WPC ETA for Wi-Fi Products: Timeline, Cost, and Documentation

In today's hyper-connected world, Wi-Fi-enabled products are everywhere—from routers and smartphones to smart home appliances, laptops, and wearable tech. But before any Wi-Fi-enabled device can be imported, sold, or used legally in India, it must receive approval from the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This is done through a process called WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval).

Whether you're a manufacturer, importer, or startup launching a wireless product in India, understanding the timeline, cost, and documentation required for WPC ETA for Wi-Fi products is critical for smooth market entry.

What is WPC ETA Certification?

WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is a mandatory certification issued by the WPC Wing for any wireless product that operates in de-licensed frequency bands. These include common wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and LoRa.

The purpose of this certification is to ensure that radio frequency (RF) emitting products:

• Operate within India's regulated frequency spectrum,
• Do not interfere with licensed communications, and
• Comply with national safety and performance standards.

Why Wi-Fi Products Require WPC ETA

Wi-Fi products operate on specific radio frequencies (typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which fall under the de-licensed band in India. Although no license is required to use these frequencies, approval is still mandatory before launching any product using them.

Examples of Wi-Fi-enabled products requiring ETA:

• Wi-Fi routers and modems
• Smart TVs
• Smartphones and tablets
• Wireless printers and cameras
• IoT devices
• Smart home systems
• Smartwatches and wearables

Legal Requirement for Import and Sale

Without WPC ETA:

• Customs clearance may be denied for imported goods.
• Products cannot be legally sold in India.
• Companies may face penalties, seizure, or even legal action.
• Online platforms may refuse to list non-compliant products.

Thus, WPC ETA is not optional—it’s a mandatory regulatory requirement for all Wi-Fi-enabled devices entering the Indian market.

Who Can Apply for WPC ETA?

1. Indian Manufacturers Companies producing Wi-Fi devices domestically.
2. Foreign Manufacturers Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to file for WPC ETA.
3. Importers and Distributors Businesses importing wireless products into India for sale.

Timeline for WPC ETA Certification

The WPC ETA process typically takes around 3 to 5 weeks, depending on various factors:

At ERCS Pvt Ltd, we aim to fast-track the process by ensuring accurate documents and pre-evaluation.

Cost of WPC ETA Certification

The total cost of WPC ETA approval depends on the following:

1. RF Testing Charges Typically INR ₹15,000–₹50,000 depending on product complexity and lab used.
2. Consultancy Fees Charged by certification consultants for managing application, documentation, and compliance. This varies based on services and number of models.
3. Government Fees There is currently no WPC fee for ETA applications for de-licensed bands.
4. Other Expenses Translation, shipping of samples (if required), and document notarization.

💡 Pro Tip: Choosing a reliable WPC ETA consultant like ERCS Pvt Ltd helps optimize costs, avoid rework, and ensure faster approvals.

Required Documentation for WPC ETA for Wi-Fi Products

A successful WPC License application requires detailed and accurate documentation. Here's the list of essentials:

1. RF Test Report

• Must be issued by an NABL or ILAC-accredited lab
• Should confirm the device’s frequency range, channel bandwidth, transmit power, and other RF parameters.
• The report should clearly mention the Wi-Fi band (2.4GHz/5GHz) used.

2. Product Technical Datasheet

• A document from the manufacturer detailing technical specifications, components, and functionalities of the product.

3. User Manual

• Shows how the product operates, and confirms the wireless functionalities.

4. Product Photographs

• High-resolution images showing product label, model number, ports, and antennas.

5. Authorization Letter

• Required if a third-party consultant is applying on behalf of the manufacturer/importer.

6. Declaration Letter

• Confirms the submitted model number is accurate and matches the RF-tested unit.

7. KYC of Applicant

• PAN Card, GST, and company registration documents.

8. AIR Documents (for Foreign Brands)

• If the manufacturer is not based in India, they must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative with:
  • Authorization letter
  • KYC of the AIR
  • Indian address proof

How to Apply for WPC ETA: Step-by-Step

At ERCS Pvt Ltd, we streamline the process through these steps:

Step 1: Product Assessment

We evaluate your product to confirm it operates in the de-licensed frequency range.

Step 2: RF Testing

We coordinate with an accredited lab to perform RF testing of the device/module.

Step 3: Document Compilation

Our team prepares and reviews all necessary documents to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Step 4: Online Submission

We file your application via the Saral Sanchar Portal—WPC’s official certification platform.

Step 5: Query Handling

We handle all technical or administrative queries raised by WPC during evaluation.

Step 6: Certificate Issuance

Upon approval, you receive a digital WPC ETA Certificate valid for the tested model number.

Benefits of WPC ETA Approval for Wi-Fi Products

✔ Legal Market Entry Enables the product to be imported and sold across India.

✔ Customs Clearance Avoids delays and product seizure at Indian ports.

✔ Retail & Online Listing Required for selling on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital.

✔ Regulatory Confidence Boosts consumer trust and protects your business from legal penalties.

✔ Fast Market Launch Streamlines your go-to-market strategy with regulatory backing.

Why Choose ERCS Pvt Ltd for WPC ETA Certification?

With over 1000+ successful certifications in 22 countries and a strong team of regulatory experts, ERCS Pvt Ltd is one of India’s most trusted WPC certification consultants. We offer:

• Complete end-to-end support
• Fast-track approval timelines
• AIR services for foreign brands
• Transparent pricing
• Post-certification compliance guidance

Conclusion

If you’re manufacturing, importing, or selling Wi-Fi-enabled products in India, WPC ETA approval is non-negotiable. It ensures legal compliance, smooth logistics, and successful market entry. From RF testing to documentation and portal submission, understanding every step is key to avoiding costly delays and penalties.

By partnering with WPC ETA experts like ERCS Pvt Ltd, you get peace of mind, faster approvals, and complete support in launching your Wi-Fi product in the Indian market.