Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC)
Introduction to WPC Approvals
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”
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.
Any of the below listed parties can apply to get their products certified with WPC.
Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) of Foreign OEM
Indian OEM
In the ETA scheme, AIR as an applicant on behalf of a foreign manufacture/exporter, is fully responsible for the product’s compliance and post compliance during audits, surveillance or any queries raised by the regulator, and to provide complete technical and admin support.
There are two ETA Types for Radio equipment
- 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 refer to the below link for other details.
https://dot.gov.in/whatsnew/national-frequency-allocation-plan-2022
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.
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).
- C-PRAV will review all the test reports and documents for suitability
- Ensure the product is compliant to the ETA requirements with full Technical review and check for accuracy of documents required
- Submit application to WPC on behalf of the OEM as an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
- Represent the OEM and be responsible for the product’s ETA on behalf of the OEM.
- Liaise with WPC for processing of documents and follow-ups - if required
- Obtain ETAs and share with OEM for their shipment of products
- Process for Import Permission Letter from WPC and share with OEM - for products applied under ETA SD category
- Be the point of contact for WPC in case of audits on behalf of the OEM
Contact C-PRAV to obtain your Experimental License/ Manufacturing and Testing License/Demonstration and Testing License/ Import License/ Dealers Possession License
All submission and renewals pertaining to DPL is through online.
Import License will not be required for Standalone Antenna and other RF accessories. WPC Import License/NOC will not be required for non-RF devices whereas Import License will be required for import of RF Amplifiers.
Below shown link, if required only.
C-PRAV is highly experienced in WPC Approvals. Highly competent with Technical knowledge of Radio Standards, Testing and reviewing Technical Reports which are critical for WPC Type Approvals. Our Global Testing and Certification experience helps obtaining WPC ETAs very efficiently.
Technical knowledge is very critical for Self-Declaration ETAs as the onus of product compliance responsibility is on the Local Representative. Audit activity is high for ETA-SDs hence OEMs must not risk product recalls and fines at a later stage.
No.6, Santhrupthi, 1st Cross, CSI Compound, Mission Road, Bangalore-560027 ,Karnataka, India.
+91 99023 85494