Updated on August 20, 2025 05:44:12 PM
In India, drones, also referred to as RPAS/UAVs, are regarded as restricted wireless devices that need special regulatory approval. Drones, in contrast to the majority of short-range devices, cannot be sold or imported into India without first receiving thorough approval from WPC's Regional Licensing Officers (RLOs).
Every drone model must have the Equipment Type Approval (ETA) to ensure that it conforms with Indian laws regarding de-licensed frequency bands and safe radio frequency operation. This procedure entails submitting technical literature and documentation to a WPC RLO Wikipedia, as well as RF testing at an accredited laboratory.
Additionally, importing drones requires a multi-step clearance process that includes applying for ETA certification, obtaining a Unique Authorization Number (UAN) through DGCA, and then obtaining import permission under DGFT regulations. If permitted, the DGCA can only issue a Certificate of Manufacture & Airworthiness (CMA) following WPC ETA Certificate approval.
In the end, drones are not eligible for India's simplified self-declaration scheme since they are restricted items and operate on licensed-exempt radio frequencies, necessitating ETA certification. Getting an ETA guarantees legal importation, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance for responsible drone operation in India.
WPC Certificate Sample
Download WPC CertificateThe WPC-ETA (Equipment Type Approval) certificate is a mandatory authorization issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
Any drone that uses wireless technology such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RF modules operating in de-licensed frequency bands must obtain WPC-ETA certification before being imported, marketed, or sold in India.
This certification ensures that drones comply with Indian frequency spectrum rules, safety standards, and wireless regulations, preventing interference with licensed frequencies. Without it, businesses cannot legally import or distribute drones in the country.
All wireless equipment must be designed and manufactured to ensure that its emission bandwidth and other technical parameters remain within the specified limits, per the WPC Wing notification. Type Approval is required for such equipment. The Central Government must receive an application in the required format in order to grant this approval (WPC ETA Approval).
| Frequency Band | GSR No. | GSR Date | Purpose/ Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.553-13.567 MHz | GSR 884 | 04.11.2010 | Use of Very Low Power Radio frequency devices, for indoor applications |
| 433-434 MHz | GSR 680(E) | 12.09.2012 | Use of low power devices or equipment for indoor applications |
| 433-434.79 MHz | GSR 698 (E) | 16.09.2015 | Use of Very Low Power Radio frequency devices or equipment including Radio Frequency Identification Devices |
| 865-867 MHz | GSR 564 (E) | 30.07.2008 | Use of Very Low Power Radio frequency devices or equipment including Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) |
| 2.4-2.4835 GHz | GSR 45 (E) | 28.01.2005 | Low Power equipment i.e. Wireless LAN (W-LAN) Equipment using Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b Standard |
| 5.15–5.250 GHz | 1048(E) | 18.10.2018 | Use of low power wireless access point/fixed point-to-point access/mobile and portable client devices system including Radio Local Area Network, under indoor and outdoor environment. |
| 5.250–5.350 GHz | 1048(E) | 18.10.2018 | |
| 5.470–5.725 GHz | 1048(E) | 18.10.2018 | |
| 5.725–5.875 GHz | 1048(E) | 18.10.2018 |
You can obtain the ETA Certificate for Drones by following these 5 steps.
To start the process, an online application needs to be filed at Saral Sanchar Portal on the official website of the Department of Telecommunications. You need to fill up your personal details with product model number.
Necessary documents are required to submit along with the Radio Frequency Test Results which is a required report as a formal document to check the frequency range of the product.
An amount is asked to be deposited as a fee to make your application considerable. You need to clear all the dues to remove any hindrances.
An application assessment is a process of evaluating the quality and performance of the documents and procedure. Your submitted documents will be verified with a WPC Officer to check any secrecy.
It will nearly take 5 to 7 working days to receive the ETA Certificate after the process of application assessment.
To apply for a WPC Certificate , applicants must submit certain documents to the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing under the Department of Telecommunications. These documents help verify the product details, applicant identity, and compliance with technical standards.
The government fee for wpc certificate for drones is ₹10,000, and professional service charges range from ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 depending on the consultant. The process usually takes 5 to 7 working days if the RF test report is ready.
| WPC Registration Fees | |
|---|---|
| Government Fees | ₹10000 |
| Professional fees | ₹7500 |
| Total Cost | ₹17500 |
Note: The aforementioned Fees is exclusive of GST.
Drones that use wireless technologies like GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth must have the WPC ETA Certificate. It has several benefits, such as:
Conclusion
The ETA Certificate is an Equipment Type Approval issued by the WPC to ensure that the products are meeting the requirements of the user while following the national standards of frequency. Obtaining an ETA certificate can give access to multiple benefits such as product communication, access to Indian market etc.
The process of Obtaining an ETA Certificate is a bit complex but you can contact Professional Utilities at ₹17500/- with complete procedure and guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval,which is a formal license to deal with Wireless products and Bluetooth Devices.
Filing an Online application>submitting the documents paying the fee>application assessment>receiving the certificate.
WPC,Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of the Department of Telecommunication issues ETA Certificate.
The fee is ₹17500/- at professional utilities. But the fee varies from product-to-product.
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