Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for Wireless Devices in India

In this hyper-connected age, wireless access points, portable Wi-Fi routers, and other radio frequency (RF) devices are indispensable. When any of these products are manufactured, imported, or sold in India, the knowledge of and acquiring Equipment Type Approval (ETA) becomes imperative; that’s how Diligence Certifications will help you obtain your WPC ETA Certification more conveniently.

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Introduction: Equipment Type Approval in India

In the present interlinked world, an enormous variety of electronic and telecommunication equipment leave the production floor and stream into the market. In many countries, including India, this equipment requires Equipment Type Approval (ETA) before legally being sold, imported, or used. An ETA is a safety mechanism that guarantees that equipment is compliant with the specific technical standards, safety requirements, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements so as to assure consumer assurance, protect integrity of the networks, and maintain a healthy environment.

What is Equipment Type Approval?

Equipment Type Approval (ETA for short) is a compulsory certification wherein the regulatory authority checks and certifies that a given piece of equipment is conforming to established technical standards and regulations. Most times, such assessment leads to extensive testing, with documentation checks for compliance to national and international standards. It is understood as a kind of approval stamp assuring the equipment is fit for use in a specific territory.

Need of Equipment Type Approval (ETA)-in India?

ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is a method mandated by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing of the Directorate-General for Telecommunications (DG-TL) from the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, for ensuring that all wireless devices operating within India adhere to technical standards and regulatory requirements. Such regulations are enforced for various purposes.

Spectrum Management: ETA (Equipment Type Approval) allows for the control of frequency radio use in India, hence preventing interference and ensuring efficient spectrum use.
Safety and Security: It ensures that wireless devices are safe and, hence, do not threaten the health and security of the users.
Network Compatibility: ETA (Equipment Type Approval) seeks to ensure that such devices are compatible with the present telecommunications infrastructure to afford smooth connectivity.
Market Compliance: The sale of wireless devices without ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is outlawed, hence giving rise to consequences in the form of penalties, fines, and seizure of products.

Who Needs Equipment Type Approval (ETA)?

Classes of equipment requiring ETA (Equipment Type Approval) differ according to the specific regulatory body. In general, ETA(Equipment Type Approval) is required for:

Wireless Devices: Mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, wireless microphones, walkie-talkies, and any devices that transmit or receive radio waves.
Telecom Equipment: Telephone instruments, modems, fax machines, and any other apparatus connected to the public switched telephone network or PSTN.
IT Equipment: Servers, computers, laptops, and others relating to IT.
Electrical Appliances: Some varieties of electrical appliances, especially those involving wireless connectivity.
Radio Equipment: Transmitters, receivers, and RFID units.

It is important to get in touch with regulatory bodies and certification bodies to check the necessity of ETA (Equipment Type Approval) for a particular product.

Understanding the WPC ETA Certification Process

The WPC ETA certification steps may be intimidating at first glance, but when broken down into smaller parts, the entire process becomes less intimidating and more comprehensible:

Application Preparation: This involves compiling all the required sets of documents and information that are required by WPC. This very step is of prime importance, and one should be very accurate in this regard.
RF Testing: Your wireless device will be subjected to rigorous testing in an accredited laboratory to check its RF performance, frequency range, transmission power, and spurious emissions; the actual output is the Radio Frequency Test Report.
Documents Submission: The applicant submits the application to the WPC along with the radio frequency test report and other pertinent documents.
Review and Evaluation: WPC officials will then check the submitted documents and test reports, ensuring they comply with the rules and regulations set forth.
Grant of ETA Certification: If the application was successful, an ETA certificate would then be granted upon approval from WPC, enabling you to import and sell your wireless device legally in India.

Documents Required for WPC ETA Certification

Copy of company registration
Copy of company GST registration
ID and address proof of an authorized person
Radiofrequency test report from IS0 17025 accredited foreign lab or any NABL accredited Indian Lab
Letter of Authorization
Product technical details
IEC in case of import
Purchase order in case of import
Receipt of online fee
Test report

A detailed analysis of reports concerning the tests utilizing radio frequencies:

The report of the Radio Frequency Test is the backbone of your ETA (Equipment Type Approval) application. It is more than a document; it is the proof that your device practically meets stringent RF standards. It generally consists of:

Detailed test Setup Definition: Elaborate definition concerning the equipment and environment being used to conduct the test.
Measurement Procedure: The methods adopted to conduct measurement of RF parameters have to be described.
Results of Testing with all tests: It should contain clear results of particular tests as well as measure values along with respective limits for compliance.
Graphs and charts: These are highly visible representations of the test data showing a clear aspect of the RF performance of every device.

That is paramount since you should choose the right testing laboratory. They should be:

Accredited by a proper recognition accreditation body- e.g., NABL (India): Accreditation is a certifying competency and impartiality in the laboratory.
Test experience of wireless devices: The laboratory should have sufficient experience in testing similar devices.
Equipped with modern and reliable testing equipment: High-tech equipment ensures accurate and reliable test results.
Familiarity with WPC regulations: This means that the laboratory should be knowledgeable about what exactly WPC desires.

The Importance of Accurate Technical Specifications:

For a smooth ETA (Equipment Type Approval), the technical specification has to be accurate. Most specifications do not meet, resulting in delays and thus the rejection. Important types of specification include:

Frequency Range-The frequencies over which the device uses.
Output Power: The maximum power the device transmits.
Modulation Techniques-The technique by which the data is encoded in the radio signal.
Antenna Type and Gain: Details about the antenna used by the device.
Operating Voltage: The voltage under which the device is Objecting to.
Security Features-It describes the security protocols established by the device, for example (WPA2, WPA3).

Future Trends of WPC ETA Certificate:

The ETA (Equipment Type Approval) ecosystem is set to change even more in the coming years and it will be due to the following causes:

The increasing prevalence of IoT devices: The number of connected devices is massively growing now and that leads to new hurdles for spectrum management and regulatory compliance.
The advent of new wireless technologies: With the development of 5G, Wi-fi 6E, etc., entirely new regulatory considerations are coming.
Increased focus on cybersecurity: As wireless devices pervade every fiber of our lives, cybersecurity is now at the forefront.

Diligence Certifications: Your Partner in WPC ETA Certification

It is possible that obtaining WPC ETA certification would leave you alone on a rough road. But it is not so because Diligence Certifications has all that you need to get going and ensure compliance during the entire process.

Here is how Diligence Certifications can help you out:

Expert Consultation: We offer expert consultation on WPC regulations and requirements, customized for your specific wireless device.
Document Preparation: We also help in preparing correct and complete documentation that minimizes the chances of delay or rejection.
Accredited Lab Coordination: We have tie-ups with accredited RF testing laboratories and would help you to select the lab best suiting your needs.
Application Submission: We take care of your application submission to WPC and act as your intermediary throughout the process.
Follow-up and Communication: To keep you informed about the progress of your application, we proactively follow up with WPC and update you on the status of your application.
Post-certification Support: We offer post-certification services to ensure compliance and new regulations do not come as a surprise.

Why Choose Diligence Certifications?

Experience and Expertise: Our team is highly experienced, and being a part of WPC ETA certification brings a deeper understanding of the wireless devices’ regulations.
Personalized Attention: Each client gets personalized attention since services are customized to meet individual needs.
Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing clear and concise updates on the progress of your application.
Process Efficient: Therefore, the ETA process is efficient enough to minimize delays to the greatest extent possible and ensure timely certification.
Cost Effective Solutions: Our market offering is a combination of cost-effective pricing and transparent billing to make sure you get the best value for your investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Wireless Access Point Certification in India!

If you are importing, manufacturing, or selling Wireless Access Points, obtaining WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certification is mandatory under the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of India.

What is a Wireless Access Point?

A wireless access point is a networking device that makes it possible for wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless standards.

Is WPC ETA Certification Mandatory for WAPs?

Of course! WPC ETA Certification is mandatory for any Wireless Access Point using unlicensed frequency bands before importation, sale, or use in India.

Who Needs WPC ETA Certification?

Manufacturers and importers of wireless access points:

Retailers and distributors selling Wi-Fi-enable devices:
E-commerce sellers dealing with wireless networking products:
Businesses using wireless equipment for internal communication.

What Happens If There Is No WPC ETA Certification?

It may result in:

Customs denial of import and resulting in import ban
Imposition heavy fines and penalties
Legal action and interruption of business

How to Apply for a WPC ETA Certificate?

WPC ETA Certification can be acquired in the mentioned steps:

✔ Application for Equipment Type Approval

✔ RF Test Report from accredited laboratory

✔ Apply online via WPC Portal with all required documents

✔ Wait for WPC authorities for verification and approval

✔ Get WPC ETA Certification on successful approval

📌 Diligence Certifications takes care of the entire procedure for you!

What Documents are Required for WPC ETA Certificate?

Technical specifications of the Wireless Access Point
RF Test Report issued from any accredited Indian lab
User's manual & product details
Import Export documentation (when applicable)

How long does it take for WPC ETA Certification?

It usually takes about 3-4 weeks, depending on the documentation verification and RF testing completion.

What Are the Government Fees for WPC ETA Certification?

It relies upon device type and frequency band, lab testing charges, and application and processing fees.

Contact us for a personalized charge list according to your business needs!

Is WPC ETA Certification Permanent?

✔ WPC ETA Certification is permanent and need not be renewed unless device specifications are modified.

What Are Penalties for Non-Compliance?

Noncompliance would mean:

Customs rejection of an imported wireless device.
Heavy penalties and legal action.
Seized unauthorized products.