Updated on August 23, 2025 11:54:13 AM
In India, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers cannot be imported or sold without an ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certificate. The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, regulates these devices because they read and transmit data from RFID tags using particular radio frequencies.
It is crucial to make sure that RFID readers adhere to Indian radio frequency standards and do not impede the use of licensed spectrum because they utilize unlicensed frequency bands, such as 865–867 MHz in India. Customs may not clear RFID devices without a valid WPC ETA Certificate, and selling them could result in fines.
Getting an ETA certificate not only satisfies legal requirements but also fosters confidence among distributors, retailers, and consumers. Additionally, it streamlines the import and distribution process, sparing companies from needless hold-ups or legal issues. Obtaining ETA certification is an essential step toward compliance and credibility, regardless of whether you are an Indian distributor, manufacturer, or importer of RFID readers.
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The WPC-ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certificate is a mandatory license issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
For RFID readers, this approval ensures that the device operates on de-licensed frequency bands without causing harmful interference to other wireless networks. Without the WPC-ETA certificate, RFID readers cannot be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
In simple terms, if a business, importer, or manufacturer wants to bring RFID readers into the Indian market, obtaining the WPC-ETA certificate is compulsory. This certification not only assures compliance with Indian telecom regulations but also builds trust among customers by guaranteeing that the RFID reader is safe, reliable, and compliant with national wireless standards.
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 |
The ETA Certificate can be acquired in 4 simple steps as follows;
The first step is to conduct a Radio Frequency Test in an Authorized Indian Laboratory to measure the frequency range of the product which is a required report to be submitted as a document.
An Online Application needs to be filed on the official website of Department of Telecommunications at Saral Sanchar Portal to start the process with required details.
Necessary documents are required to submit for verification including the Radio Frequency Test Reports and an amount needs to be deposited as a fee to make your application considerable.
The submitted documents will be verified by an Officer of WPC to check the transparency and truthfulness. If he/she gets satisfied with the whole documentation process, then the ETA Certificate will be authorized to you.
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 RFID reader 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.
To ensure compliance and seamless business operations in India, RFID readers must obtain a WPC ETA Certificate. Among the main advantages are:
Conclusion
ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval issued by the WPC representing it as a license to deal with smart devices under government regulations with all the terms and conditions. Receiving an ETA Certificate can provide you numerous benefits and access in the Indian Market.
You can Contact Professional Utilities at ₹17500/ for the whole procedure and complete guidance.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Bluetooth or Wireless Device requires an ETA Certificate to get Access to the Indian Market.
It will nearly take 30-35 days to receive an ETA Certificate.
An online application needs to be filed at Saral Sanchar Portal on the official website of DoT.
The fee for acquiring an ETA Certificate is ₹17500/- at Professional Utilities.
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