WPC stands for Wireless Planning and Coordination. It is a legal body working under the Department of Telecommunications and serves as the National Radio Regulatory Authority. It aims to oversee the frequency spectrum and grant licenses to the eligible applicant. WPC accords WPC ETA license for IT and Electronic equipment that adhere to the demands of wireless technology users. Only WPC-certified Bluetooth and electronic devices that leverage unlicensed frequency bands and fulfil human safety norms are permitted for selling. All OEMs, importers, suppliers, and traders should meet compliance relating to the WPC certificate/ETA certificate. In this write-up, we talk about the WPC certification procedure and requirements for wireless speakers in detail.
An Outlook on WPC Certification Types
Wireless Planning and Coordination Wings oversees the licensing process of the following three legal permits in India. Those who want to know about the WPC certification procedure and requirements for wireless speakers should be aware of this without a second thought.
- Non – Network Licence
- Import Licence
- Non-dealer Possession Licence
- Dealer Possession Licence
- Network Licence
- Experimental Licence
- Internet Service Provider Licence (ISP)
3. Equipment Type Approval (ETA)
Let’s dig down into these licenses in detail, as it is important to clearly understand the WPC certification procedure and requirements for wireless speakers.
1. Non-Network License
This license is granted to businesses serving as non-network service providers, such as cable TV providers and wireless devices. The license encompasses the purchase, sale, and importation of specific wireless devices. If you are a legal entity with a workforce working on the production of specific equipment, the WPC will only accord the non-network license. This license is available under three different heads:
- Import Licence – An import license is mandatory for businesses intending to ship wireless devices in India. After availing of the license, businesses will become eligible to sell imported wireless devices in India.
- Dealer possession Licence -A Dealer Possession license is a must-have legal permit for businesses serving as distributors of wireless devices.
- Non-Dealer possession Licence – It is available to those who deal with a product other than wireless devices falling under the ambit of the license.
2. Network Licence
A network license is granted to an entity intending to use the restricted radio frequency capacity to render communication services, including cable, DTH, and mobile networks.
- Internet Service Provider Licence (ISP) – Any company is intending to facilitate internet services must secure an ISP license from Telecommunication Department.
- Experimental Licence – Any company or individual intending to perform testing on wireless devices must secure an experimental license from the WPC department.
3. Equipment Type Approval & WPC ETA Certificate
While importing devices from abroad, businesses often come across one fundamental question-What types of norms apply to my products? When it comes to RF ID-based equipment or Bluetooth device, WPC ETA Certificate serves as the fundamental legal permit. Let’s drill down the key aspects of this license.
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is a must-have legal permit granted by WPC for importing wireless devices in India that leverage a de-licensed frequency band.
WPC ETA certificate also applies to OEMs of wireless devices in India. Common devices falling under the license include smartphones, Bluetooth devices, RFID, Wi-Fi technology, and others. If the devices are produced in Indian and RF module(s) comprising ETA in its original form, then no separate WPC permit is required for such finished devices. But, if products are produced outside the Indian Territory, WPC ETA comes into play for each before their importation begins.
If RF modules are not connected, ETA becomes mandatory for the RF module. WPC EPA Certificate can be secured via self-declaration concerning wireless devices which meet the given norms:
- Products that do not fall under import licensing norms as per prevailing EXIM policy.
- Operating in the de-licensed frequency spectrum
Some common devices include smartphones, laptops, microphones, smartwatches, earphones, speakers, TV, camera, and so on.
For the product which falls outside the ambit of the said category, a WPC ETA certificate can be secured via filing a web-based application with the respective RLOs.
WPC Import License – An Overview
Import license becomes mandatory for importable devices other than the TVRO[1] system and broadcasting receiver. Even after securing the WPA ETA license, the licensee must obtain an import license for serving importation activities. Businesses dealing with de-licensed frequency band devices and seeking a WPC ETA certificate for the same have to send their products to a certified lab for testing. After securing the test report, the license-seeker must share the same with the WPC INDIA for evaluation.
Basic Requisites around WPA ETA Approval and Import License – WPC Certification Procedure and Requirements
Following are some basic requisites around WPA ETA Approval & Import License:
- For foreign manufacturers: All overseas OEMs lacking a liaison office in India must appoint an AIR, i.e. Authorized Indian Representative. The Indian-based OEMs shall be considered as AIR.
- For import license: An overseas OEM must appoint an AIR as reflected in the WPC ETA application.
- For India-based Facility: The Indian-based manufacturers do not need to appoint an AIR
Mandatory Documentations Required for WPC License/ETA Certification – WPC certification procedure and Requirements
Following are some basic documents required for WPC License or Certification:
- Facility certification copy
- GST certification copy
- Address and ID-related proof of the person-in-charge
- Radiofrequency test report from lab certified under the ISO 17025
- Authorization letter
- Technical details about the products requiring registration
- Import Export Code
- Test report (CE/RoHS/ASTM/EN)
Relevance of RF Test Report in WPC Certification Procedure and Requirements for Wireless Speakers
RF testing refers to a method of testing the frequency of Radio transmission to affirm their ability to use the spectrum efficiently. Being efficient in this regard implies that there should be a free flow of transmission of radio waves within the airspace with no interference whatsoever. Most types of broadcasts fall under the radio frequency test, including smartphones, Wi-Fi, PMR radio, and so on. The law has enforced various frequency standards in this regard.
For Equipment Type Approval, WPC certification demands RF testing of products leveraging de-licensed frequency bands from NABL-accredited Indian lab. OEMs and importer must send their products to NABL-accredited Indian labs for testing, as it is mandatory to secure ETA approval for selling such products in and outside India.
If the imported products comprise multiple RF modules, the test report for the same must be shared with the authority for WPC ETA approval. A detailed test report accorded by the certified lab must be shared with WPC for scrutiny to secure WPC ETA Approval.
Step-by-Step WPC Certification Procedure and Requirements for Wireless Speakers
Let’s unfold the WPC certification procedure and requirements for wireless speakers:
Step 1: Confirming RF-Test Report and EN Standards
The process commences with the conducting confirmation regarding the EN standard and frequency range enlisted in the RF test report. If the frequency range adheres to the qualified
devices under a DE license, the grant of a self-declaration certificate comes into play.
Step 2: Documents arrangement
After confirming the frequency range, make sure to arrange the documents as mentioned above.
Step 3: File the online form
Head to the government portal- “Saral Sanchar”, and fill out the required e-form after completing the login formalities
Step 4: Submit the fee
As soon as you complete the filing requirement, the portal will redirect you to the payment gateway for the fee submission.
Step 5: Documents submission
Applicant needs to furnish all mandatory documentation to the concerned authority via online and offline modes.
Step 6: Documents vetting
In this step, the submitted documents shall undergo a detailed vetting process conducted by the designated department of the concerned authority. The applicant shall be prompted by the authority for any error and missing paperwork.
Step 7: Grant of certification
The successful vetting of the submitted application and document will lead to the grant of the WPC ETA certificate.
Conclusion
A WPC Certificate is mandatory for businesses dealing with wireless devices in India. OEMs and importers of such devices must secure a WPC license/ETA certificate from Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, India. Let us know if you have some queries regarding the WPC certification procedure and requirements for wireless speakers.
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