Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC)

Navigating the World of WPC Approvals: Streamlining Procedures for Radio Equipment Importation and Compliance

An Introduction to WPC

Wing of the Ministry of Communications, is the National Radio Regulatory Authority responsible for Frequency Spectrum Management, including licensing and caters for the needs of all wireless users (Government and Private) in the country.

It exercises the statutory functions of the Central Government and issues licenses to establish, maintain and operate wireless stations. WPC is divided into major sections like Licensing and Regulation (LR), New Technology Group (NTG) and Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA).

SACFA makes the recommendations on major frequency allocation issues, formulation of the frequency allocation plan.

Various categories of Terrestrial/ Satellite and Non-Network License modules were launched / installed on Saral Sanchar portal in the year 2020. Further to this whole process has now been simplified and made paperless and on “Single Scrutiny basis”

Who Can Apply?

Any of the below listed parties can apply to get their products certified with WPC.

Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) of Foreign OEM

Indian OEM

Why is WPC Approval required?

WPC ETA is required for importing any Radio equipment into India, including walkie-talkie, RC cars/boats, drones/UAV, ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth devices, RFID, NFC, Wireless Chargers, etc. Imports of radio equipment into India, without WPC Approval will be confiscated by Customs at point of entry.

What Approvals are required?

There are two ETA Types for Radio equipment

1. Equipment Type Approval ETA- Self Declaration

Devices operating in de-Licensed frequency bands AND

that are exempted from Import License as per EXIM policy of DGFT

ETA – Restricted Items

Devices operating in de-Licensed frequency bands AND

that are NOT exempted from Import License as per EXIM policy of DGFT

Wireless equipment’s exempted from licensing is listed in NFAP-Annexure 1, 2022 Release. (National Frequency Allocation Plan)

Please click this link for other details.

Self-Declared ETAs (ETA-SD)

ETA-SDs are for certain categories of wireless equipment operating in license exempt bands with low transmission power and are exempted from import licensing requirement as per the EXIM policy of DGFT

ETA through self-declaration is permitted for commercial / finished products such as mobile / computing devices viz as mobile handsets, smart phones, electronic notepads, laptops, Smartwatches, Short Range Devices including accessories, microphones, speakers , headphones, earphones, printers, scanners, cameras etc., operating in licensed exemption bands as permitted in India. A self-declaration from importer / authorised Indian representative may be treated as sufficient evidence to process such clearances by the Customs and Central Excise Authorities.

On-line Applications; per Model
Local Testing NOT required if accredited test reports are available.
Local Representative is required. Foreign manufacturers cannot register directly on WPC portal to apply for ETAs
No Labelling requirement.
Life-Time Certificate

Documents Required for ETA SD approval

Technical specification/Datasheet
Product User Guide
Radio Test reports endorsed by any 17025 accredited Test Lab
Authorization letter from Manufacturer
Local Representative Agreement Letter
Application Form validation.

*Foreign manufacturers are not entitled to directly register on WPC portal to apply for ETAs. Applicant must be a local entity.

Frequency bands covered under de-licensed category applicable for ETA SD and Scrutiny based ETAs can be reviewed in the link provided below.

https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette_Notifications.pdf

*ETA- Restricted Items – use the same documents as listed for ETA SD mode.

An Update

WPC has introduced new portal NSWS- National Single Window System. Applicants must register in the new portal to apply for all ETA approvals, Licensing requirements, DPL, NDPL, Import License, PESO etc…

There is no period restriction for ETA, hence no further renewal is required.

All products operating in WPC de-licensed bands can apply ETA via Self-declaration mode except 4 types of products: Radar, jamming devices (cellular jammers used to prevent mobile phones working in sensitive areas), Drones, Satellite equipment (any device that transmits to a satellite, e.g., VSAT).

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Overseas manufacturers are required to have a local representative in India and to tackle the disputed or concerns arise at the of BIS submission. AIR has to be available at the time of any queries to answer on the behalf of foreign manufacturers.

The following entities can be appointed:

Local/branch/liaison office of foreign manufacturer in India

Local/branch/liaison office of brand owner in India

Local importer/distributer having marketing tie up with factory or brand

Entire documentation related to the Registration process.

Support as an Authorized Indian (Local) Representative for the Foreign Manufacturing Unit

Support and co-ordinate for the Registration of the Manufacturer with BIS

Testing of the Product from the BIS Accredited Lab as per the required Standard.

Liaise with Lab for all technical issues and ensuring completion of tests on time and accurately (team has sound technical knowledge of standards and testing)

Liaison with BIS for the submission of application and other documents.

Sending pre-registration request and co-ordinate for the necessary documentation.

Online submission of application.

Visits to BIS office, Agreement/Documents signing, Affidavit.

Co-ordinate/draft clarification reply to BIS to address queries raised by BIS, from time to time.

Support any additional miscellaneous/incidental works like customs clearance of samples, etc throughout the approval process.

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