Importing Bluetooth headphones, Smartwatches, or Wi-Fi Routers? You need an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the WPC Wing before customs clearance.
Does your product need WPC?
The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications controls radio frequency spectrum in India. Any device that works on wireless technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, RFID) requires WPC approval to be sold or imported into India.
For products operating in De-licensed Frequency Bands (like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), the approval required is called ETA (Equipment Type Approval). This confirms that the device operates within the permitted power and frequency limits and does not interfere with other signals.
Headphones, Speakers, TWS Earbuds, Keyboards, Mouse.
Routers, Modems, Dongles, Laptops, Smart TVs.
Smartwatches, Fitness Bands, Health Trackers.
RFID Tags, Readers, Access Control Systems (865–867 MHz).
Remote controlled toys and camera drones (requires Nano/Micro check).
IoT modules, POS machines, Vehicle Trackers.
The most critical document is the RF Test Report. It must be from an ILAC-accredited laboratory (foreign or Indian) and must specifically cover the Radio Frequency parameters.
For products purely in de-licensed bands. Immediate generation upon correct filing on Saral Sanchar.
For complex cases or bands requiring scrutiny. Takes longer (15–30 days).
We analyze your RF Test Report to ensure it meets WPC standards.
Create user profile on Saral Sanchar portal.
Submit application with fees (₹ 10,000 Govt Fee approx).
Download ETA certificate. This is valid for lifetime unless model changes.
End-to-End Filing
+ GST (Excl. Govt Fees)
*Govt Fee is INR 10,000 per model payable directly on portal.
WPC compliance isn't just about the certificate; it's about ensuring your device doesn't interfere with India's defense or telecom networks.
For standard consumer electronics (laptops, phones, wearables), the 2026 process allows Self-Declaration. CloudDesk manages the Saral Sanchar filing, ensuring your RF Test Report matches the "De-licensed" frequency bands (like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) exactly. One wrong decimal in your frequency range leads to an immediate "Show Cause Notice."
WPC only accepts reports from NABL-accredited (Indian) or ILAC-recognized (International) labs. CloudDesk audits your technical files to ensure the test report covers: Occupied Bandwidth, Peak Power Output, and Signal Modulation as per Indian Gazette notifications.
A common 2026 mistake: Thinking ETA is enough. For commercial imports, you often need an Import License in addition to the ETA. CloudDesk manages this two-step process — securing the ETA first, then using it to get the Customs-clearance Import License.
Foreign manufacturers cannot apply directly on the Saral Sanchar portal. As your AIR, CloudDesk takes legal responsibility for your device's RF compliance in India, providing the necessary Power of Attorney and local representation for WPC audits.
Yes. Any device using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, NFC, or Zigbee must have an ETA. In 2026, even "Passive" RFID tags in high volumes are being scrutinized at major ports.
• ETA (Equipment Type Approval): Certifies the product design is safe for Indian frequencies.
• Import License: A permission to bring a specific quantity or model into the country. You usually need the ETA to apply for the Import License.
Consumer electronics like Mobile phones, Laptops, Tablets, Smartwatches, and Wireless Peripherals (mouse/keyboard). Items like Drones, Radars, and Jammers are strictly under the "Scrutiny" route (manual review).
Yes, if they are from an ILAC-accredited lab and the testing parameters match the Indian de-licensed frequency bands. CloudDesk provides a Report Gap-Analysis to see if your global reports are sufficient or if fresh testing is needed.
• Self-Declaration (ETA-SD): 1–3 working days.
• Scrutiny-Based ETA: 4–8 weeks (requires manual officer review).
It is valid for the lifetime of that specific product model. If you change the wireless module or the frequency parameters in a newer version, you must apply for a fresh ETA.
Yes. Under the Indian Telegraph Act, Customs can seize "Unauthorized Wireless Apparatus." In 2026, fines can reach up to ₹50 Lakh for large commercial shipments lacking ETA.
If your HSN code identifies the product as "Wireless" but no ETA number is mentioned in the Bill of Entry, the Risk Management System (RMS) will divert the cargo for 100% inspection.