Nurture Electro Service Private Limited - Compliance & Certification Solutions

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What is WPC?

WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing) is a national authority under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India. WPC is responsible for:

Frequency spectrum management and allocation in India
Licensing of wireless equipment and stations
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for wireless devices
Coordination with international bodies like ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
Monitoring and enforcement of wireless regulations

WPC works under the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2018, which governs all wireless communications in India.

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What is WPC-ETA?

WPC-ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is a mandatory certification for all wireless devices being manufactured, imported, sold, or used in India. It certifies that the wireless equipment complies with Indian frequency spectrum regulations and does not cause harmful interference to other devices.

Key Features:

• Type approval based on device category
• Online application through Saral Sanchar portal
• Valid for lifetime of product model
• Mandatory for all wireless devices

Types of ETA:

• Grant of ETA - For devices using licensed spectrum
• Self-Declaration - For low-power devices in de-licensed bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, etc.)
• Import License - For importing wireless equipment

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Why WPC-ETA is Required?

Prevent Frequency Interference

Ensures wireless devices do not interfere with critical communications like defense, aviation, and emergency services.

Public Safety

Protects users from harmful electromagnetic radiation and ensures safe operation of wireless devices.

Legal Compliance

Mandatory for import, manufacturing, and sale of any wireless equipment in India as per Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.

Market Access

ETA certification is essential for customs clearance of wireless products and for selling in Indian market.

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When WPC-ETA has Started?

1933 - Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act established, requiring licensing for wireless equipment.

2005 - WPC ETA system formally introduced for equipment type approval.

2018 - Self-Declaration scheme introduced for low-power devices in de-licensed bands. Online application system (Saral Sanchar) launched.

1933

Wireless Act

2005

ETA System

2018

Self-Declaration

2024

Online Portal

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What Products are Covered in WPC-ETA?

Wireless Products Requiring WPC-ETA

Wi-Fi Devices

Routers, Access Points, Wi-Fi modules (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)

Bluetooth Devices

Headphones, Speakers, Keyboards, Mice, Beacons

Cellular Devices

Mobile Phones, Tablets, 4G/5G Modules, IoT Devices

Satellite Equipment

Satellite phones, VSAT, GPS/GNSS receivers

Radio Equipment

Walkie-talkies, Two-way radios, RF modules

IoT Devices

Zigbee, Z-Wave, LoRa, NB-IoT, RFID devices

Automotive Wireless

TPMS, Keyless entry, Radar sensors, V2X

Medical Wireless

Wireless patient monitors, Pacemakers, Medical telemetry

Note: Any device that transmits or receives radio frequency signals requires WPC approval, including devices with built-in wireless modules.

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For Whom is WPC-ETA Applicable?

Manufacturers

Indian manufacturers producing wireless equipment for domestic sale or export

Importers

Businesses importing wireless devices into India for sale or use

Sellers & Distributors

Retailers, e-commerce platforms, and distributors selling wireless products

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Role of Manufacturer & Importer in WPC-ETA

Role of Manufacturer

Application Submission: Apply for ETA through Saral Sanchar portal
Testing Compliance: Get equipment tested from WPC-approved labs
Technical Documentation: Provide complete technical specifications and user manuals
Labeling: Affix ETA approval number and compliance label on products
Renewal: No renewal required - ETA is valid for lifetime of product model

Role of Importer

ETA Verification: Ensure imported products have valid ETA
Customs Clearance: Present ETA certificate for customs clearance
Import License: Obtain WPC import license for certain categories
Record Keeping: Maintain records of all imported wireless devices

Important Note:

For low-power devices operating in de-licensed bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 865-867 MHz, etc.), a Self-Declaration on the Saral Sanchar portal is sufficient instead of full ETA. No testing is required for Self-Declaration category.

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Timeline for WPC-ETA Certification

Step 1

Product Testing

15-30 days

Submit product samples to WPC recognized laboratory for testing as per applicable standards (ETSI, FCC, or equivalent).

Step 2

Documentation

5-10 days

Prepare technical documents, test reports, product datasheets, and user manuals.

Step 3

Online Application

1-2 days

Submit application on Saral Sanchar portal with required documents and pay fees.

Step 4

WPC Review

15-30 days

WPC officials review application, verify documents, and may request additional information.

Step 5

ETA Grant

5-7 days

Upon approval, WPC grants ETA certificate. Total timeline: 45-75 days. For Self-Declaration: 1-3 days.

Fast Track: Self-Declaration for de-licensed band devices can be completed online in 24-48 hours without testing.

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Testing Requirements for WPC-ETA

Mandatory Tests for Wireless Equipment

RF Tests

• Frequency Range and Stability
• Transmitter Power Output
• Occupied Bandwidth
• Spurious Emissions
• Adjacent Channel Power
• Frequency Hopping (if applicable)

EMC/EMI Tests

• Radiated Emissions
• Conducted Emissions
• Immunity Testing
• Harmonic Current Emissions
• Voltage Fluctuations & Flicker
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Accepted Test Standards:

• ETSI EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz) • ETSI EN 301 893 (5 GHz) • FCC Part 15 • ETSI EN 300 220 • ETSI EN 301 489 (EMC) • IEC 62368-1 (Safety)

Self-Declaration Category: Products operating in de-licensed bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 865-867 MHz) with EIRP ≤ 4W (2.4 GHz) or ≤ 200mW (5 GHz) do not require testing. Online self-declaration is sufficient.

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WPC-ETA Standards & Frequency Bands

Frequency Band	Allowed Use	Max Power (EIRP)	ETA Required
2.4 GHz (2400-2483.5 MHz)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee	4W (36 dBm)	Self-Declaration
5 GHz (5150-5250 MHz)	Wi-Fi 5/6/6E (Indoor)	200mW (23 dBm)	Self-Declaration
5 GHz (5250-5350 MHz)	Wi-Fi (Indoor only)	200mW (23 dBm)	ETA Required
5 GHz (5470-5725 MHz)	Wi-Fi	1W (30 dBm)	ETA Required
865-867 MHz	RFID, IoT	4W ERP	Self-Declaration
Cellular Bands	2G/3G/4G/5G	As per device class	ETA Required

Based on NFAP 2018 and WPC guidelines - Always verify current frequency allocations

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Importance of WPC-ETA & How It Ensures Spectrum Safety

Why WPC-ETA is Important?

Spectrum Management: Prevents unauthorized use of frequency spectrum
Interference Prevention: Protects critical services (defense, aviation, emergency)
Legal Compliance: Mandatory under Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act
Customs Clearance: Required for importing wireless devices
Market Access: Essential for selling wireless products in India

How WPC-ETA Ensures Spectrum Safety?

Power Limits: Restricts transmission power to safe levels
Frequency Accuracy: Ensures devices operate within allocated bands
Spurious Emission Control: Limits unwanted emissions
Hardware Verification: Confirms compliance of RF components
Market Surveillance: Continuous monitoring for compliance

WPC-ETA Certification