Which Products Require WPC Approval Before Sale in India?

Have you ever asked yourself why certain wireless devices can be sold freely in India while others can’t even get into the Indian market without government clearance?

Whatever it may be, whether Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, wireless keyboards, drones, or other IoT devices – numerous products work in the spectrum regulated by the Government of India. The importing of such products without proper authorization can cause troubles with customs clearance, penalties, confiscation of goods, and loss of money.

It is here that WPC Approval, or more accurately, the Wireless Planning & Coordination Approval, comes into play.

If you are a manufacturer, an importer, a brand owner, or a foreign exporter planning to release wireless products in the Indian market, knowledge about WPC Approval in India is mandatory.

Here are all the details about WPC Approval in India, including types of devices required to undergo the approval process, regulations, eligibility, documents, approval procedure, difficulties, and how UMSPCS will make your life easier.

What is WPC Approval?

The definition of WPC Approval is approval granted by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in the Government of India.

The WPC Wing oversees the usage of radio frequency spectrum and ensures that devices operating using wireless and radio frequency conform to Indian spectrum regulations.

This permission guarantees that the product operating in the de-licensed frequency band uses the allowed frequencies and transmission powers.

Why is WPC Approval Required in India?

Wireless communications in India are regulated through the rules laid down in the Indian Telegraph Act and associated spectrum management regulations.

All wireless equipment that utilizes radio frequency technology needs to conform to WPC regulations before:

• Manufacture
• Importation
• Sales
• Distribution
• Promotion
• Use in India commercially

WPC approval in India is a necessity for the sale and importation of several wireless products into India.

Products That Require WPC Approval Before Sale in India

The below are common categories that require WPC approval for Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners before going to market.

• Wi-Fi products
• Bluetooth products
• IoT devices
• Wireless security cameras/ Wireless security equipment
• Wearable electronics
• Products using RFID technology
• Zigbee /LoRa devices
• Computer accessories wireless
• Drones & remote controllers
• Other RF devices

Products That May Not Require WPC Approval

Some items need no WPC approval, provided that they lack RF transmission modules and include the following:

• Wired Keyboards
• Wired Mouse
• Wired Speakers
• Wired CCTV Cameras
• Wired Networking Equipments

However, if any of the above-mentioned equipment possesses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionalities, then WPC Approval becomes mandatory.

Understanding ETA (Equipment Type Approval)

In case of most of the equipment operating on the license-exempt frequencies, the approval process is known as “Equipment Type Approval (ETA)”.

ETA indicates that:

• Frequency bands used are approved
• Transmission power stays within permissible levels
• The equipment is compliant with Indian wireless regulations

ETA is one of the most common types of WPC Approvals in India.

Legal Framework Governing WPC Approval

The approval process is governed under:

•  Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
• Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
• Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing
• National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP)
• Relevant WPC Guidelines and Notifications issued by the Government of India

Manufacturers and importers should always refer to the latest WPC guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications before launching wireless products.

Documents Required for WPC Approval

Depending upon the category of the product being produced, the following documents are generally included:

Company Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
• Authorized Signatory Proof
• UMSPCS Authorization Letter

Technical Documents

• RF Test Report 
• Data Sheet of Product
• Photographs Internal and External 
• Declaration of Frequency 
• Block/Circuit Diagram
• User Guide for the Product 

Additional Documents

• Bill of Entry (if the imported product sample is there)
• Module Certificates (if using certified RF Modules)
• UMSPCS ensures 100% accuracy and compliance before filing.

Additional documentation may be requested based on product complexity.

Complete Procedure for WPC Approval

Step 1: Technical Evaluation of the Wireless Product

The product undergoes evaluation to identify the right WPC Approval category that applies, based on the following technical specifications:

• Operating Frequency
• Radio Frequency Output Power
• Wireless Chipset & RF Module
• Bandwidth & Modulation
• Software Limitations

Step 2: Verification of RF Test Reports

RF test reports are reviewed for compliance with internationally accepted standards. They may include reports for:

• FCC (USA)
• CE/RED (EU)
• MIC (Japan)
• ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratories

Step 3: Preparation of the Technical Dossier

Preparation of the Technical Dossier for WPC submission is done. The Technical Dossier normally includes the following:

• RF test report
• Frequency and power table
• Schematic diagram & circuit diagram
• Pictures of product
• Product manual
• Authorization letter
• Module certification (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit Application

WPC application is submitted together with the required documents for the respective approval, such as:

• Equipment Type Approval (ETA)
• Import WPC License
• Module-level approval
• End-product ETA

Step 5: WPC Technical Evaluation

The application submitted is checked with regard to technical compliance, the accuracy of the documents, and wireless regulations by the WPC authority.

Step 6: Query Resolution & Approval Grant

These will be answered promptly in the event of any inquiries. Questions might relate to:

• Frequency incompatibility
• Classification of product
• RF Power Output
• Completeness of documentation

The WPC Approval Type Approval (ETA) is given after the review process is completed.

Typical Timeline for WPC Approval

WPC Typical Timeframes:

• Available: 7 – 12 Business Days after receipt
• ETAs (RF Report Basis): 15 – 25 Working Days
• The new RF Testing and ETA is between 25 – 45 working days
• To import WPC License: 15 – 30 Working Days

Typically, WPC Approval is given when all the necessary documents are completed. The timeframes listed above may vary from one period to another depending on the number of reviews and applications.

Common Challenges Faced by Businesses

There are a number of challenges for many manufacturers, such as:

• Inaccurate product categorization
• Lack of documentation
• Missing RF reports
• Frequency mismatch
• A late response to application
• Customs clearance problems
• Technical questions put to officials
• Failure to comply with WPC requirements

Professional assistance could be useful in reducing the delay and issues in getting the sign-off.

Benefits of Obtaining WPC Approval

There are numerous advantages of WPC Approval in India:

• Legal sale of Wireless Devices in India
• Easier customs clearance
• Regulatory Framework Compliance with Indian Telecoms standard rules and regulations
• Avoiding any penalties
• Customer satisfaction
• Fast entry to the Indian market. Rapid access to the Indian market.
• Higher brand value
• Increased acceptance from distributors/retailers

Why Choose UMSPCS for WPC Approval?

To obtain WPC Approval for Manufacturers, the product must be technically assessed, comply with regulations, and be properly documented. A single mistake can hold up approvals and even affect the launching of products.

UMSPCS offers all the regulatory support for manufacturers, importers, brand owners, and foreign companies intending to get the WPC Approval in India.

Businesses selecting UMSPCS:

• 6+ years of experience in Regulatory Compliance
• 600+Regulatory Support
• Knows and has experience of BIS, WPC, CDSCO Approval, TEC, EPR, LMPC and Other Approvals
• Useful to Indian (and foreign) Manufacturers
• The entire procedure must be transparent.

Conclusion

Wireless technologies are an integral part of electronics today; therefore, WPC Approval is of utmost importance for importing, marketing, and selling products in India. Understanding that your product requires WPC Approval, choosing the correct compliance path, and ensuring compliance documentation can save significant time, money, and effort from any potential customs and regulatory issues.

Working with a professional compliance service provider will make it easier to launch wireless products in India.

UMSPCS supports all facets of WPC Approval, WPC Approval for Manufacturers, and WPC Approval in India.

Connect to check the product and get all you need to get a WPC Approval.

Read more also: What is CDSCO Certification for Pain Management Devices?

FAQs

1. What does WPC Approval mean?

A licence issued by the WPC wing, Department of Telecommunications, for a wireless device or an RF-enabled device eligible for marketing/importation in India.

2. What are the products require WPC Approval in India?

WPC Approval may be required for products that utilize radio frequency (RF) technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa, RFID, and others.

3. Do manufacturers have to meet WPC Approval?

Yes, manufacturers who want to supply wireless devices for India have to obtain WPC Approval.

4. What is the value of ETA in WPC?

This is one of the types of WPC approval for equipment operating in a frequency band that does not require a license.

5. How long will it take until your WPC Approval?

This process takes 7 – 25 days and will vary based on documentation and product complexity.

6. Is it possible for foreign manufacturers to get WPC Approval?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can also avail this from their authorized Indian representatives/importers.

7. What documents are required to get the approval from WPC?

Required documents are RF test reports, technical specifications, product manuals, authorisation letters, company documents, etc.

8. Can Bluetooth speakers be used in a building without WPC Approval?

Yes, any product that has Bluetooth technology, such as speakers, headsets or earphones, is generally required to have WPC Approval for sale in India.

9. What will be the consequences if I sell the products without WPC Approval?

This could have consequences like customs clearance delay and other regulatory actions.