Updated on August 23, 2025 11:54:13 AM
To identify smart home gateway devices to be imported or sold in India, a regulatory approval known as the ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certificate is necessary. This certificate, which is issued by the Ministry of Communications' Wireless Planning and Coordination Certificate (WPC) Wing, guarantees that wirelessly enabled devices abide by Indian frequency laws.
The main component of a home automation system that links and controls several smart devices, including lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, and sensors, is called a smart home gateway. To connect to different smart appliances, these gateways usually use wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth. Before such devices can be lawfully imported or sold, Indian regulations require that the embedded wireless module be certified under the ETA scheme because they operate on unlicensed frequency bands (like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
RF test reports for the gateway's wireless module must be submitted as part of the ETA certification procedure. Manufacturers and importers can utilize the module's certification if it has already received ETA approval. If not, new testing from a lab approved by WPC is necessary. The wireless module alone, not the complete smart gateway unit, is certified.
WPC Certificate Sample
Download WPC CertificateThe WPC-ETA Certificate (Equipment Type Approval) for smart home devices, such as smart home gateways or automation hubs, is issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
This certification is mandatory for all smart home devices that operate on unlicensed frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, before they can be imported, sold, or distributed in India.
The purpose of the WPC-ETA Certificate is to ensure that smart home devices comply with Indian safety and technical standards, operate within the approved frequency ranges, and do not interfere with licensed communication networks.
To obtain the certificate, the device must undergo RF testing in a TEC/NABL-accredited laboratory in India. After successful testing, the application is submitted to WPC for evaluation and approval.
Having a valid WPC-ETA Certificate ensures legal compliance, smooth customs clearance, and builds trust among consumers and distributors. It is essential for businesses planning to import, manufacture, or sell smart home devices in the Indian market.
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 need to follow these 4 steps to get an ETA Certificate:
The first step is to file an online application at Saral Sanchar Portal on the official website of the Department of Telecommunications. Starting the procedure by filling up your personal and product details along with the model no.
You need to conduct a Radio Frequency Test in an Authorized Indian Laboratory to measure the frequency wave of the product. The Reports of the RF Test needs to be submitted at the time of document submission.
Required documents to be submitted in online procedure for verification and make sure to clear all the dues to be deposited as a fee to make your application considerable.
Your submitted documents will undergo a process of verification by an Officer of WPC. It will take about 30-35 days to receive the ETA Certificate if there’s no secrecy hidden.
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 smart home getaway 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.
Manufacturers, importers, and sellers of IoT-based products that use WiFi or Bluetooth to connect sensors, security systems, and smart appliances must have a WPC ETA Certificate for Smart Home Gateways.
Conclusion
Equipment Type Approval is a Certificate issued by Wireless Planning and Coordination which acts as a license to deal with any kinds of Wireless and Bluetooth Devices to ensure the frequency waves doesn’t exceed the limit fixed by the government regulations.
You can contact Professional Utilities for its fee,documents and for a complete guidance at ₹17500/-.
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
ETA Certificate is represented as a license to deal with all the Bluetooth & Wireless Products in India.
Access to Indian Market,builds customer trust,increase in sales,no custom stoppage.
Product catalog,Radio frequency test report, Valid ID proof etc.
The fee is ₹17500/- at Professional Utilities. But the fee and time differs from Product-to-Product.
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