Retailer Compliance: Major e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart) and large retail chains now strictly demand a valid WPC license India before listing your electronic products.
Legal Protection	Risk Mitigation: Operating without an ETA is a violation of the Indian Telegraph Act. A valid certificate protects your company and directors from legal notices, penalties, and product seizures.
Brand Reputation	Trust Signal: WPC approval signals to customers that your device is safe, tested, and high-quality, differentiating your brand from illegal "gray market" competitors.
Cost Efficiency	One-Time Investment: Since the WPC ETA is valid for the lifetime of the model, you pay for compliance once and reap the benefits for years without recurring renewal fees.

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Requirements of WPC ETA Certificate

Obtaining WPC India approval requires strict adherence to technical and administrative standards. A single missing document or an incorrect test parameter can lead to rejection.

The following table outlines the mandatory requirements for a successful application:

Requirement Category	Specific Details & Compliance Rule
RF Test Report	You must submit a valid RF Test Report for WPC from an accredited laboratory.Foreign Labs: Must be ILAC accredited.Indian Labs: Must be NABL accredited.Note: Reports from non-accredited labs are immediately rejected.
Frequency Band Validity	Your device must operate strictly within "De-Licensed" frequency bands.2.4 GHz Band: 2400 – 2483.5 MHz5 GHz Band: 5150 – 5350 MHz & 5725 – 5875 MHzIf your device exceeds these limits (even by 1 MHz), it requires a different license.
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)	Mandatory for Foreign Manufacturers. If the factory is located outside India, you cannot apply directly. You must appoint an Indian entity (like Silvereye Certifications) as your AIR to take legal responsibility for the product.
Business Registration	The Indian applicant (or AIR) must possessGST Registration (Proof of Indian Entity)IEC Code (Import Export Code) for importers.Company PAN Card
Technical Parameters	The output power (EIRP) must be within government limits.Typically Maximum 1 Watt (30 dBm) or 4 Watts (36 dBm) depending on the specific frequency band and spectrum spread.
Product Model Number	The model number on the test report, the product label, and the application must match exactly. Any discrepancy (e.g., "Model X" vs "Model X-Pro") will require a fresh application.

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Eligibility Criteria for WPC ETA Certificate

Mandatory Business Documents (GST, IEC Code)

To apply for WPC services, the Indian applicant must possess:

• GST Registration: Proof of business in India.
• IEC Code (Import Export Code): Essential for importers.

Authorizing the Signatory: Who Signs the Undertaking?

An authorized signatory from the company must sign the self-declaration and undertaking. This person is legally responsible for ensuring the imported products match the tested samples.

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Required Documents For WPC ETA Certificate

The Document Checklist: RF Reports, Manuals, and Circuit Diagrams

To ensure a smooth WPC approval india, prepare these documents:

1. RF Test Report: From an ILAC/NABL accredited RF test facility in INDIA or abroad.
2. Technical Data Sheet: Describing the product's wireless capabilities.
3. Letter of Authorization: From the manufacturer (if different from the applicant).
4. ID Proof: Of the authorized signatory (Aadhar/PAN).

Preparing the Authorization Letter (for Foreign OEMs)

If you are an importer, you need a letter from the foreign factory stating that you are authorized to sell their products in India and apply for WPC license india on their behalf.

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Process of WPC ETA Certificate

Step 1: Pre-Compliance Testing at an Accredited Lab

Before logging into any portal, you must have your product tested. If you don’t have a report, contact Silvereye Certifications. We can guide you to the right Radiofrequency Testing Lab to get the correct report format.

Step 2: Saral Sanchar Portal Registration & Login

All WPC certification services are now routed through the DoT’s Saral Sanchar portal. You must create a user profile and upload your KYC documents to get a login approved.

Step 3: Online Submission & Fee Payment (BharatKosh)

Once logged in, select the "ETA (Self-Declaration)" option. Fill in the technical details from your RF report. The government fee (a nominal amount per model) is paid via the BharatKosh payment gateway.

Step 4: Final Verification and Download of ETA Certificate

After payment, the portal validates the submission. For ETA-SD, the certificate is often generated instantly or within a few hours. For scrutiny-based categories, it moves to an officer for review.

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Timeline and Cost of WPC ETA Certificate

Expected Approval Time: ETA-SD vs. Regular ETA

• ETA-SD (Self-Declaration): If documents are perfect, approval can be as fast as 1-3 working days.
• Regular/Scrutiny ETA: Can take 20-30 working days depending on the query cycles from the WPC officer.

Cost Breakdown: Government Fees vs. Testing Charges

The government fee for the ETA application is fixed and nominal. However, the major cost component is the RF testing fee, which varies depending on the complexity of the device (e.g., a simple Bluetooth speaker is cheaper to test than a complex drone).

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Validity and Renewal of WPC ETA Certificate

Understanding "Lifetime Validity" for Fixed Models

A major advantage of WPC consultancy is securing long-term value. The WPC ETA certificate is valid for the lifetime of that specific product model. As long as you do not change the hardware design, you do not need to renew it.

When is Re-Certification Required? (Model vs. Series)

If you launch a "Version 2.0" of your device with a new chipset or modified antenna, the old certificate is invalid. You must apply for a fresh Equipment type Approval for the new model.

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Why Choose Silvereye Certifications for Your WPC ETA Certificate Consultant

Minimizing Rejection Risk with Pre-Submission Audits

One small error in entering the frequency range or modulation type can lead to rejection. As your WPC approval consultant, we conduct a pre-submission audit of your RF reports to ensure they match WPC standards 100%.

Complete "Done-For-You" Saral Sanchar Management

We handle the entire procedure for WPC certificate—from creating your portal account and uploading documents to making the BharatKosh payment. You simply provide the docs; we hand you the certificate.

Resolving Technical Queries from WPC Officials

If an officer raises a query regarding your test report, our technical team knows exactly how to draft the response to satisfy the regulatory requirements immediately.

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Conclusion

Navigating the technical maze of Indian wireless regulations can be overwhelming. However, as we have established, the WPC ETA product approval certificate is not just a piece of paper—it is the passport that allows your technology to enter one of the world's largest markets.

Final Compliance Checklist Before You Ship

Before you finalize your manufacturing order or book your shipping container, ensure you have ticked these three critical boxes:

1. Verify the Frequency: Does your device strictly operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz de-licensed bands?
2. Check the Lab: Is your RF Test Report from a valid ILAC or NABL accredited laboratory?
3. Secure the ETA: Have you obtained the final WPC India approval certificate on the Saral Sanchar portal?

Remember, Indian Customs officials are trained to spot non-compliant wireless goods. Attempting to ship without this certificate is a financial risk that no business should take.

Start Your WPC Application with Silvereye Today

You don’t have to navigate these government portals alone. At Silvereye Certifications, we act as your dedicated regulatory partner.

As your trusted WPC consultant, we handle the entire lifecycle—from reviewing your technical datasheets and coordinating with RF test facilities in INDIA to managing the online submission and answering WPC officer queries.

Don't let compliance delays hold back your product launch.

Ready to get certified? [Contact Silvereye Certifications today] for a free consultation and get your WPC ETA approved in 24 hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions