Updated on August 25, 2025 02:55:50 PM
In India, WiFi routers cannot be imported, sold, or manufactured without a WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certificate. Radio frequency bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are classified as de-licensed frequency bands, are used by WiFi routers. To guarantee adherence to Indian wireless regulations, authorization from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, is necessary even for de-licensed bands.
The ETA certificate is used to make sure the WiFi router doesn't interfere with any authorized communications or sensitive frequency bands that are utilized by emergency services, the military, or the aviation industry. Only a self-declaration is required if the router is using a wireless module that has already been pre-certified by WPC. However, before submitting an ETA application through the Saral Sanchar portal, RF (Radio Frequency) testing from a NABL-accredited lab is necessary if it contains a new or unapproved module.
Obtaining a WPC ETA Certificate for your WiFi routers is an essential regulatory step to lawfully operate in the Indian market, regardless of your status as a trader, manufacturer, or importer.
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The WPC-ETA Certificate (Equipment Type Approval) for Wi-Fi routers is issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. This approval is mandatory for any Wi-Fi router that operates on unlicensed frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz to be imported, manufactured, or sold in India.
The main objective of the WPC-ETA Certificate is to ensure that wireless devices comply with Indian safety and technical standards, operate within permitted frequency ranges, and do not cause harmful interference to licensed communication networks.
To obtain the certificate, the router must undergo RF testing in a TEC/NABL-accredited laboratory in India. Once compliance is confirmed, the application is submitted to the WPC for evaluation and approval.
Having a valid WPC-ETA Certificate ensures smooth customs clearance, legal compliance, and greater trust among distributors and consumers. It is a crucial requirement for businesses aiming to sell or import Wi-Fi routers in the Indian market.
The Process for obtaining WPC ETA Certificate can be understood as follows:
A Radio Frequency Test is mandatory for all the manufacturers, importers and sellers who deals with wireless or bluetooth devices. Radio Frequency Test ensures that the frequency range of a device should not exceed the mark of national frequency standard.
The second step is to file an online application at Saral Sanchar Portal. You will be asked to fill the required details in the e-form after completing the login credentials.
After filing an online application,you need to submit all the necessary documents required for verification process
To complete the process,a sum up amount is asked to be deposited as a fee. Make sure that you have cleared all the dues for no hindrances.
After completing all the steps for the Certification process, the documents which you have shared will be examined by the WPC’s officers. If no obscurity is seen, the Officer will provide you the ETA Certificate for your wireless devices to be manufactured, sold, and imported in India.
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 wi-fi router 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.
Obtaining a WPC ETA Certificate for WiFi Router is mandatory in India as it ensures legal compliance and smooth market entry. Some of the major benefits include:
Conclusion
ETA Certificate is mandatory for all bluetooth devices even for operating the WiFi Router, issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing to make sure that the products are not Injurious to the consumer. As the Indian Market for Wireless products is huge, WPC ensures that the products should meet the Frequency Standard of the Nation.
You can Contact Professional Utilities to know the whole procedure and time duration at an exclusive amount of ₹17,500/-.
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
WPC certification, also known as Equipment Type Approval (ETA), is mandatory approval issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing of DoT for Wi-Fi devices operating in de-licensed frequency bands.
It ensures that Wi-Fi products comply with Indian wireless regulations, frequency usage, and safety standards before being imported, sold, or used in India.
Both Indian manufacturers and importers of Wi-Fi devices can apply for WPC certification to legally distribute their products in India.
No, selling or importing Wi-Fi routers without WPC ETA approval is illegal in India and may lead to penalties, customs seizures, or legal action.
All Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as routers, access points, smart home devices, laptops with Wi-Fi, and IoT products using de-licensed bands require ETA approval.
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