What is WPC Certificate / Equipment Type Approval?
The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing operates under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India. It is responsible for frequency spectrum management and licensing of all wireless equipment used in India.
Any device that uses wireless radio frequency (RF) — including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, cellular modules, IoT sensors, remote controls, drones, and VSAT equipment — must obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC before it can be imported, manufactured, sold, or operated in India.
Selling or importing unapproved wireless equipment is a punishable offence under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) regulations, attracting penalties, product seizure, and import restrictions.
Important: Importing or selling RF/wireless devices without WPC Equipment Type Approval is a criminal offence under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Customs authorities can seize shipments at the port. Always obtain ETA before placing import orders. Apply now →
Two Types of WPC Authorizations
Equipment Type Approval (ETA)
For devices — import & sale- Required for importing or selling wireless devices
- One-time approval per device model
- Valid for 5 years from date of issue
- Covers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, IoT, cellular modules
- Product-specific — each model needs separate ETA
- Applied through SARAL Sanchar portal
Wireless Operating Licence
For operating radio transmitters- Required to operate radio transmitters / stations
- Annual renewal required
- Covers VSAT, GMPCS, satellite terminals
- Amateur radio / ham radio operators
- Fixed & mobile wireless stations
- Assigned specific frequency bands by WPC
Devices Requiring WPC Equipment Type Approval
Any device using RF spectrum for communication, tracking, or data transmission requires WPC ETA before import or sale in India:
Wi-Fi Devices
Routers, access points, Wi-Fi modules, smart home devices
Bluetooth Devices
Earphones, speakers, wearables, BLE modules, smartwatches
GPS / GNSS Devices
GPS trackers, navigation devices, fleet management systems
Mobile & Cellular
Smartphones, tablets, cellular modems, 4G/5G modules
IoT & Smart Devices
Smart meters, sensors, industrial IoT, embedded RF modules
Drones & UAVs
Remote-controlled drones, RPAS, UAV control equipment
Satellite Equipment
VSAT terminals, GMPCS handsets, satellite internet devices
RFID & NFC
RFID readers/tags, NFC devices, contactless readers
Amateur / Ham Radio
Amateur radio transceivers, handheld radios, repeaters
Frequency Bands & Approval Requirements
India's National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) classifies wireless bands into delicensed, lightly licensed, and licensed categories. The type of WPC authorization required depends on the frequency band used:
| Technology | Frequency Band | Typical Power | WPC Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | 2400–2483.5 MHz | Up to 100 mW EIRP | ETA Required |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz | 5150–5850 MHz | Up to 200 mW EIRP | ETA Required |
| Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) | 5925–6425 MHz | Up to 250 mW EIRP | ETA Required |
| Bluetooth (Classic/BLE) | 2400–2483.5 MHz | Up to 10 mW | ETA Required |
| GPS / GNSS (Receive only) | 1176–1602 MHz | Receive only | ETA Required |
| Zigbee / Z-Wave (IoT) | 868 MHz / 2.4 GHz | Up to 25 mW | ETA Required |
| LTE / 4G / 5G Modules | 700 MHz – 3.5 GHz | Variable | ETA + Licence |
| VSAT / Satellite | Ku / Ka / C Band | Variable | ETA + Licence |
| Amateur / Ham Radio | HF / VHF / UHF | Variable | Operator Licence |
SARAL Sanchar Portal: WPC has migrated all ETA applications to the SARAL Sanchar (saral.dot.gov.in) online portal. Applications require an approved testing laboratory report from a TEC/BIS-accredited lab. Our team handles the complete process including lab coordination, test report review, and portal submission.
Documents Required for WPC ETA Application
| # | Document | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration | Entity verification | Mandatory |
| 2 | PAN Card of Company / Proprietor | Tax identification | Mandatory |
| 3 | GST Registration Certificate | Tax compliance | Mandatory |
| 4 | Import Export Code (IEC) — DGFT | Import authorization | Mandatory (Importers) |
| 5 | Authorised Signatory Identity Proof | KYC verification | Mandatory |
| 6 | Device Technical Specifications / Datasheet | RF parameter details | Mandatory |
| 7 | Testing Report from TEC/BIS-accredited Lab | RF compliance proof | Mandatory |
| 8 | Block Diagram / Circuit Schematic | Technical review | Mandatory |
| 9 | FCC / CE / IC Certificate (if available) | International approvals | If Available |
| 10 | Product Photographs (all sides) | Physical identification | Mandatory |
| 11 | Label / Marking Details | Compliance labelling | Mandatory |
| 12 | Letter of Authorization (if agent filing) | Representative authority | If Applicable |
WPC ETA Application Process — Step by Step
- Step 1 — Device Classification: We assess your device's RF frequency, power output, and technology to determine the exact ETA category and testing standards required.
- Step 2 — Testing Lab Coordination: We coordinate with a TEC/BIS-accredited testing laboratory and manage the complete testing process, including sample submission and test report review.
- Step 3 — Document Preparation: We prepare all technical documents — block diagrams, frequency declarations, power details, and compliance statements — as per WPC format requirements.
- Step 4 — SARAL Portal Filing: We create your account on the SARAL Sanchar portal and submit the complete ETA application with all required documents and fee payment.
- Step 5 — Query Resolution: We handle all technical queries or additional information requests raised by WPC scrutiny officers on your behalf.
- Step 6 — ETA Certificate Delivery: WPC ETA certificate issued. We provide the original certificate with archived copies and set renewal reminders for 5-year validity tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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