WPC Certificate/ license for importing wireless Devices- Fees, documents required and online process

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WPC certificate/ WPC license is an authority certificate that allows Indian importers to import radio and wireless equipment from other nations. It is issued by the Department of Telecommunications(DoT). Any radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, RC cars, boats, drones, UAVs, ZigBee, Bluetooth devices, etc., must have WPC ETA approval before being imported into India. Without prior WPC approval, customs officials will seize radio equipment imported into India at the border.

For phones, computers, and routers, separate WPC permission is not necessary. Before the WPC certificate and ETA (Equipment Type Approval) certification number are provided, the product must go through the certification process, including application, evaluation, and testing, because the factory inspection is not required currently. Currently, there is no requirement for factory inspection, which is why Any approved testing facility outside India can conduct the testing.

This article contains all information you desire about the WPC certification for importers and the legalities involved in the WPC ETA registration.

• What is WPC ETA Certification?
• Which Products require a WPC license for import?
• How to Apply for a WPC license?
• WPC certificate fees
• Documents required for WPC registration
• Importance of WPC License
• FAQs on WPC

WPC Certificate Sample

What is WPC Certificate Or WPC ETA Certification?

WPC stands for Wireless Planning and Coordination. WPC was established in 1952 as a division of the Ministry of Communications and is in charge of frequency spectrum management. The WPC headquarters is in New Delhi, with regional branches in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

WPC wing is a Ministry of Communications and Information Technology division responsible for allotting the frequency spectrum, issuing amateur radio licenses, conducting exams and monitoring the radio waves.

Additionally, it is responsible for issuing wireless certifications such as the WPC ETA certificate.

Which Products require a WPC Certificate for import?

Import of Wireless Equipment that operates on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth requires a WPC license for import. In India, WPC Certification is required for all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ZigBee- enabled devices.

The following devices fall under the WPC mandatory products list.

How to Apply for a WPC Certificate Or WPC license?

You can get a WPC certificate by following these steps :

Step 1: Register on the WPC online Portal

Register on the Saral Sanchar portal for the online application. The first step of WPC license registration is to submit an online application on the DOT portal and specify the commodities you wish to import. Once you submit the online application, you will get an import ID generated by the system.

Step 2: Click on Apply new ETA

While applying for the new ETA, you must provide the self-declaration of every commodity you are exporting. Use your import ID to search whether your equipment falls under the equipment exempted from WPC ETA Approval. Equipment that utilizes different RF(Radio Frequency) can be checked by entering the ID and captcha.

Step 3: Get RF test reports

RF(Radio Frequency) test report issued by an accredited laboratory is mandatory for ETA approval and WPC license registration. RF test reports are required to verify and ensure that the imported equipment falls under the specified frequency range and meets the safety standards.

A new rule regarding RF testing was introduced in 2021, according to which the RF testing reports from Indian(local) accredited labs will be accepted. Earlier, test reports from abroad were acceptable. Moreover, a factory inspection is not required for a WPC license.

WPC ETA certificate is issued only if the radio frequency of the equipment in the RF test report meets the standard list of WPC mandatory products.

Step 4: WPC application

Once all the requirements are met, you will be granted the application for the WPC approval of the device you are importing.

Step 5: Submit the required documents

Prepare the documents required for WPC certificate registration and submit them online and offline to the Wireless Planning and Coordination Authority. Once your documents are submitted, they will be sent for verification by the WPC officials.

Step 6: Submit the Government Fees

You must pay the government fees online for WPC registration. You can pay online through debit/credit cards or wallets.

Step 7: Issuance of WPC certificate

After the documents are verified, the application is submitted. WPC wing will issue the WPC certificate for the specific device. Importers can easily import wireless equipment in India after getting the WPC license.

Documents required for WPC Certification

The following documents are required for WPC ETA Registration:

• Company Incorporation certificate
• GST registration certificate
• Import Export Code(IEC Certificate)
• Purchase Order(PO) of the imported equipment
• Receipt of online fee
• Address Proof of the Applicant entity
• RF Test reports from ISO accredited foreign laboratory or an NABL-accredited Laboratory.
• Letter of Authorization
• Product technical details

Types of WPC certification

Importer’s License - WPC issues an importer's license to the importers of wireless products in India. You are allowed to sell wireless devices imported from abroad by getting the Importer’s license.

ETA(Equipment Type Approval) - Any wireless device that operates in the de-licensed frequency range must first receive Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC before being allowed to be imported into India. Each product made in India must also have a WPC ETA certificate. These goods include RFID, cell phones, Wi-Fi, RFID, Bluetooth gadgets and others.

Network License - An organization seeking to use the nation's restricted radio frequency capacity to offer communication services such as mobile networks, cable, and DTH must get a network license.

Avoids Hassle during the customs clearance:

WPC license is the proof of every minute detail and the Frequency test reports of the device. The custom clearance during the import of wireless products becomes much easier when you have a WPC certificate.

Maintaining national security:

Wireless products frequently pose a serious threat to the security of our country. Therefore, tight rules have been set by the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing to evaluate the internal architecture of wireless devices.

Preventing frequency insertion:

If a user is not careful, many products that operate on de-licensed frequencies could interfere with the functionality of other wireless items. Such invasions are removed with ETA certificates.

Ensures the import of better-quality devices:

RF tests are done in an accredited Lab where tests are done to check whether the equipment is in working condition or not.

Who is Eligible for WPC ETA certification?

Foreign Manufacturers - Foreign manufacturers of wireless devices having no branch office in India, must apply for WPC ETA approval by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative(AIR).

Domestic manufacturers - Manufacturers whose branch office is located in India can apply for the ETA approval without appointing any Authorized Indian representative.

Importers of wireless devices - The importers require an importer license for Wireless Equipments.

How Liquetax help in getting a WPC license?

The dedicated WPC license professional will be assigned to you to guide you through the document requirements and help you sign the documents digitally through a class 2 DSC. In addition, you will get regular updates on the status of your WPC certificate.

You can apply for a WPC license in 3 simple steps:

Step 2:Submit Documents and RF Test Report

Step 3:Get your WPC license within 30 days