Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing or WPC is a nodal government agency that regulates the licensing functioning of private wireless networks and radio stations, frequency spectrum management, and enforcing frequency control of WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled devices such as internet routers, modems, wireless dongles, etc. WPC certification is essential for importing wireless products as it ensures that all importers, distributors, and radio and wireless network product and service providers comply with the technical standards set by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
The WPC ETA approval and ETA Certification process is overseen by the Department of Telecommunications, guaranteeing that electronic products and devices meet the necessary specifications requirements. This involves rigorous testing to maintain the quality and integrity of wireless equipment.
Who can apply for certification for Importing Wireless Products?
The entities who are required to acquire WPC Certification as per government regulations are manufacturers, importers, and sellers of wireless equipment, radio station owners, and innovators in wireless and Bluetooth-based devices. They must have a valid WPC ETA certificate in order to carry out their business activities. Also, any device manufacturer and business operating in unlicensed frequency bands is required to have a WPC ETA certificate and license.
Manufacturers, dealers, importers, and other entities dealing in non-network services, such as cable TV providers, must have a non-network license for carrying out certain activities such as manufacturing, dealing, and selling wireless products in India, as well as importing wireless products.WPC issues a separate import license for the sale of products outside India. WPC ETA approval is required to manufacture, sell, import, and distribute WiFi-enabled devices, radio-enabled stations, and products with wireless hotspot capability. WPC – ETA approval is also essential for manufacturers and producers of wireless products and services entering and selling in the Indian market, as well as for importing wireless products.
Benefits of Certification for Importing Wireless Products
Obtaining a WPC-ETA Certificate for importing wireless products is immensely beneficial since it not only signifies the product’s safety but also enhances the electronic wireless device’s quality, safety standards and international marketability. When importing wireless products in India, importers must consider the benefits of WPC Certification. The numerous such benefits that are provided are –
Ease of Foreign Trade
WPC certificate helps in promoting cross-border trade and import/export of goods and devices. IEC Certificate is proof of compliance with import regulations and makes the importer eligible for various trade-related subsidies and exemptions on cesses, customs duty, excise duty, etc. WPC ETA Certificate hence boosts the international reputation of wireless products and promotes cross-border trade.
Assurance of Quality
WPC Registration is very crucial to compliance and is necessary to ensure the quality of the wireless products being manufactured, sold, and imported into domestic and international markets. Wireless devices play an indispensable role in crucial aspects, such as long-distance communication, information dissemination, strategic coordination, remote sensing and GPS. It is evident that protecting the quality of wireless devices is of utmost importance for any strategic sector, and the WPC Certificate serves just that purpose.
Legal Requirements for Importing Wireless Products
In order to comply with the legal requirements for Importing Wireless Products, the importer must follow the procedure given below –
Step 1- Making Registration on the Online Portal
The importer of Wireless devices must make an online application for a WPC Certificate. The importer must select the devices or gadgets intended to import and pay the required application fees. A self-declaration for the application and the devices you have chosen for import or export is also necessary. After registration, the user would receive an application ID.
Step 2-Obtaining Radio Frequency (RF) Reports
After making an application on the online portal, the importer must obtain a Radio Frequency Report or RF from a government-accredited laboratory. For the purpose of Importing Wireless Products, it is recommended that the Radio Frequency testing reports be from an accredited foreign lab or a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). The significance of RF Test reports is that the device is safe and compliant with generally accepted radio frequency and spectrum specifications.
Step 3- Submission of Documents
Submitting an application for the WPC ETA requires detailed wireless device information. Essential documents include test reports, technical specifications, and import licenses.
Step 4- Payment of Fees
The final step involves paying the consolidated government fee and professional fees for the WPC ETA certification process online. After the payment of the fees, the officials will scrutinize the application and provide feedback to the authorities. Based on the report submitted by the WPC Officials, the authority would decide upon the application.
Step 6- Receiving the WPC ETA certificate
Upon approval, the DoT issues the WPC ETA certificate. The certificate signifies that the device is WPC-ETA compliant and serves as official recognition of compatibility with regulatory standards for radio frequency testing reports and imported equipment. Issued by the WPC wing of the Ministry of Communications, this certification is essential for Bluetooth devices, mobile hotspots, and electronic equipment.
Conclusion
If you are looking to set up wireless products as a business, you need to fulfil the Legal Requirements for Importing Wireless Products in India. The products that are to be imported should meet the compliance requirement of the Ministry of Telecommunications in order to be granted a license for import and sale. From obtaining an IEC certificate to obtaining a Radio Frequency report from an accredited laboratory, the importers of wireless devices are required to get the required documents and permits from technical bodies to ensure that the wireless device stands firm on all the safety and quality parameters as set by the government.
At Corpbiz, we understand the complex needs of businesses and the changing trends in the Indian and global markets, with respect to the new products and devices that keep introducing in the market. Our team of skilled experts will ensure that you do not fall behind in any compliance or legal requirements for importing wireless products. To learn more about our professional service, visit us today at www.coprbiz.io.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing?
The Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The WPC is responsible for licensing regulations for wireless device manufacturers and importers of wireless devices and equipment in India.
Who is eligible for WPC Certification?
Manufacturers, Distributors, Importers as well as operators of radio stations and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) centres are required to obtain a WPC Certification for the wireless devices used by them.
What is an Equipment Type Approval Certificate (ETA)
Equipment Type Approval Certificate is a technical examination and approval provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) with respect to the manufacture and import of frequency-based wireless and Bluetooth devices, verifying that they pass human safety standards and operate in unlicensed frequency bands. It certifies that the product is fit to be imported and sold in India.
What is a Radio Frequency (RF) Report?
Radio Frequency Report is a verification that the wireless device falls within the frequency spectrum range as prescribed by the Ministry of Communications. Hence, it signifies that the device is safe for consumer use.
What is the process for applying for WPC Certification?
To apply for a WPC ETA certificate for hotspot devices or wireless networks, the applicant needs to make an online application on the Portal of the Ministry of Communications and complete the requisite formalities.
For how much time does the WPC Certificate Remain Valid?
There is no expiry of a WPC ETA certificate. A WPC ETA Certificate remains valid as long as the product or the wireless device is manufactured without any major distinction or modification in the model later on.
How can you determine which laboratories are government-approved in India?
To determine if a laboratory is government–approved, one must check whether the laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
How much time does it take tentatively to receive a WPC Certification for the import of wireless devices?
It takes about 30 days for the WPC officials to examine and assess the application and issue a WPC Certificate after careful examination of the application.
How can Corpbiz help me fulfil the Legal Requirements for Importing Wireless Products?
Corpbiz can help you with the documentation, lab testing, import licensing, and application submission process, and it enables you to complete your WPC registration formalities seamlessly and in a cost-effective manner.
What is WPC Regulation?
The WPC regulations are the rules and regulations for the certification needed to import any radio frequency product.
Read Our Article: Meaning, Benefits & Difference Between ETA And WPC License
