WPC Certification for India
Navigating the World of WPC Certifications: Streamlining Procedures for Radio Equipment Importation and Compliance in India
Ensure Indian market access with Our Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Services
An Introduction to WPC Certification
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 for WPC Certification has now been simplified and made paperless and on “Single Scrutiny basis”
Products that requires wPC Certification
WPC ETA Certificate 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.
Wireless Equipments like Mobiles handsets, mobiles, smart phones, electronic notepads, laptops, smart watches and short-range devices, microphones, speakers, headphones, earphones, printers, scanners, cameras etc.. operating in licensed exempt bands as permitted in India.
WPC ETA Certificate is mandatory to be produced at customs for release of shipments.
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
What Approvals are required?
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 DGF
Wireless equipment’s exempted from licensing is listed in NFAP-Annexure 1, 2022 Release. (National Frequency Allocation Plan)
Issuance of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for License-Exempt Wireless Equipment Devices
To promote the ease of doing business, Authority has decided that all the applications of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for wireless equipment devices operating in license exempt bands, ETA Certificate shall be grated to the applicant on self-declaration basis.
“Restricted Item” category module has been removed from NSWS portal.
Hence Applicants have to submit the application in ETA SD mode for devices covered under restricted category as well. Eg. Drones, Radars. Separate import license will be required from WPC to import such devices apart from the ETA Certificate.
Wireless equipment’s exempted from licensing is listed in NFAP-Annexure 1, 2022 Release. (National Frequency Allocation Plan).
Here’s the link to access complete NFAP 2022 along with the Annexure 1 for the list of de-licensed frequency bands allowed to be operated in India.
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 based on per model.
- Local Testing NOT required if accredited test reports are available.
Local Representative is a mandatory requirement. - Foreign manufacturers cannot register directly on WPC portal to apply for ETAs
Module approvals permitted - No Labelling requirement
Certificate valid for lifetime until and unless some modifications made to the device which will impact the RF circuitry part.
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Documents Required for WPC ETA SD approval
Foreign manufacturers are not entitled to directly register on NSWS/Saral Sanchar portal to apply for WPC ETAs. Applicant must be a local entity.
Frequency bands covered under de-licensed category applicable for WPC 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.
Considering requirements for emerging new radiocommunication technologies in the field of wireless radiocommunications, Authority regulates the following licenses
- License categories
- Experimental and Technology Trial license
- Manufacturing and Testing license
- Demonstration license
C-PRAV can support in obtaining the above-mentioned licenses
National Single Window System
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).
Company Strengths at a glance
Why C-PRAV?
C-PRAV is a leading WPC Certification consultant that has vast experience both on the technical qualification and experience in handling WPC projects/licensing requirements.
Comprehensive Support
Entire documentation related to the Registration process.
In case of any issues, we can support as an Authorized Indian (Local) Representative for the Foreign Manufacturing Unit
Support and co-ordinate for the Registration of the Manufacturer with WPC
Local Representation
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 WPC for the submission of application and other documents.
On-Going Support
Co-ordinate/draft clarification reply to WPC to address queries raised by WPC, from time to time.
Support any additional miscellaneous/incidental works like customs clearance of samples, etc throughout the approval process
Regulatory Updates
New Guidelines for Approving Electrical Equipment
Malaysia Suruhanjaya Tenaga Energy commission has release guidelines for Approval of Electrical Equipment. These Guidelines shall come into operation from the date of its registration.
SIRIM Extends Interim Type Approval of IPv6 for non-WiFi Equipment
SIRIM QAS International, the national certification body in Malaysia, has announced the extension of Interim Type Approval for equipment utilizing IPv6 and without a Wi-Fi
MCMC Cancels Existing Service Allocations for the 3400-3700 MHz Band
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced a change impacting the 3400-3700 MHz frequency band. The MCMC has decided to cancel all existing
New Guidelines for Approving Electrical Equipment
Malaysia Suruhanjaya Tenaga Energy commission has release guidelines for Approval of Electrical Equipment. These Guidelines shall come into operation from the date of its registration.
SIRIM Extends Interim Type Approval of IPv6 for non-WiFi Equipment
SIRIM QAS International, the national certification body in Malaysia, has announced the extension of Interim Type Approval for equipment utilizing IPv6 and without a Wi-Fi
MCMC Cancels Existing Service Allocations for the 3400-3700 MHz Band
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced a change impacting the 3400-3700 MHz frequency band. The MCMC has decided to cancel all existing
