Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) is a regulatory authority functioning under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in India. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New Delhi, WPC also operates regional offices in Guwahati, Calcutta, Mumbai, and Chennai. Its primary role is to manage and oversee the licensing of radio frequencies, ensuring the effective allocation and use of the frequency spectrum.
WPC is also responsible for issuing the WPC Certification, which includes:
- Equipment Type Authorization Certification (ETA): This certification is essential for wireless devices to ensure they comply with technical standards.
- Wireless Certifications: Various certifications required for different categories of wireless devices.
WPC certification is mandatory for any radio-frequency device being imported into India, ensuring compliance with national standards. Additionally, the agency ensures that service providers adhere to established licensing criteria to promote efficient and lawful usage of communication services in the country.
Purpose of WPC Certification
The WPC Certification serves multiple vital functions:
- Regulatory Compliance: It ensures that all wireless communication devices meet technical and regulatory standards set forth by the government, maintaining the integrity of communication systems.
- Spectrum Management: By regulating the use of radio frequency, WPC helps manage the limited resource of spectrum to prevent interference between different communication services.
- Consumer Safety: The certification process includes rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that products are safe for consumer use, mitigating risks associated with faulty devices.
- Market Access: WPC Certification is a prerequisite for manufacturers and importers of wireless devices, enabling their entry into the Indian market.
What is WPC Certification?
WPC Certification is an essential approval required for the import and sale of wireless communication products in India. It is specifically issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, a division of the Department of Telecommunications. Obtaining this certification is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of wireless products, particularly devices that utilize radio frequency such as:
- Bluetooth devices
- Wi-Fi-enabled devices
- ZigBee devices
The certification process ensures that all wireless devices conform to established technical standards, regulatory frameworks, and operational protocols.
Eligibility Criteria for WPC Certification
To qualify for WPC Certification, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- For Manufacturers and Importers:
- Manufacturers and importers of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices are required to obtain WPC certification and an import license prior to selling these products in the Indian market.
- For Representatives Appointed:
- If the importer is a foreign corporation, it must designate an authorized agent in India for WPC approval. This representative will act on behalf of the foreign company during the filing process.
- For Frequency Results:
- Consistent frequency results for the specific wireless accessory must be provided. The results should detail resolution bandwidth, video bandwidth, frequency, and sweep parameters.
- For ISO Laboratories’ Report:
- If the product is manufactured domestically, in-country testing is not necessary. However, a Radio Frequency (RF) report from an ISO/IEC 17025 recognized laboratory is mandatory.
- For De-Licensed Frequency Bands:
- All wireless devices must operate within designated de-licensed frequency bands, ensuring compliance with national regulations.
- For Technical Information Sheet:
- The applicant must possess a technical data sheet, which can be obtained from the relevant authority upon request.
Types of Licenses Issued by WPC
WPC issues various licenses, including:
- Importer’s License:
- This license allows businesses involved in importing wireless products into India. It grants permission to import and sell wireless devices, provided the importer also obtains ETA Approval and Import Export Code.
- Equipment Type Approval (ETA):
- Before any wireless device operating in the de-licensed frequency range can be sold or imported in India, it must obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC. This applies to all Wi-Fi products manufactured within India as well.
- Dealer Possession License (DPL):
- Holders of a DPL License are prohibited from selling products to companies that do not possess WPC permission to use those products.
- Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL):
- The NDPL is issued to businesses that do not sell or own wireless products but are required to possess them, such as local cable operators.
- Experimental License:
- Businesses wishing to explore or experiment with new wireless devices must obtain an experimental license from WPC before conducting any experiments.
- Network License:
- Organizations intending to utilize limited radio frequency capacity for communication services, including mobile networks, cable, and DTH, must acquire a network license.
What is ETA?
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is a mandatory authorization required for any wireless device operating in the de-licensed frequency band in India. This approval is necessary before selling or importing these devices into the Indian market.
Which Products Need WPC ETA Approval?
WPC ETA Approval is essential for every wireless product operating within the de-licensed frequency band in India. This includes devices such as:
- Bluetooth gadgets
- Mobile phones
- Wi-Fi technology
- RFID devices
Even products manufactured domestically require WPC ETA certification to enter the Indian market. However, if a product is manufactured in India with RF module(s) and no modifications, a separate WPC ETA approval is not needed.
For products manufactured outside India, each item requires a WPC ETA certificate prior to import. If RF modules are separate entities, ETA must be obtained specifically for the RF module. For products not falling under the mentioned categories, the WPC ETA certificate can be obtained online through the Regional Licensing Offices (RLOs).
De-Licensed Frequency List Requiring WPC ETA Approval in India
Here’s a detailed list of de-licensed frequency bands in India:
| Frequency Band | Application/Specifications |
|---|---|
| 50-200 kHz | Very low power devices |
| 13553-13567 kHz | Very low power radio frequency devices, indoor only |
| 26.957 MHz-27.283 MHz | Low power wireless equipment (max. Effective Radiated Power of 5 watts) |
| 335 MHz | Low power wireless equipment for remote control of cranes |
| 402-405 MHz | Medical RF wireless devices (max. radiated power of 25 microwatts) |
| 865-867 MHz | Low power wireless device (max transmitter power of 1 watt-4 watts) |
| 2400 MHz-2483.5 MHz | Low power wireless equipment (e.g. Wi-Fi) (max. transmitter output power of 1 watt-4 watts) |
| 5150 MHz-5350 MHz | Low power equipment for Wireless Access Systems |
| 5725 MHz-5825 MHz | Low power equipment for Wireless Access Systems |
| 5825 MHz-5875 MHz | Low power equipment (max. output of 1 watt-4 watts) |
Stepwise Process to Apply for WPC Certification
- Step 1 – Consultation:
Call experts at 8881-069-069 to discuss Wi-Fi devices, the de-licensed frequency range, ETA Approval, and import license requirements. - Step 2 – Document Preparation:
Experts assist in preparing the necessary documents and application forms for WPC certification. - Step 3 – Application Submission:
Experts submit the application form with supporting documents, liaise with WPC authorities, and obtain the necessary approvals and licenses for you.
Validity and Renewal of WPC Certification
- WPC ETA Application: Valid for a lifetime. However, a fresh application is required if any changes are needed in the certificate.
- Import License: Issued for a specific quantity mentioned in the purchase order. It is valid for six months or until fulfillment of the purchase order, whichever is earlier. A fresh Import License is required for each new purchase order or every six months, whichever is earlier.
