WPC Certificate
WPC Certificate: Norms, Process, and Paperwork
WPC stands for Wireless Planning & Coordination License. It serves as legal approval for wireless equipment production, importation, and trading. The wireless products that operate in delicensed bands must have this approval. It is granted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of the DoT (Department of Telecommunication). Read on to discover everything about the WPC certificate and know the legalities required to secure this approval.
A Snapshot of the Types of WPC Certificate
Wireless Planning and Coordination certification falls under three main heads:
- Non-Network Licence:
- Import Licence: Legalize the exportation of wireless equipment to India for sale.
- Dealer Possession Licence: Granted to the distributors and dealers of the wireless equipment.
- Non-Dealer Possession Licence: Granted to those lacking a WPC registration and do not deal with wireless devices
- Network Licence:
- Internet Service Provider Licence (ISP): It serves as a mandatory approval for the internet service providers
- Experimental Licence: Experimental License, as the name suggests, covers entities involved with research or experiments.
- Equipment Type Approval
- WPC Import License
This license is granted to the sellers of wireless products and cable TV distributors. It is mandatory for trading and importing listed wireless equipment. The WPC issues the following types of non-network registration.
A network license spans communication services leveraging restricted radio frequency capacity. Common examples include DTH services and mobile networks.
When shipping Bluetooth devices or RFID-based equipment from abroad, ETA plays a vital role. It is mandatory approval for shipping any wireless devices that operate in the delicensed frequency band. Common products that require ETA include Bluetooth devices, smartphones, Wi-Fi technology, RFID devices, and more.
A WPC import license authenticates the cross-border shipping of equipment (excluding TVRO systems) and broadcasting receivers. A WPC approval is not enough to import such a product. To secure this license, furnish a detailed test report from a certified lab to WPC for inspection.
List of notified products under the WPC certificate
WPC certification approval encompasses a variety of wireless equipment, including ZigBee, wifi, Bluetooth, etc. Such items can be found as components in the following products:
- Antennas
- Transmitters
- Receivers
- adio sets
- Transceivers
Only frequencies on delicensed bands are permitted. The frequency ranges should stay within the prescribed limits. Henceforth, manufacturers must know the exact frequencies they are eligible to use. Nonetheless, the following products require ETA approval
- wifi bulb / Smart Bulb
- Wireless Point of Sale Terminals
- Wireless Routers
- Wireless Receivers
- Wireless Keyboards
- Wireless Cameras
- Smart Speakers
- Wireless Plugs
- Wireless Repeaters
- Wireless Home Automation
- Walkie Talkies
- Wireless Pendrives
Note: 1. Bluetooth: In the landscape of wireless connectivity, the use of Bluetooth technology is quite common. Fundamentally, it wirelessly connects two devices without any cellular connectivity. Bluetooth devices may wind up working in bands that can create hindrances for radio signals. Therefore, getting WPC approval for them also becomes mandatory.
2. Drones: Drones also fall under the Equipment type approval. Essentially, these devices require two levels of approval, one of which is ETA-type approval.
3. Devices such as smartwatches, smartphones, earbuds, laptops, and printers do not require ETA approval. Also, products leveraging low frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz or 5.825 to 5.875 GHz fall outside the scope of this license
Requisites to apply for WPC certificate approval in India
The procedure for securing the WPC approval in India is different for domestic and foreign applicants:
Foreign applicants seeking this certificate must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Such an individual should be an Indian citizen and will be liable to address the licensing formalities on behalf of the applicant.
Coming to a domestic manufacturer, WPC approval is required if the wireless equipment operates in delicensed bands. A self-declaration shall be filed with the respective authority to obtain this approval. An online portal is available for application filing purposes.
Paperwork for WPC certificate in India
The following are the documents required to apply for the WPC License:
- RF Test report granted by the ISO 17015 lab or NABL Accredited lab.
- Product details
- Receipt concerning online fee.
- Application form
- WPC self-declaration reflecting that the concerned product works within the prescribed limits.
- Company registration
- PAN Card of the company
Step-by-Step Guide to secure WPC Certificate in India
Following is the detailed process concerning the WPC certificate. Make sure to carefully follow all the steps to avert any chance of application rejection
- Step 1: Checking EN Standard and RF Test Report
- Step 2: Preparing Documents
- Step 3: Fetch login credentials and pay the fee
- Step 4: File the online application
- Step 5: Paperwork Vetting
- Step 6: Grant of WPC Certificate:
The WPC certification process commences with verification of the frequency range and EN Standard in the RF Test report of the product. If the frequency range belongs to the devices working in the DE License frequency band, a self-declaration certificate is issued.
After identifying the frequency range, gather all the required documents accordingly. Refer to the above list to know more about the paperwork.
Head to the government portal, namely Saral Sanchar, to secure the login credentials. Make sure to submit the required fee.
Head to the concerned web portal to file the WPC application. Make sure to double-check everything before uploading.
WPC officials will thoroughly vet the paperwork and RF test report. The applicant shall be intimated by the authority in case some of the paperwork goes missing.
If WPC finds no loophole in the submitted document and application, they will grant the WPC license.
Adviso: Where Licensing Becomes Effortless
Securing WPC approval can be taxing for new applicants seeking to trade or manufacture wireless equipment in India. If you want to secure the WPC certificate in one go, consider reaching out to Adviso without any second thoughts.
We have extensive acumen in this field and can render unmatched support concerning the WPC approval process. With our support, you can secure ETA approval promptly and seamlessly, no matter how complicated or tedious the process is. Do not waste time delving into endless legal requirements and norms for obtaining the license. Let our experts handle it!
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Frequently Asked Questions Concerning WPC Certificate
A legal approval that ensures the risk-free production, importation, and trading of wireless devices in India. It seeks to regulate how these products are produced, tested, and shipped.