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WPC Certification and Approvals

What is WPC Certification and Approvals about?

WPC Certification refers to the regulatory approval issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), functioning under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.


This certification is mandatory for all wireless and Bluetooth-enabled products that operate on de-licensed frequency bands or use radio transmission technologies.

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The primary purpose of WPC Certification is to ensure that wireless devices do not interfere with licensed communications (like aviation, emergency services, and mobile networks) and operate safely within India’s allocated radio frequency spectrum.

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Products that emit radiofrequency, even minimally — such as Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi routers, smartwatches, wireless keyboards, etc. — must undergo WPC approval before being sold, imported, or distributed in India.

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Depending on the type of device and frequency band it operates on, the manufacturer or importer may require:

  • Equipment Type Approval (ETA): For devices using de-licensed frequency bands.

  • Import License: For importing wireless equipment.

  • Dealer Possession License (DPL) or Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL): For storing and operating certain types of wireless devices.

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WPC Certification not only ensures regulatory compliance but also builds brand trust, allowing businesses to operate legally and safely within India's fast-growing tech and IoT sectors.

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At EMPL, we specialize in simplifying the WPC Certification journey for businesses — helping them fast-track approvals, prepare accurate documentation, and avoid compliance risks.

Professional Headphones

Which products are covered?

Here are the major wireless and Bluetooth-enabled products requiring WPC Certification in India:

Bluetooth speakers and headsets

 

Wi-Fi routers and access points

Smartwatches and fitness bands

Wireless keyboards and mice

RFID devices

IoT modules and devices

Wireless microphones

Remote controls operating on RF

  • The following entities are eligible to apply for WPC Certification:

    • Manufacturers (both Indian and foreign) producing wireless-enabled products.

    • Importers and Distributors who bring wireless products into India.

    • Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR): For foreign manufacturers without a direct presence in India.

    Note: Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Indian Authorized Representative to apply for ETA and complete WPC formalities.

    EMPL helps both domestic and international businesses navigate WPC regulations with ease, ensuring full legal entry into the Indian market.

  • The estimated timeline for obtaining WPC Certification is:

    • Radio Frequency (RF) Testing (if required): 1–2 weeks

    • Application Preparation and Submission: 1 week

    • WPC Evaluation and Approval: 4–6 weeks

    Overall: Approximately 6–8 weeks depending on documentation completeness and WPC processing speed.

    At EMPL, we work proactively with clients to shorten the timeline by ensuring that applications are complete, compliant, and properly filed the first time.

  • Before applying for WPC Certification, businesses must ensure:

    • Product operates within de-licensed (unlicensed) frequency bands (like 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

    • RF Test Reports from an accredited Indian lab or recognized international lab (like FCC or CE reports).

    • Complete technical documentation including circuit diagrams, operational description, and datasheets.

    • Valid Import-Export Code (IEC) for importers.

    • Authorization letter from the manufacturer if applying through an Indian representative.

    Working with compliance experts like EMPL ensures that all documents are prepared and submitted correctly, avoiding unnecessary rejections and delays.

  • Yes, any Bluetooth or wireless technology-enabled product — like speakers, headphones, or smartwatches — must have WPC approval before being sold or imported into India.

  • No. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will apply on their behalf to WPC.

  • Selling or importing wireless products without WPC approval is illegal in India and can lead to heavy fines, product seizures, and legal action.

  • EMPL assists businesses with end-to-end WPC compliance services — from RF testing coordination to documentation preparation to liaising with WPC officials for faster approvals.

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