WPC Approval | WPC ETA Certification

WPC Approval | WPC ETA Certification

Modern communication has widely relied on wireless technologies. Many electronics such as mobile phones, Bluetooth headsets, Wi-Fi routers, smartwatches, IoT devices, RFID tags, and even wireless medical devices rely on radio frequency (RF) communication. The Government of India has made WPC approval devices mandatory to ensure the safe and interference-free use of the radio spectrum.

As a manufacturer, importer, trader, or startup, knowledge over WPC Approval or WPC ETA Certification is vital in order to be compliant to the Indian wireless market regulations.

The following guide covers WPC ETA Certification thoroughly including its definition, importance, types, eligibility, steps, documents, costs, benefits, and the entire process to obtaining WPC ETA Certification in India.

What is WPC Approval in India?

WPC Approval in India is defined as the approval given by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. WPC approval is a requisite approval for every device that operates on Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, NFC or any other wireless technology spectrum.

The WPC Wing is tasked with the following responsibilities:

• Management of radio frequency spectrum in India

• Licensing of wireless and issuing ETA certificates

• Certification of devices to ensure operations within allocated frequency bands

• Mitigation of radio interference

• Safeguarding the interests of national security

• No wireless product can be imported, sold, or used in India without the approval of WPC

What is WPC ETA Certification?

ETA certification (Equipment Type Approval certification) is a WPC approval needed for wireless equipment that operates within de-licensed frequency bands.

The de-licensed frequency bands are:

• 2.4 GHz (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)

• 5 GHz (Wi-Fi)

• 865-867 MHz (RFID)

• NFC

• Zigbee

ETA certification is a mandatory certification for all wireless devices sold in India, and certifies that the device is compliant with India's RF standards and operates within the allowed frequency bands.

What is the necessity of WPC Approval in India?

The following are the reasons for WPC approval:

• Legal Requirement: WPC approval is a legal requirement under Indian telecom laws to import or sell wireless devices.

• Spectrum Management: The radio frequency spectrum is finite; WPC approval ensures optimal utilization.

• Interference Mitigation: Unauthorized wireless devices can cause interference to aviation, defense, and emergency services.

• National Security: Unregulated wireless devices can pose security threats.

• Market Access: Customs clearance will be denied in the absence of WPC ETA certification.

Various Categories of WPC Certification in India

WPC Certification in India is not a singular certification. It is divided into different categories according to the kind of device and its purpose. It is important to understand each of them in depth.

1. WPC ETA Certificate (Equipment Type Approval)

For the largest portion of consumer and wireless products, WPC ETA certification is required. ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval and is to be obtained by any device that works within the so-called 'de-licensed' frequency bands or ranges.

De-licensed frequency bands are ranges that do not require individual users to hold a spectrum license, prejudicing the equipment's approval. Examples of such technologies are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, and other similar technologies.

The ETA certificate signifies that the device:

• Functions within the permissible frequency within the Indian Territory

• Power transmission is within the approved limits

• Does not cause harmful interference

Therefore, WPC ETA approval is required for the importation of Bluetooth speakers and Wi-Fi routers.

Approval for ETA is usually given based on RF test reports from accredited laboratories. There is no need for spectrum auctions or individual frequency assignments as the product is operating in de-licensed bands. Products using a pre-approved RF module, manufactured in India, may not need separate ETA approvals; however, fully imported finished products usually require approvals.

2. Non-Network WPC License

The Non-Network WPC License is for a business that works in wireless equipment but does not provide telecom or communication services to the public. This license category fits companies that import, trade, distribute, or own wireless devices.

In contrast to ETA, which is product-specific, a Non-Network License may cover wider business activities with respect to the controlled wireless devices.

This category consists of three sub-types:

Import License

This is needed for businesses that import wireless equipment that is outside the scope of ETA or is subject to regulation. It allows the import of certain equipment to India.

Dealer Possession License

This license is necessary for businesses that deal in the sale of wireless devices. It allows the possession and sale of licensed wireless devices.

Non-Dealer Possession License

This applies to certain businesses that need to use wireless devices internally but do not sell them. Institutions that use certain types of special communication devices may need to obtain this type of license.

In order to qualify for a Non-Network License, the applicant must be a company that has been incorporated legally, and may be required to have personnel with technical qualifications.

3. Network License

Network Licenses are for businesses offering communication services using a part of the radio frequency spectrum that has been licensed for that purpose. Network licenses are for the use of the licensed spectrum, unlike ETA approvals that are for the use of consumer devices in de-licensed bands.

This type of license applies to telecom service providers, internet service providers, and broadcasting service providers.

A couple of examples are as follows:

Internet Service Provider (ISP) License

An Internet Service Provider license authorizes a company to provide internet services in India. The ISP license is issued by the Department of Telecommunications, and WPC governs the spectrum usage.

Experimental License

An Experimental License authorizes temporary use of a portion of the spectrum for research, testing, or demonstration. This license is often used for technology trials or pilot wireless systems.

Network Licenses have more compliance obligations because they are for the use of regulated and licensed frequency bands.

Products under WPC

Wireless devices that typically require WPC ETA certification include the following:

• Wireless Hotspot Device

• Laptop

• Wireless Microphone

• RFID Reader

• Wireless Mouse

• WiFi Router

• Wireless Keyboard

• Wireless Music Player

• Wireless POS Terminal

• Wireless Speaker

• Wireless Terminal

• Wireless Transmitters

• Gigabit Dual Band Wireless Router

• Bluetooth Speaker

• Bluetooth Headphone

• Bluetooth Earphone

• Tablet

• RFID Reader

• RFID Antenna

• Wireless Transmitter And Receiver

• Smart Meter

• Smartwatch

• Digital Lock

• Water Meter

• True Wireless Earphones (TWS)

• Wireless Barcode Scanner

• Wireless Access Point

• LoRaWAN Gateway

Eligibility for WPC Approvals

When applying for WPC ETA certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Legally registered company

• Product must function within non-licensed frequency bands

• RF test report from a recognized accredited laboratory

• Technical specifications must be submitted by the applicant

• For importers, the Import Export Code (IEC) is necessary

• Foreign manufacturers must have an Indian representative

WPC ETA Certification Requirements

The following documentation is necessary:

• Company Documentation

• Company Incorporation Certificate

• GST Certificate

• Import Export Code (IEC) + PAN Card

• Documentation for the Product

• Technical specifications

• RF test report

• Product data sheet

• Product label + user manual

• Authorization Documentation

• Authorization Letter + Letter from the Authorized Indian Representative (for foreign firms)

• Additional Documentation

• ID proof of the authorized individual + Address proof + Fee payment receipt

RF Test Report Prerequisite

The WPC approval requirement is strongly dominated by the RF test report.

The RF report must contain data regarding:

• Frequency range

• Bandwidth

• Power output

• Modulation type

• RF exposure

The laboratory that performs the testing must be certified.

Process of WPC ETA Certification

Here is the procedure.

Step 1. Create an account on the Saral Sanchar portal.

All applicants must register on the Saral Sanchar portal of the Department of Telecommunications. After registration, an Import ID is created.

Step 2: Determine Exemption Status

Applicants need to determine whether the product is exempt or requires the ETA.

Step 3: Acquire RF Test Report

An accredited lab must demonstrate that the product complies with:

• Indian frequency bands

• Allowed power levels

Step 4: Submit New ETA Application

The New ETA Application must be completed online with the following:

• Technical Papers

• RF test report

• Company documents

Step 5: Government Fees Payment

Applicable government fees must be paid online.

Step 6: Documents Review

WPC Reviewers will examine the:

• RF parameters

• Technical compliance

• Frequency band compliance

If further explanation is needed, they may request more documents.

Step 7: Receiving WPC ETA Certificate

WPC will issue an ETA certificate after successful review. The product becomes eligible for importation and sale in India once the certificate is issued.

Timeline to Get WPC ETA Certification

Typical time to complete each step is shown below:

Total time: 2 to 4 weeks

Costs of WPC ETA Certification in India

Costs can vary based on:

• Product type

• Testing needed

• Consultant costs

Validity of WPC ETA Certificate

ETA certificate has lifetime validity. No renewal required unless:

• Product design changes

• RF module changes

• Frequency changes

Conclusion

WPC Approval is a regulatory necessity for all wireless products in India. This includes products such as Bluetooth speakers, IoT devices, Wi-Fi-enabled devices, and other devices. WPC ETA Compliance is important for regulatory requirements.

The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) keeps an eye on the use of the Indian radio frequency spectrum and manages interference. As technology advances and the use of wireless technology in devices, WPC compliance is critical for businesses that want to conduct wireless operations in India.

Manufacturers and importers of wireless devices should begin the WPC ETA certification process as soon as possible to ensure compliance. This includes document preparation, RF testing, and other regulatory compliance to ensure a smooth market entry. WPC Compliance is the ticket to responsible and hassle-free use of wireless technology in India.