Building a wireless product for India or importing means going through the regulations so that your item can be accepted. The WPC approval checklist shows you the right steps to take, helping your devices meet Indian Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) regulations and be approved for sale. This guide goes over every detail, document and requirement you’ll have to deal with, addressing what startups need to do to meet their unique problems.

Why WPC Approval Matters for Startups

You need it in place before you can legally import, market or sell your products. RF testing is important during the process and all procedures need to be recorded to make sure your device doesn’t stop other devices from working or endanger users.

WPC Approval Checklist for Startups: Step-by-Step

1. Understand the Basics: What is WPC Approval?

• WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) is a department in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that deals with handling and distributing licences for spectrum.
• For devices that use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID and similar unlicensed bands, startups must get Equipment Type Approval (ETA).
• The WPC approval checklist for startups begins with understanding your product’s RF characteristics and compliance obligations.

2. Eligibility and Product Assessment

• Confirm your device operates within India’s de-licensed frequency bands.
• If your product uses a licensed frequency, additional licensing is required.
• Only products operating in the permitted spectrum can proceed with the ETA process.

3. RF Testing: The Technical Backbone

• RF Testing is essential and must be conducted at an NABL-accredited Indian laboratory.
• The test verifies your device’s frequency range, output power, and compliance with Indian standards.
• RF test reports form the cornerstone of your WPC ETA application checklist.
• Sunren, as a leading accredited lab, provides the necessary RF Testing services for startups, but does not issue certificates.

4. Register on the Saral Sanchar Portal

• Create an account on the Saral Sanchar portal, the official DoT platform for WPC applications.
• Submit details about your startup and the wireless equipment you wish to import or sell.
• After registration, the system generates an Import ID, which is crucial for tracking your application.

5. WPC ETA Application Checklist: Documentation

Prepare and organize the following documents:

• Certificate of Company Incorporation
• GST Registration Certificate
• Import Export Code (IEC) for importers
• Purchase Order (for imported equipment)
• Address proof of the applicant entity
• Letter of Authorization (if using a representative)
• Technical details and datasheets of the product
• RF Test Report from a NABL-accredited Indian laboratory (Sunren or equivalent)
• Self-declaration and compliance statements
• User manuals and product brochures

Double-check all documents for accuracy and consistency. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is a common reason for delays or rejections.

6. WPC License Online Application Submission

• Log in to the Saral Sanchar portal and select “Apply New ETA.”
• Complete the online application, uploading all required documents from your WPC approval checklist for startups.
• Attach the RF Testing report and technical files as mandated.
• Use your Import ID to check if your product is exempt from WPC ETA (some products or frequencies may not require approval).

7. Fee Payment

• Pay the government fee for the WPC license online using approved payment methods (debit/credit card, wallet, etc.).
• Keep the payment receipt as part of your application records.

8. Document Verification and Review

• WPC officials review your application and supporting documents.
• If additional information or clarification is required, respond promptly to avoid delays.
• The verification process typically takes 15–30 days but may extend if the application is incomplete or needs further review.

9. Issuance of ETA Certificate

• Upon successful review, WPC issues the Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certificate.
• This certificate is your legal authorization to import, market, or sell the wireless device in India.
• Save and store the certificate securely for all future regulatory or customs checks.

Key Considerations for Startups

• Frequency Compliance: Ensure your device operates strictly within de-licensed frequency bands as per WPC rules.
• Authorized Testing Labs: Only RF Testing from accredited Indian labs is accepted; foreign reports are no longer valid.
• Product Changes: Any hardware or firmware modification post-approval may require a new application and RF Testing.
• No Factory Inspection: For de-licensed band devices, WPC ETA does not require factory or site inspection
• Renewal and Updates: As of current regulations, ETA certificates do not require renewal, but significant product changes will necessitate a new submission.

Common Mistakes Startups Should Avoid

• Skipping RF Testing: The absence of a valid RF Testing report is a leading cause of rejection.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing or inconsistent paperwork can stall your application indefinitely.
• Ignoring Frequency Rules: Devices operating outside de-licensed bands face automatic rejection and potential penalties.
• Delaying Fee Payment: Application processing only begins after the government fee is paid.

Timeline and Process Optimization

• The typical ETA approval process takes 15–30 working days after submission of a complete application and RF Testing report.
• Startups should begin the process early in product development to avoid last-minute delays.
• Maintain clear communication with your testing lab and monitor the Saral Sanchar portal for updates or requests from WPC officials.

WPC Approval Checklist for Startups: Bullet Points for Quick Reference

• Confirm the device operates in de-licensed frequency bands
• Conduct RF Testing at an NABL-accredited Indian lab like Sunren
• Register on the Saral Sanchar portal and obtain an Import ID
• Prepare and verify all required documents:
  • Company incorporation and GST certificates
  • IEC (for importers)
  • Purchase order (if applicable)
  • Address proof
  • Letter of Authorization
  • Technical datasheets and user manuals
  • RF Testing Report
  • Self-declaration
• Complete WPC license online application and upload all documents
• Pay the government fee online and keep the receipt
• Respond promptly to any WPC queries or information requests
• Receive and securely store your ETA certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of WPC in communication?

Wireless Planning and Coordination, a wing under the Department of Telecommunications in India.

What is the full form of WPC in customs?

Wireless Planning and Coordination, which issues ETA certificates required for importing wireless devices.

What is the full form of ETA WPC?

Equipment Type Approval from the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing.

What is the full form of WPC in IT company?

Wireless Planning and Coordination usually refers to regulatory compliance for wireless technologies in tech firms.

Conclusion: How to Get WPC Approval in India as a Startup

For startups, the WPC approval checklist for startups is not just a compliance formality—it’s a strategic enabler for market access, investor confidence, and customer trust. By following a structured approach, prioritizing RF Testing, and maintaining meticulous documentation, you can streamline the approval process and avoid costly setbacks.

Remember, Sunren and similar accredited labs are your partners for RF Testing, ensuring your product meets technical standards before you submit your WPC license online application. However, the responsibility for documentation, application, and compliance remains with your startup.

Stay proactive, stay informed, and use this checklist as your guide to successfully navigating the WPC approval process in India. With the right preparation, your wireless innovation can reach Indian consumers quickly, safely, and legally, setting the stage for growth and success in a dynamic market.