The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, regulates wireless devices and spectrum usage across India.
WPC approval is mandatory for any device that uses radio frequency (RF) or wireless communication technologies, whether manufactured in India or imported.
It ensures:
Legal Basis:
Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 & Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
Without WPC approval, it is illegal to import, manufacture, sell, or operate wireless devices in India.
🏭 Manufacturers producing wireless devices in India
📦 Importers bringing RF-enabled products into India
🌐 Foreign brands selling wireless products in India
💡 OEMs integrating wireless modules/chipsets
⚡ IoT & Smart Device companies
Choose the right approval type based on your business purpose — commercial import, R&D, manufacturing, or network operations.
| Approval Type | Purpose | Validity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Type Approval (ETA) | Certifies wireless products for RF compliance and commercial sale/import in India. | Lifetime | ✅ Primary |
| Short Term Import Licence (STIL) | Temporary import for testing, demo, exhibition, or evaluation purposes. | Up to 1 Year | 🔵 Temporary |
| Long Term Import Licence (LTIL) | Bulk commercial import of wireless products with valid ETA approval. | Renewable | ✅ Commercial |
| Manufacture Licence | Allows manufacturing of wireless products within India. | As per WPC | 🏭 Manufacturing |
| Experimental Licence | Issued for R&D, testing, and field trials of wireless equipment. | Limited | 🔬 R&D |
| Station Licence | Authorises operation of wireless stations and communication systems. | Renewable | 📡 Operators |
Our experts handle every step of the process from pre-application preparation to certificate download — so you can focus on your business.
Identify whether the product requires WPC ETA approval based on frequency, power level, and wireless technology classification.
Register your company on the official SARAL WPC portal using GST, PAN, IEC, and business details.
Prepare required documents including datasheet, block diagram, user manual, and previous RF test reports if available.
Submit product samples to NABL/ILAC accredited labs such as STQC, TUV SUD, SGS India, or Bureau Veritas.
Fill ETA application, upload documents, pay government fee, and submit on the SARAL WPC portal.
Respond to WPC authority queries and clarifications until final approval is granted.
Download digitally signed WPC ETA certificate from the SARAL portal for import and compliance use.
Apply for STIL or LTIL import licences using ETA approval for commercial import and distribution in India.
Having the right documents ready from the start avoids delays and rejections. Our team will provide a personalized document checklist for your specific product.
WPC approval covers all equipment that uses radio frequency (RF) spectrum — from consumer electronics to industrial and automotive devices.
RF testing must be performed against applicable Indian or internationally harmonized standards. Here are the key standards for common wireless technologies.
| Technology | Applicable Standard | Frequency Band |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n/ax) | EN 300 328 / IEEE 802.11 | 2400–2483.5 MHz |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz (802.11 a/n/ac/ax) | EN 301 893 / IEEE 802.11 | 5150–5875 MHz |
| Bluetooth (Classic & BLE) | EN 300 328 | 2400–2483.5 MHz |
| Zigbee / Z-Wave | EN 300 328 | 2.4 GHz / Sub-GHz |
| LTE / 4G | 3GPP TS 36 series | 700 MHz – 2.6 GHz |
| 5G NR | 3GPP TS 38 series | Sub-6 GHz / mmWave |
| GPS / GNSS | EN 302 885 | 1.1–1.6 GHz |
| UHF RFID | EN 302 208 | 865–867 MHz |
| LoRa / LoRaWAN | EN 300 220 | 865–867 MHz |
| DECT | EN 301 406 | 1880–1900 MHz |
🔬Recognized Labs in India: STQC (government, multiple locations) • Bureau Veritas India • TUV SUD India • SGS India • UL India • Intertek India
Devices operating on these bands within specified power limits may not require individual import licences — though ETA may still be required for the device model.
| Frequency Band | Common Use | Max EIRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz (2400–2483.5 MHz) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee | 4 W (36 dBm) | Indoor & Outdoor |
| 5 GHz (5150–5350 MHz) | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/n/ac/ax) | 200 mW (23 dBm) | Indoor Only |
| 5 GHz (5725–5875 MHz) | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/n/ac/ax) | 4 W (36 dBm) | Indoor & Outdoor |
| 865–867 MHz | UHF RFID | 4 W ERP | Per WPC notification |
| 433.05–434.79 MHz | Short-range devices, alarms | 10 mW ERP | Low power only |
| 57–64 GHz (60 GHz) | WiGig, Wireless HD | 40 dBm EIRP | Short range |
⚠️Important: De-licensed status does not exempt devices from ETA or BIS certification. All cellular bands (2G/3G/4G/5G) require separate WPC and DoT approvals.
Common questions about WPC ETA certification and import licences.
Common questions about WPC ETA certification, RF testing, and import approvals in India.
The complete WPC ETA certification process typically takes around 8–16 weeks. This includes 2–6 weeks for RF testing, 1–2 weeks for documentation, and 4–8 weeks for WPC approval after submission. Proper preparation helps avoid delays and speeds up approval.
No. ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is a lifetime approval for each product model as long as the design and specifications remain unchanged. However, if any modification is made, a fresh application is required. Import licences (LTIL) must be renewed annually.
No. Only Indian-registered companies or authorized Indian representatives can apply. Foreign companies must appoint an Indian AR (Authorized Representative). PCN Global India can act as your AR and manage the complete process.
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