Updated on August 25, 2025 03:59:28 PM
The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, is required to grant the WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certificate for Smart Watches. All smartwatches that use wireless technologies that use de-licensed frequency bands in India, like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or LoRa, must have this certification.
Because of their sophisticated features, which include GPS, notifications, health monitoring, and smartphone connectivity, smartwatches have grown in popularity. These devices must abide by Indian regulations in order to prevent interference with licensed networks, as they rely on radio frequency (RF) communication. The WPC ETA certificate attests to the safety, legality, and compliance of the smartwatch's wireless module with Indian radio frequency standards.
Before introducing their products to the Indian market, smartwatch manufacturers and importers are required to obtain the WPC ETA. The procedure entails sending in wireless module RF test reports from a lab that has been approved by WPC. The module can be used again if it has previously received ETA certification. However, new testing and approval are required for modules that are modified or new.
Legal repercussions, difficulties with customs clearance, and even a prohibition on product sales may result from failing to obtain a WPC ETA Certificate. Thus, obtaining ETA certification is crucial to guaranteeing legal compliance, seamless imports, and approved smartwatch distribution in India.
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The WPC-ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certificate is a mandatory compliance requirement for smart watches in India, issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Because smart watches use wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, the approval ensures these devices operate within permitted frequency bands and do not interfere with licensed spectrum.
For manufacturers, importers, and distributors, obtaining the WPC-ETA certificate enables the legal import, sale, and distribution of smart watches in India. It simplifies customs clearance, prevents shipment delays, and assures stakeholders that the devices meet national telecom regulations—building consumer trust in safety, reliability, and performance.
Beyond legality, WPC-ETA certification strengthens brand credibility and market access. With India’s growing demand for wearables across fitness, healthcare, and lifestyle segments, certified products help companies expand faster, enhance reputation, and stay competitive in the smart device ecosystem.
ETA Certificate can be obtained by following these 4 steps that are as follows:
An online Application needs to be filed at Saral Sanchar Portal. Filling up all the personal details to login and then submitting the documents with the product name and model no. for further process.
Conduct a Radio Frequency Test in an Authorized Indian Laboratory. The reports of the Radio Frequency Test needs to be submitted for authorization as a formal document.
The most mandatory step is to submit all the required documents including the catalog of the product and the model no. for specification. Make sure to clear all the dues required to submit as a fee for a smooth process.
It will nearly take 30-35 working days for the process of verifying your documents by a WPC Officer. The officer will thoroughly examine the documents to find any secrecy, if he/she gets satisfied with the whole procedure then the ETA Certificate will be provided to you.
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 |
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 watches 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.
Importing, producing, and selling wirelessly enabled smartwatches in India requires a WPC ETA Certificate :
Conclusion
ETA stands for Equipment Type Approval issued by Wireless Planning and Coordination to ensure that all the Bluetooth & Wireless Devices do follow the national standards of frequency while fulfilling the requirements of the users.It is mandatory for Bluetooth Devices to acquire an ETA Certificate in India.
For complete guidance and fee, you can contact Professional Utilities 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
Yes,all Bluetooth & Wireless devices require an ETA Certificate in India.
The total time duration is 30-35 working days.
The fee at Professional Utilities is ₹17500/- but it may vary from product-to-product.
You can apply at Saral Sanchar Portal to commence the online procedure.
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