WPC Certification is an approval by Planning and Coordination (WPC), a part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. This national body manages the use of radio frequencies and wireless communication. Established in 1952 it now operates through the Saral Sanchar online portal for licensing and approvals. 

Any product with radio or wireless technology that is manufactured, imported or sold in India must have an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certificate from WPC. This includes devices using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, small digital radios (Zigbee), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other wireless technologies. 

Without this certification, businesses are not allowed to sell/use wireless products like WiFi devices, Bluetooth speakers, remote control gadgets or drones in India. 

In simple words, if you want to manufacture, import or sell wireless products in India, you need WPC certificate. The WPC license proves your wireless device is safe, legal and complies with India’s frequency rules.

Products That Require WPC Certification

Some commonly used products that need WPC approval include: 

• Wi-Fi Routers
• Bluetooth Headphones and Speakers
• Wireless Keyboards
• Smart Home Devices (IoT enabled)
• Smartwatches and Wearables
• Wireless Microphones
• RFID Devices
• Drones and Remote-Controlled Devices

If the product has any wireless functionality, it needs WPC ETA Certification.

Getting WPC Certificate is important for several reasons:

• Legal Compliance: It is mandatory under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1993.

• Market Authorization: Without WPC approval, wireless devices cannot be imported, sold or marketed in India. 

• Avoid Legal and Financial Risks: Selling uncertified devices can attract fines, seizure of goods as well as legal action. 

• Consumer Safety: Obtaining WPC approval ensures devices don’t interfere with emergency services or licensed frequencies. 

• Business Growth: WPC ETA certified devices earn more trust making them easier to sell in the Indian market.

Wireless Planning and Coordination certification is divided into different categories depending on the types of product or service. Broadly, it can be classified in the following:

1. Equipment Type Approval (ETA) Certificate 

The most common approval under WPC is the ETA Certificate. It is mandatory for any wireless product that operates in the de-licensed frequency bands in India such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID devices, Zigbee and others.

When is ETA required? 

• For all imported wireless equipment like Bluetooth devices, mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, RFID, etc.
• For Indian manufactured products where new RF (radio frequency) modules are used. 

When is ETA not required? 

If the product is made in India using RF modules that already have a valid ETA certificate and no modifications are made to them, then no separate WPC ETA approval is needed for that product.

ETA thorough Self-Declaration

WPC ETA certificate can be obtained through a simplified self-declaration process if the device:

• Falls under the exempted category as per EXIM Policy of DGFT
• Works only in the de-licensed frequency bands

Examples include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, speakers, earphones, wireless printers, scanners, TVS, and cameras. 

ETA through Regular Application

For devices that do not qualify for self-declaration such as drones or specialized wireless cameras, applicants must file an online application with WPC’s Regional Licensing Offices (RLOs). 

2. Non - Network License

These licenses are issued to individuals or organizations that are not network service providers but deal with wireless products. A non-network license allows you to buy, sell or import specific wireless equipment. It is of 3 sub types: 

• Import License (IL): Import License is required when importing wireless products in India. The License holder gets official permission to sell such products in the Indian market. 
• Dealer Possession License (DPL): This license is issued to dealers or distributors who sell or trade wireless equipment. 
• Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL): This license is issued to individuals or organizations that use wireless devices for their own purposes but do not deal in them commercially. 

3. Network License

A network license is given to companies that wish to use India’s restricted radio frequency to provide communication services. These include services like mobile networks, DTH or cable broadcasting. This category includes: 

• Internet Service Provider (ISP) License: Any organization that wants to offer internet services in India must obtain an ISP License from the Telecommunication Department (DoT).
• Experimental License: This license is granted to companies or persons who want to conduct experiments or research on wireless devices. This is important for innovation, R&D, and product testing. 

Here is a step-by-step process for obtaining WPC Certification

1. Checking EN Standard and RF-Test Report

WPC ETA certification starts by receiving EN Standard and RF Test Report of the product. Here the frequency range of the device is carefully checked. If it falls under the category of devices that operate under a de-License frequency band, then self-declaration certificate is issued.

2. Preparing Documents

After verifying the frequency range is confirmed from RF- Report, the next step is to gather all the required documents for WPC certification. 

3. Generating Online Application

An online application must be filled on Saral Sanchar portal where login credentials are generated for further steps. 

4. Payment of Government Fees 

The government fees for the application must be paid online through the portal. 

5. Submission of Documents

Applicants must submit all necessary documents to the WPC authority. This can be done both online and offline depending on the type of license being applied for. 

6. Document Verification

WPC officials will then verify the documents and RF test report. If the documents are not in order or something is unclear, they may request for the missing document or any further information for clarification.

7. Grant of WPC ETA Certificate

Finally, if WPC officials are satisfied with all the documents and test report of the product then Equipment Type Approval Certificate (WPC certificate) will be granted. This certificate allows the product to be legally sold and used in India.

The fee for a WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certificate for wireless devices include: 

• Government Application Fee - The Government of India charges a special fee depending on license type you are applying for. 

• Testing Charges - Before granting approval, wireless devices must undergo testing in an accredited lab to ensure compliance with WPC norms. Paid to accredited labs for product testing. 

• Professional Consultancy Fee - Many businesses choose to go through consultants who simplify the end-to-end process. Contact CharteredOne for WPC Certification! We ensure that documentation, product testing, and application submissions are handled smoothly. 

As an estimate: 

• ETA Certificate: Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000

• Import License: Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000

• DPL/NDPL License: Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000

(Charges may vary depending on product type and testing requirement.)

The validity and renewal of a WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) certificate depend on the specific type of license or approval obtained. 

• ETA Certification - Permanent for the approved model (no renewal required)

• Import License - Valid for six months or till fulfilment of the purchase order

• DPL and NDPL - Valid for 20 years and renewable thereafter

If you sell or use wireless devices without WPC Certification, you may face: 

• Fines under the Indian Telegraph Act

• Seizure of products by authorities

• Suspension of business licenses

• Permanent ban on importing uncertified devices

Applications for WPC can be filed through the official Saral Sanchar Portal run by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This portal allows businesses to:

• Register online
• Submit applications
• Upload documents
• Track status of applications