If your product transmits or receives wireless signals — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or anything using the radio spectrum — you'll almost certainly need approval from India's Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing before it can be sold or imported. Here's what that process actually looks like.
What is WPC and Why Does It Matter?
The WPC wing, under the Department of Telecommunications, manages India's radio frequency spectrum and ensures wireless devices don't interfere with each other or with licensed spectrum users like defence, aviation and broadcasting. Selling a non-compliant wireless device isn't just a compliance risk — it can lead to the product being seized at customs.
What is Equipment Type Approval (ETA)?
Equipment Type Approval is the specific certification that confirms your wireless device operates within permitted frequency bands and power limits for India. It applies to a wide range of products — routers, IoT sensors, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, drones and more.
Which Devices Need ETA?
As a general rule, any device with a radio transmitter needs ETA before import or sale. Some short-range, low-power devices operating in specific licence-exempt bands may qualify for simplified processes, but this needs to be confirmed against your device's exact specifications — it's not something to assume.
Tip: Start the ETA process in parallel with your other certifications (like BIS) rather than after — it typically has its own independent timeline and test requirements.
Documents You'll Need
- Technical specifications and block diagram of the device
- RF test report from an accredited laboratory
- Manufacturer's authorisation letter (for imported products)
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and business registration documents
- Product user manual and label artwork
Typical Timeline
Once test reports and documentation are in order, ETA approval typically takes a few weeks to process, though this varies depending on the frequency bands involved and whether any clarifications are raised during review. Devices operating in bands shared with other licensed services can take longer.
Getting WPC and ETA approval right the first time comes down to knowing exactly which bands your device uses and having accredited test reports ready before you apply — the same principle that applies across most Indian certification schemes.
Need help with this? See our WPC ETA Approval service in Mumbai, or call +91 79799 60322 for a free consultation.