Wireless planning and coordination (WPC)

The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing is a division under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Established in 1952, it is the national radio regulatory authority responsible for frequency spectrum management, licensing of radio equipment, and coordination of all wireless communication activities in the country.

WPC approval is a mandatory regulatory requirement for any wireless or radio frequency (RF) device that is manufactured in India, imported into India, or used within Indian territory. The approval ensures that the device operates within the permitted frequency bands, does not cause harmful interference to other radio services, and complies with the technical standards prescribed by the Indian government.

Why is WPC Approval Needed?

• To protect India's radio frequency spectrum from harmful interference
• To ensure devices meet Indian technical and safety standards
• To control the import of wireless communication equipment
• To maintain compliance with ITU (International Telecommunication Union) regulations
• To prevent unauthorized use of restricted frequency bands

Who Needs WPC Approval?

• Manufacturers producing wireless devices in India
• Importers bringing wireless devices into India
• Foreign companies selling wireless products in the Indian market
• OEMs whose products embed RF modules or wireless chipsets

Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is a specific category of WPC approval that certifies a particular model or type of wireless equipment. When a device receives ETA, it means the equipment has been tested, evaluated, and approved by WPC as being technically compliant with Indian wireless regulations.

ETA is product-specific and model-specific — every distinct model of a wireless device needs its own ETA certificate. The certificate is valid for the lifetime of the specific product model as long as the product design and specifications remain unchanged.

Key Features of ETA

• One-time approval per model — no annual renewal for the ETA itself.
• Issued by the WPC Wing, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
• Mandatory before any import licence (STIL/LTIL) can be obtained.
• Serves as proof of technical compliance for customs clearance.
• Applies to both domestically manufactured and imported wireless devices.

ETA vs. Import Licence

Notes on Each Type

• ETA — Primary commercial product certification. Required for all wireless devices entering the Indian market.
• STIL — Used for samples, demos, exhibitions, and R&D imports. Typically limited to small quantities.
• LTIL — For large-scale commercial imports. Must reference a valid ETA. Renewed annually.
• Manufacture Licence — For Indian production facilities. Allows domestic sale after approval.
• Experimental Licence — Limited term. Cannot be used for commercial sale.
• Station Licence — For network operators deploying base stations, radar, or fixed wireless infrastructure.

Signed by: Wireless Adviser to the Government of India / Deputy Wireless Adviser
WPC Wing, Sanchar Bhawan, 20 Ashoka Road, New Delhi – 110001

For Equipment Type Approval (ETA)

• The product must have a defined and stable model name and model number
• RF testing must be performed at a NABL-accredited (India) or ILAC-recognized (international) laboratory
• The applicant must be an Indian registered entity or a duly authorized Indian agent of a foreign company
• The product must comply with technical standards specified by WPC for the relevant frequency band
• An RF test report from a recognized lab is mandatory — no exceptions
• All applications must be submitted through the SARAL portal (saralwpc.gov.in)

For Import Licence (STIL / LTIL)

• A valid ETA certificate for the product model being imported
• Valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
• Import quantity and purpose must be clearly specified in the application
• Supporting invoices or purchase orders may be required for LTIL
• Annual renewal required for Long Term Import Licences

General Eligibility Criteria

• Only Indian registered companies or authorized Indian representatives of foreign brands can apply
• Foreign companies without Indian registration must appoint an Indian authorized representative
• The applicant must not have any history of WPC violations or revoked licences

Company / Applicant Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or Registration Certificate (for LLPs/firms)
• GST Registration Certificate
• PAN Card of the company
• Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT — mandatory for import licence applications
• Board Resolution or Authorization Letter authorizing the signatory
• Registered office address proof

Product / Technical Documents

• Product brochure or datasheet clearly showing technical specifications
• Block diagram of the RF circuitry
• Operating frequency bands, channel plans, and power levels
• User manual / instruction manual
• Declaration of Conformity (if available from country of origin)
• FCC / CE / IC test reports (if already certified in other countries — used as supporting documents)

Test Report (Mandatory)

• RF test report from a NABL-accredited lab (India) or ILAC-recognized lab (international)

• The test report must cover all frequencies the device operates on
• Must reference applicable Indian / international standards
• Must be in the applicant's name or accompanied by a test report authorization letter

Authorization Documents (for Importers / Indian Agents)

• Authorization letter from the original manufacturer / brand owner
• Agreement between the brand and Indian authorized representative
• Brand owner's company registration and address proof

An RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report is an official document issued by an accredited testing laboratory, certifying that a wireless device has been tested for its radio frequency performance and complies with the applicable technical standards. It is one of the most critical documents in the WPC ETA application process.

What an RF Test Report Verifies

• Operating frequency and channel bandwidth
• Transmitter output power — conducted and radiated (EIRP)
• Spurious emissions and harmonic levels
• Frequency stability and accuracy
• Modulation characteristics and spectrum mask
• Channel spacing and frequency separation
• Receiver sensitivity (for two-way communication devices)

Applicable Standards for RF Testing

How to Get an RF Test Report — Step by Step

• 1. Identify the applicable standard based on your device's frequency band and wireless technology.
• 2. Select an accredited laboratory — NABL-accredited in India or an ILAC MRA recognized lab internationally.
• 3. Submit the device sample to the lab along with technical datasheet, block diagram, and test plan requirements.
• 4. The lab performs tests in a controlled RF environment (anechoic chamber or OATS — Open Area Test Site).
• 5. Receive the test report with detailed results, pass/fail outcomes, lab accreditation details, and engineer's signature.
• 6. Verify the report is in the applicant's name or obtain a test report authorization letter if testing was done by a third party.

Recognized Accredited Labs in Indiap

• STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) — government lab, multiple locations.
• Bureau Veritas India.
• TUV SUD India.
• SGS India.
• UL India.
• Intertek India.

Phase 1 — Pre-Application Preparation

• Identify if your product requires WPC approval (check frequency of operation).
• Determine the applicable frequency band, technology standard, and WPC category.
• Appoint an Indian authorized representative if you are a foreign company.
• Obtain IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT if planning to import.

Phase 2 — RF Testing

• Identify the applicable testing standards for your device.
• Select and engage a NABL/ILAC-accredited testing laboratory.
• Submit the product sample. RF testing typically takes 2–6 weeks.

Phase 3 — Document Preparation & SARAL Submission

• Compile all technical and company documents.
• Register on the SARAL portal (saralwpc.gov.in) and create a new ETA application.
• Fill in all product, frequency, and company information accurately.
• Upload all documents, pay the government fee online, and submit the application.

Phase 4 — WPC Review & Certificate Issuance

• WPC officials review the application for completeness and technical accuracy.
• WPC may raise queries — the applicant must respond promptly within the prescribed time.
• Once approved, the digitally signed ETA certificate is issued and available on SARAL.

WPC approval covers all equipment that uses radio frequency (RF) spectrum, whether for communication, sensing, navigation, or any other purpose. Major product categories include:

Consumer Electronics

• Wi-Fi routers, access points, and mesh systems
• Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and earbuds
• Smart TVs with wireless connectivity
• Smartwatches, fitness bands, and wearables
• Wireless keyboards, mice, and peripherals
• Cordless phones (DECT), wireless baby monitors
• Wireless charging pads (Qi standard)

Mobile & Computing Devices

• Smartphones and tablets with cellular/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• Laptops and notebooks with integrated wireless
• Mobile broadband dongles and personal hotspot devices
• Wireless modems and home gateways

IoT & Smart Home Devices

• Smart home controllers, hubs, and gateways
• IoT sensors (temperature, motion, humidity, air quality)
• Smart plugs, switches, and dimmers
• Connected security cameras and doorbells
• Smart lighting systems (Zigbee/Z-Wave)
• Voice assistants and smart speakers

Industrial & Medical Equipment

• Industrial wireless automation and SCADA systems
• Wireless patient monitoring systems
• Implantable medical devices with RF components
• Professional audio wireless systems
• Handheld radio transceivers and walkie-talkies

Automotive & Navigation

• In-vehicle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and telematics units
• GPS/GNSS navigation systems and fleet trackers
• Keyless entry and remote start systems
• Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
• V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication devices

In Scope — WPC Approval Required

• Any device with an intentional RF transmitter operating in any frequency band
• Devices with receivers that use licensed spectrum
• Devices using frequency hopping or spread spectrum technologies
• Combination wireless devices (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + Cellular combo chips)
• RF modules embedded into other products — the final product needs approval
• All imported products for commercial sale, testing, or exhibition

Out of Scope / Exempted (with conditions)

• Purely wired devices with no RF emission
• IR (Infrared) devices operating below 300 GHz
• Single personal-use samples (subject to customs discretion)
• Defence/government classified operations under separate frameworks

The Government of India has de-licensed certain frequency bands. Devices operating on these bands within specified power limits do not require individual import licences — though ETA may still be required for the device model.

Important Conditions for De-licensed Bands

• The device must operate only within the power limits specified in the de-licensing notification
• The device must not cause harmful interference to other radio services
• Even on de-licensed bands, a commercial imported device may still require ETA
• De-licensed status does not exempt the device from BIS certification if applicable
• Devices must use the band only for the intended technology and purpose

Bands That Are NOT De-licensed

• All cellular bands (2G/3G/4G/5G) — require separate WPC and DoT approvals
• Sub-GHz bands used for long-range IoT (outside permitted exemptions)
• Military and defence frequency bands
• Aviation and maritime communication bands
• Broadcasting bands

The following is a concise action guide for obtaining WPC ETA certification from start to finish:

• Assess your product: Determine if your product contains any RF component. Check operating frequency, power, and technology. Consult the WPC de-licensed notification to check for exemptions.
• Register on SARAL portal: Visit saralwpc.gov.in — the single digital window for all WPC approvals. Complete your company profile with GST, PAN, and IEC details.
• Prepare technical documentation: Collect datasheet, block diagram, user manual, and any existing FCC/CE test reports from certifications done abroad.
• Get RF testing done: Submit your product sample to a NABL-accredited or ILAC-recognized laboratory. Ensure testing is against the applicable Indian or harmonized standard.
• Compile the complete document package: Prepare company registration, GST, PAN, IEC, authorization letters, product documents, and the RF test report.
• Submit the ETA application on SARAL: Create a new ETA application, fill in all fields accurately, upload all documents, pay the application fee, and submit.
• Track and respond to queries: Monitor your application status on SARAL. WPC may raise technical or administrative queries — respond promptly.
• Receive the ETA certificate: Once approved, download your digitally signed WPC ETA certificate from the SARAL portal.
• Apply for Import Licence (if importing): Using your ETA certificate number, apply for STIL or LTIL on the SARAL portal based on your import requirements.
• Maintain ongoing compliance: Do not modify the approved product design without informing WPC. Keep your ETA certificate available for customs and regulatory inspection. Renew import licences as required.