Every wireless product manufactured, imported or sold in India needs Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications. WPC ETA verifies that the wireless product uses only the frequency bands and power levels allowed under Indian spectrum policy, and that it does not interfere with authorised users. Any product using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, RFID, LoRa, GNSS or any de-licensed / licensed radio band falls within scope — from smartphones and laptops to smart bulbs, wearables, drones, industrial IoT gateways, POS terminals and medical devices with wireless connectivity.
The Exim Roof runs a WPC ETA practice that has taken hundreds of products through the Saral Sanchar portal since it went live in 2019. From spectrum-band analysis and test-lab liaison to portal filing, label preparation and post-grant maintenance, we deliver ETA certificates on time so your customs clearance and marketplace listing are never delayed.
Regulatory framework
WPC ETA is administered by the WPC Wing under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). Every ETA is granted product-model wise for a specific set of frequency bands and technical parameters. The certificate is valid for the life of the product model, but any change in radio-band, output power, antenna or module requires a fresh ETA.
Who needs WPC ETA?
- Any manufacturer or importer of a product with wireless functionality.
- Domestic manufacturers of wireless products — even for domestic sale.
- Brand owners who import contract-manufactured wireless products.
- IoT and industrial-automation companies bringing gateways, sensors or trackers into India.
The ETA process — Self-Declaration route
For products operating in de-licensed frequency bands (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, RFID etc.), the ETA is granted through the Self-Declaration route on the Saral Sanchar portal. The applicant uploads a test report from an ILAC-accredited laboratory demonstrating compliance with the applicable ETSI or IEEE standard, an ISED declaration, product datasheet, block diagram, PCB layout, antenna specification and photographs. The portal auto-processes clean applications in 5–10 working days.
The ETA process — Non-Self-Declaration route
Products using licensed frequency bands, or falling outside the de-licensed schedule, must go through the Non-Self-Declaration route with a formal WPC test at a WPC-approved laboratory in India. This route takes 6–8 weeks longer but is unavoidable for certain radio bands.
Common WPC ETA pitfalls
The two most common rejections are (a) test reports issued in an unaccredited laboratory or without ILAC MRA scope for the applicable standard, and (b) mismatches between the datasheet and the actual PCB / antenna. Our engineers verify both before the portal filing.
How The Exim Roof helps
- Wireless-band analysis and Self-Declaration vs Non-Self-Declaration route selection.
- Test-lab shortlisting with confirmed ILAC MRA scope.
- Saral Sanchar portal drafting and submission.
- Clarification response and change endorsements.
- Label design and marketing compliance.
- Renewals when product design changes.
WPC / ETA Certification Process — Step by Step
- 1
Step 1: Free Consultation
A no-obligation 20-minute call to understand your product, project, market and the exact approvals you need.
- 2
Step 2: Document Preparation
Our specialists prepare, review and vet every document so your application clears the portal in the first submission.
- 3
Step 3: Portal Filing & Fee Payment
We handle the online application, government fee payment and coordinate with test labs / auditors where required.
- 4
Step 4: Department Liaison
Continuous follow-up with the concerned authority, response to queries and any additional information sought.
- 5
Step 5: Certificate / Approval Grant
Once approved, the certificate is delivered to you along with a compliance calendar for renewals and returns.
Documents Required for WPC / ETA Certification
- PAN of the applicant / company
- GST registration certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation / partnership deed
- Product details, technical write-up or project report
- Authorised signatory ID proof (Aadhaar / passport)
- Address proof of manufacturing unit or office
- ILAC-accredited test report for the applicable standard
- Product datasheet, block diagram and PCB layout
- Antenna datasheet and gain / VSWR specifications
- Photographs of the product from every angle
- Manufacturer authorisation for the applicant (for importers / brand owners)
Why Choose The Exim Roof for WPC / ETA Certification
- ETA filing
- Test lab support
- Compliance advisory
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the entire process take?
Most approvals are granted in 30–90 days once documentation is in order. Timelines vary by department, product category and testing requirements — we share a milestone-based plan on day one.
- Do you handle end-to-end filing?
Yes. Our team drafts the application, uploads it on the government portal, pays the fee (against invoice), coordinates with labs / auditors and follows up till the certificate is granted.
- Will you help with renewals and post-approval compliance?
Absolutely. We share a compliance calendar with due dates for renewals, annual returns and periodic filings. You will never miss a deadline.
- Is WPC ETA required for imported laptops and smartphones?
Yes. Every smartphone, laptop, tablet and wireless-enabled product needs WPC ETA before it can be imported or sold. Marketplaces and customs both check for a valid ETA certificate.
- How long is a WPC ETA valid?
ETA is granted for the life of the product model with no renewal cycle. But any change in radio design, module, antenna or output power requires a fresh ETA.
- Can I use my international test report for the Indian ETA?
Yes, provided the test report is issued by an ILAC-MRA accredited lab with scope covering the applicable standard (ETSI EN 300 328, ETSI EN 301 893, etc.). We verify the accreditation scope before submitting.
Need more information about WPC / ETA Certification?
Fill in the form below and our compliance team will get back to you within one business day.
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