WIRELESS PLANNING & COORDINATION (WPC)
(WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications, created in 1952, is the National Radio Regulatory Authority responsible for Frequency Spectrum Management, including licensing and caters for the needs of all wireless users (Government and Private) in the country.
WPC Office issues WPC (ETA) Equipment Type Approval License for IT and Electronic products while fulfilling the needs of the wireless technology consumers. Wireless and Bluetooth IT and Electronic products that operate on unlicensed frequency bands and meet human safety requirements can only be sold in the Indian market with WPC approval.
WPC issues different types of Licenses. We assist our customers for:
- Equipment Type Approval
- Type Approval
- Experimental Approval
- Dealer Possession License(DPL)
- Non-Dealer Possession License(NDCL)
- Import License as per the requirement for operating radio products
WPC
Wireless Planning & Coordination Certificate
Product list Mandatory for WPC
WPC certification is mandatory for all wireless devices, such as WiFi, ZigBee, Bluetooth etc. in India. WPC required products can be found in the following categories:
- Antennas
- Receiver
- Transmitter
- Transceiver
- Radio sets
Only frequencies on unlicensed bands are allowed. The frequency ranges must also never exceed the mentioned limits. Producers must, therefore, know in advance which exact frequencies they are allowed to use.
Devices such as mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, microphones, headphones and printers are excluded from ETA.
Please note: no license is required for products using low frequency of 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz or 5.825 to 5.875 GHz.
However, the equipment needs to comply with the following Maximum out power of transmitter: 1 W (30 dBm) in Spread of 10 MHz or higher Maximum Effective Radiated Power: 4 W (36 dBm)
ETA through Self–Declaration has been introduced by WPC Wing for certain categories of wireless equipment/ products operating in license-exempt bands with low transmission power and which are exempted from import licensing requirement as per Import Policy of DGFT
1. Wifi bulb / Smart Bulb |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
2. Wireless Point of Sale Terminals |  |
| ||
3. Wireless Router |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
4. Wireless Receiver |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
5. Wireless Keyboards |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
6. Wireless Camera |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
7. Drones |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
8. Smart Speaker |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
9. Wireless Plug |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
10. Wireless Repeater |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
11. Wireless Home Automation |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
12. Walkie Talkie |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
13. Wireless Pendrive |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab | ||
14. Bluetooth Devises |  | Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab |
FAQ
To import goods into India you have to consider a variety of special regulations and mandatory certifications for wireless devices applicable to both imported and Indian products.
Process of WPC Registration is divided into 7 steps:
Step-1: Register on WPC will be through the online application process
Step-2: Select a Test Lab and Generate Test Request
Step-3: Submit Sample(s) to the Lab
Step-4: Receive Notification of Lab after Testing along with Test Report Number
Step-5: Login Using Existing Credentials and select Test Request reference to Upload Test Report
Step-6: Online Submission of Documents and other Details & Payment of Fee
NOC from the manufacturer of the device to RLO (regional licensing office) – WPC stating that the person is entitled to sell these items in India
Step-7: Waiting for the Application to be processed for approval
The following information is required for WPC Approval:
a) RF Test Report of Product:
- By Accredited Lab
- Standard – EN 300 328
- Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from any ISO 17025 accredited Foreign lab or NABL accredited Indian lab
b) Technical Data Sheet
c) Authorization-cum-Agreement Letter for foreign manufacturers
- Complete filled Performa application
- Technical literature/specification of the equipment.
- The application should be signed by the authorized signatory
- Radio test reports for all the frequency bands of the equipment for which ETA sought from accredited labs.
- Certificate copy of the accredited test lab
- Declaration from the manufacturer claiming that the equipment will not operate in any other frequency other than the ETA is sought for.
- Authorisation letter from manufacturer to apply for ETA
- Undertaking that the application has not applied to other Regional licensing officers for that product
- Brief description of the use and function of the product
- A copy of relevant Gazette Notification (for example for wifi 2.4GHz gazette)
- EMC Test report containing parameters data as mentioned in the relevant Gazette notifications.
For IL (Import License)
- ETA certificate
- Purchase Order
- Proforma Invoice
Costing
For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact us with your product details
Timeline
- WPC – ETA: 10-12 working days
- WPC – Import License: 6-7 working days
- This duration can be reduced if all the required information and documents are submitted promptly by the applicant.
ETA
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is given for a particular model and is valid as long as the product model is being manufactured without any modification.
No renewal is required.
The Import License (IL) is issued for a particular quantity mentioned in purchase order and is valid for six months or till fulfilment of the purchase order, whichever is earlier.
Fresh IL is required for every new purchase order or after every six months, whichever is earlier.
WPC Registration Certificate is issued to Product and Importer or Trader none other than the certificate holder is allowed to import the same product.
It is mandatory for Importers or traders to have IEC code to import.
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is given for a particular model and is valid as long as the product model is being manufactured without any modification.
Exempted Products List
Devices such as mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, microphones, headphones and printers are excluded from ETA.
Please note: no license is required for products using low frequency of 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz or 5.825 to 5.875 GHz.
However, the equipment needs to comply with the following Maximum out power of transmitter: 1 W (30 dBm) in Spread of 10 MHz or higher Maximum Effective Radiated Power: 4 W (36 dBm)
Q1. How Network License is different from Non-Network License?
Ans: The division is based on the procedure adopted for licensing. Frequency allocation and Creation of Station are two important procedures in creating Network License. For Non-network license, Earmarked frequencies (pre-allocated frequencies) are available as per International and National Norms to be chosen from whereas in certain cases of Non-Network licenses, frequencies are not required to be assigned at all. Non-Network License to operate:
- 1) Aero mobile Station
- 2) Dealer Possession License(DPL)
- 3) Non-Dealer Possession License(NDPL)
- 4) Demonstration
- 5) Import
- 6) Maritime Mobile Station
- 7) Operator’s License For GMDSS 8) Operator’s License For COP
Q2. Do all wireless products require a license to operate?
Ans: With the exception of a few low power devices that operate in the license-free band, Broadcasting Receiver, TVRO System rest of all equipments requires a license to operate
Q3. If a particular product is exempted from license, still I need to notify WPC about it before use? Can I import the same without need of any license?
Ans: If the product is not Type Approved, then it is required to inform WPC and obtain Type Approval from WPC. Import License is required from WPC to import any equipment, other than Broadcasting Receiver and TVRO System.
Q4. What is the procedure to obtain a license from WPC?
Ans:
- 1) File the license application on-line in www.wpc.dot.gov.in in the appropriate category without skipping any steps
- 2) After filling on-line, Read the Checklist Provided.
- 3) After filling on-line, take a print out of the application ID.
- 4) Submit a hard copy of the relevant application form along with a copy of the print out of application ID to WPC office / RLO as the case may be.
- 5) Follow the subsequent instruction from WPC. Keep a watch on the status of the license application on the Web site.
Q5. If I make a mistake while filling on-line application, how can I rectify the mistake?
Ans: Log-in to your own profile created in the website. Click the ‘modify license application’ link. Do the necessary correction and log-out. This modification is allowed only till 5PM on the day the application was submitted after which the data transfer would take place from the Web server to WPC application server.
Q6. Is the above procedure is uniform for all types of license?
Ans: Yes the procedure is same for types of license except for Satellite based licenses. For various satellite licenses, On-line filing is not mandatory. The Hard copy of the relevant application can be submitted at WPC without application ID
Q7. While filing my application on-line, I found the equipment library do not have the equipments that I intent to use. How can I update the equipment library?
Ans: The Wireless equipment that you want to procure is not listed in the Equipment library. The technical specification of the equipment has to be provided to the concerned RLO in Soft and hard copies to update the equipment library .After submission of these particulars, the equipment library will get updated next day
Q8. While filing my application for Network license On-Line, I have skipped the creation of station, creation of site section etc. Whether it will be accepted by WPC?
Ans: No; if the mandatory information (shown in red color) is not filled in, your application will be rejected. You are advised to fill in all mandatory and non-mandatory information to the maximum extent and precisely.
Q9. While filling the On-line application I am unable to select the appropriate network that suits my requirement?
Ans: First select the appropriate service depending on the application and then select the network for that service. It is also advisable to select the desired channels in the ‘Desired Frequency’ section
Q10. How can I import a wireless product?
Ans: An import license from WPC is required to import any wireless equipment. The procedure is same as explained in question 6 above
Q11. Is the license procedures same for individual wireless users and Companies?
Ans: Yes.
Q12. How can I find the status of my application On-Line?
Ans: Log-in at the WPC web site. Then click the application ID in your domain.
Q13. Do the regional offices issue all categories of License?
Ans: No. These offices issue the following categories of License only.
- 1) Captive Radio Paging License.
- 2) Import License.
- 3) Maritime Mobile Station License
- 4) Aeronautical Mobile Station License.
- 5) Experimental License.
- 6) Demonstration License.
- 7) Short Range UHF Radio(Hand Held) license
- 8) Certificate of Proficiency for Aero mobile Services-RTR(A)
- 9) Certificate of Proficiency for Global Maritime and Safety Services(GMDSS)
- 10) Equipment type approval (ETA)
Q14. What are DPL and NDPL?
Ans: DPL is the Dealer Possession License and NDP is Non-Dealer Possession License. DPL is issued for the prospective dealers and distributors of wireless products. The DPL enables a person or company to possess and transact in the wireless products which are licensed through the DPL. The NDPL is issued to an individual when she neither possess any other kind of wireless license issued by WPC nor is a dealer of wireless product , but propose to hold certain wireless equipment for which the application is submitted to WPC.
Q15. What shall I do to renew my license? Are all licenses renewable?
Ans: Generally the Licenses are renewed by the office which has issued it. However Regional RLO can renew the licenses which are delegated to it and as per the jurisdiction in the notification.
Q16. How can I get my license Cancelled?
Ans: Submit an application for surrendering the license. The license should be valid for the month in which the application is filed. If any equipment is in service under the license, dismantle and shift these equipments to any dealer who holds a valid DPL for similar equipments. If the equipments are faulty, get them cannibalized under disposal procedure. The original license along with the disposal certificate/equipments transferred certificate should be submitted to WPC for surrendering the license.
Q17. How can I get a duplicate license?
Ans: Submit an application to WPC for duplicate license along with a copy of the FIR lodged for the loss/destruction of the original license and necessary fees.
Q18. If my licensed wireless product becomes faulty how can I get it replaced with a new one?
Ans: The disposal procedure: 1) Please ensure that the license has been validated as on the date of disposal. 2) Intimate the regional office/wireless monitoring station for the presence of an officer. 3) Cannibalize the equipment in all respect in the presence of the officer. 4) Get a disposal certificate from the officer. 5) Send the application for the replacement along with original license and disposal certificate.
Q19. What is NFAP?
Ans: National Frequency Allocation Plan. NFAP describes the frequency management plan to suit the national frequency requirements as per the ITU guidelines. The NFAP get amended from time to time, the latest being NFAP-2005.plz check the following link for details 1) national frequency allocation plan-2005 • Circular letter • Circular letter(Revised) • International frequency allocation table • Footnotes to international frequency allocation table • National frequency allocation table • Remarks in the national frequency allocation table 2) Revised national frequency allocation plan-2005 • Circular letter • International frequency allocation table • Footnotes to international frequency allocation table • National frequency allocation table • Remarks in the national frequency allocation table
Q20. What are STP and LOA?
Ans: STP is the Short Term Permit issued to the Aeronautical and Maritime License applicants prior to the issue of Permanent License. LOA is the Letter of Agreement or Decision to grant license which is the first communication to the applicant for various categories of license. LOA authorize the applicant to proceed with.
Q21. What is SACFA? What is the procedure to get SACFA clearance?
Ans: SACFA is an acronym for Standing Advisory Committee for Frequency Allocation. SACFA deals with the procedures for ‘Sitting Clearance’ for Wireless Transmitters. Plz check the following link 1. Guidelines for SACFA member 2. Guideline for SACFA users 3. Guidelines for selection of a site for SACFA clearance 4. Revised perform for undertaking for site falling within 3 km of ARP
Q22. What is ETA? What is the procedure to get an ETA?
Ans: ETA is the Type approval for equipments given by WPC for the use of equipments in the Indian Telecom Network. Plz check the following link 1) ETA ( Equipment type approval)
Q23. What is the difference between Royalty fees and License Fees? What are Spectrum fees?
Ans: License fee is a fixed charge binding on the use of Wireless Equipment. Royalty fees are the charges for the use of RF (Radio Frequency) Spectrum fee is an alternate name for Royalty fee
Q24. Does WPC provide any training prior to the examinations?
Ans: WPC does not provide training for any of the examinations conducted by it.
Q25. How to obtain the wireless operating license for satellite Phone (INMARSAT terminals)?
Ans: 1) First obtain no certification( NOC) from the CS group of dot. 2) Then apply for frequency assignment to WPC wing in proforma along with NOC 3) obtained the ID from any operators. 4) Apply for issuance of wireless operating license along with invoice of equipments and site spectrum ( license fee royalty.)