All you need to know about WPC ETA certification for import in india

All you need to know about WPC ETA certification for import in india

If you are importing Bluetooth or wireless products in India, then WPC ETA certificate is not only a requirement but also a compulsion; it's mandatory. It's issued by the Ministry of Communications' Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, and it certifies that your product is conforming to Indian wireless frequency standard. Here within this whole guide, we will demonstrate all you would like to have an idea about the WPC certificate, WPC license, and the whole process of WPC ETA certificate for import in India.

What is WPC ETA Certification?

WPC ETA refers to Wireless Planning and Coordination Equipment Type Approval. WPC ETA certificate is required for import and trading of the products using the unlicensed radio frequency in India, i.e., Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers, wireless keyboards, RFID systems, and drones.

It certifies that the equipment is being used using the approved frequency bands by the Indian government under the Gazette Notification of the unlicensed frequency bands.

Why is WPC Certificate Important?

WPC certificate matters for:

• Regulatory compliance: Customs will reject importation of radio-frequency equipment in the absence of a valid WPC ETA certificate.
• Market access: Wireless devices that comply with WPC requirements alone can be marketed by Indian businesses and consumers.
• Avoidance of penalty: Use or importation of non-certified equipment in the absence of a permit can draw penalties or seizure.

Types of WPC Licenses

The WPC license can be classified into two broad categories:

1. ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Licence

For wireless equipment used on licence-free bands such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz used by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

2. Non-ETA Licences

For devices used in licensed frequency bands, you will have to obtain a particular WPC licence such as:

• An Experimental Licence
• An Import Licence
• A Distributor Possession Licence (DPL)
• A Non-distributor Possession Licence (NDPL)

We are publishing this WPC ETA certificate blog, which is quite often needed by importers and manufacturers of wireless products.

Who require the WPC ETA Certificate?

You require the WPC ETA certificate when:

• You are importing wireless products to India.
• You are a manufacturer of wireless products wishing to export wireless products to India.
• Your product is based on technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, or NFC.

Some of the products require ETA approval:

• Tablets and smartphones
• Wearables and smartwatches
• Wireless speakers and headphones
• Wireless CCTV cameras
• IoT gateways and devices
• RF controllers and drones

Document Required for WPC ETA Certificate

You will normally need the following in order to get a WPC ETA certificate:

1. Radio Frequency Test Report (RF Test Report)

This must be from an ILAC/ISO17025 accredited laboratory (ideally from ILAC/ISO17025 accredited laboratories).

2. Product Technical Datasheet
3. Product User Manual
4. Authorization Letter (where applying through an agent)
5. Import-Export Code (IEC) of the Company or Importer
6. GST Certificate of the Company
7. PAN Card of the Company
8. Self-declaration and application form as per WPC guidelines

Steps to Apply for the WPC ETA Certificate in India?

The following are steps to apply for the WPC ETA certificate:

Step 1: Product Testing

Take RF test report from licensed testing lab to ensure that the product is operating in license-free frequency bands.

Step 2: Online Application

Log on to WPC Saral Sanchar website at https://saralsanchar.gov.in and submit ETA approval application form.

Step 3: Uploading of Documents

Uploading of documents like test reports, technical datasheet, and authorization letters will be processed.

Step 4: Review of Application

The documents shall be scrutinized by the WPC department and shall seek clarification if required.

Step 5: Certificate Issuance

Once approved, your WPC ETA certificate will be issued to you electronically for India customs clearance as well as India marketing.

WPC ETA Certificate Timeframe and Fee

• Timeframe:

Typically 2 to 4 weeks based on document readiness and WPC backlog.

• Fee

Government fee is low, but agent or consultant fee may be negotiated based on service levels and urgency.

Be prepared to pay between INR 15,000 to INR 50,000 based on product complexity levels.

Validity of WPC ETA Certificate

ETA certification of WPC is for the life of the product model. But in case there is a change in the wireless module or usage of frequency, then there has to be a new ETA certification.

Mistakes to avoid

1. RF Test Report omission – WPC will reject the application if there is no test report.
2. Licensed frequency bands – Ensure your product operates on license-free frequency bands (i.e., 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz).
3. Document error – Document typing errors or incorrect documents can lead to delay.
4. Failure in compliance test – The product itself is compliant, but the wireless module installed inside it also needs to go through approval.

Conclusion

In summation, a WPC ETA certificate is a non-negotiable non-option for anyone importing or domestically manufacturing wireless-enabled products in India. It makes customs clearance smooth, legal, and opens doors to India's expanding electronics market.

It should be convenient and effortless with good documentation, properly licensed test reports, and expert advice. Always maintain your product in compliance with unlicensed frequency bands and never attempt to cut any corners that may put you in trouble or delays.

If at all, you don't even know where to start with it, then it is money well invested in getting a WPC certification professional employed to keep from wasting unnecessary time and risking rejection.