Wireless Planning and Coordination
Our experts will guide you through every step of the WPC certification process in India, providing dedicated support at each stage to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
About WPC
The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications is part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is responsible for Frequency Spectrum Management, including licencing, and serves the needs of all wireless users in the country.
It carries out the statutory functions of the Central Government by issuing licences to establish, maintain, and operate wireless stations. The Saral Sanchar portal, a web-based platform for issuing licenses and registration approvals.
WPC is a part of the Department of Telecommunications which comes under the Ministry of Communication, it has five Regional Licensing Offices with headquarters in New Delhi.
Regional Licensing Offices
Delhi
RLO-North
Mumbai
RLO-West
Chennai
RLO-South
Kolkata
RLO-East
Guwahati
RLO-North East
Role of WPC
WPC allocates and monitors the Radio frequency spectrum, it issues the licenses and approvals required to Import the wireless product or utilise the Radio frequency spectrum in India.
Certification Requirements
Why WPC Approval Required
Spectrum Management
WPC ensures the effective utilization of the radio frequency spectrum. Proper management helps avoid congestion and supports the smooth functioning of communication networks.
Interference Prevention
Without regulation, multiple wireless devices could operate on the same frequency bands, causing signal conflict and communication failures. WPC ensure that the use of radio frequencies does not interfere with other communication services and complies with national regulatory standards.
Regulatory Compliance
WPC ensures all wireless products comply with India's regulatory and technical standards. This helps maintain national security, public safety, and communication integrity.
Non-Compliance Risks
Product Confiscation
Wireless products without WPC approval may be confiscate by Indian Customs leading to shipment delay followed by erosion of customer's trust and loyalty, damage to brand's reputation and credibility.
Legal Penalties
Penalties may be imposed for any non-compliance as per Telecommunication Act 2023.
Spectrum Management
Frequency coordination
Licensing
Saral Sanchar portal
Compliance
National standards
Equipment Type Approval
ETA-SD (Self-Declaration)
About ETA-SD
It is a mandatory approval requirement for the products operating in delicensed frequency bands to Import any wireless product for commercial use in India. This approval is issued based considering RF characteristics of the products, the bandwidth, emission, power, and other parameters are meeting the limits specified in various GSR (Gazette Notification) issued by WPC.
Delicensed Frequency Bands
VLF Bands
3-30 kHz
VL Bands
30 kHz-300 kHz
MF Bands
300 kHz-3 MHz
HF Bands
3 MHz-30 MHz
VHF Bands
30-38 MHz
87.5-108 MHz
169.4-169.8125 MHz
UHF Band
335.7125-335.8375 MHz
401-406 MHz
433.05-434.79 MHz
446.0-446.2 MHz
865-868 MHz
2400-2483.5 MHz
2483.5-2500 MHz
SHF Bands
5150-5350 MHz
5470-5875 MHz
24.05-24.5 GHz
EHF Bands
61-61.5 GHz
76-77 GHz
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
ETA can also be issued to products operating in UWB wireless communication technology. UWB (Ultra-Wideband) refers to a radio frequency spectrum that uses very short pulses over a wide range of frequencies. It is used for high-speed, short-range communication and precise location tracking. The frequency covered under UWB is up to 10.6GHz bands and the power allowed for each band (as per specific application) is very low.
Documentation Required
The ETA-SD application will be submitted online through the Saral Sanchar portal and the document required are as below:
Radio frequency test report of the product/module from an ILAC-MRA accredited test lab.
Technical datasheet of the product
Authorisation letter from manufacturer to Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Mandatory Approval
Commercial import requirement
Delicensed Bands
RF characteristics verification
Self-Declaration
Saral Sanchar portal
Submitted through Saral Sanchar Portal · WPC Approval
Experimental License
Research & Development Authorization
About Experimental License
The scope of the term experimental service would include and mean any service utilizing radio waves in experiments with a view to the development of science or technique.
Experimental License Rules are applicable to licensed bands and is taken for all the wireless equipment to perform experimental/R&D services.
Note: A separate license is required for each location
Application Requirements
Validity
Experimental license is valid for upto 1 year.
Renewal
Experimental license can be renewed for 1 year before expiry.
License Surrender
Once the R&D activities will be completed, the license should be surrendered with:
Equipment should be returned back to the country of origin
Equipment should be destroyed as per destruction guidelines.
Types of Experimental License
1. Experimental (Non-Radiating) License - Self Declaration Mode
Requirement
Applicable if the experiment, testing, and R&D activity is restricted to indoor environment in non-radiating or very low power radiating mode (up to 100mW).
2. Experimental (Radiating) License
Requirement
Applicable for experiment, testing, and R&D activity in radiating mode (RF power more than 100mW).
Demonstration Licenses
Purpose
Product demonstration in exhibitions, indoors, customer premises.
Demonstration License allows entities to showcase wireless or radio-frequency-based equipment for marketing, testing, or promotional purposes. This license is non-network and time-bound, primarily intended for product demonstrations rather than operational use.
Documentation Requirements
Timeline
1 week (License will be generated instantly after submission)
Validity
Valid for 3 months. This license is not extendable.
1. Indoor Demonstration License
This license is applied for products demonstration in exhibitions, indoor environment, or at customer premises, restricted to non-radiating or very low power radiating mode.
2. Outdoor Demonstration License
Required for product demonstration in outdoor environment.
R&D Activities
Science & technique development
Licensed Bands
Location-specific requirements
Demonstrations
Marketing & promotional use
Valid up to 1 year · Renewable · Location-specific licensing required
Import Permission & License
Wireless Device Import Authorization
Import Permission
Applicability
Applicable to import any wireless device whose HSN code is categorized under the Free category of DGFT EXIM policy.
Self-declaration basis
Per shipment requirement
Note: After obtaining licenses/approvals from WPC, it is required for the importer to apply for import permission for every shipment.
Import License
Applicability
An Import License is applicable for the wireless product whose HSN code is categorized under the restricted category of EXIM policy of DGFT.
Primary Documents Required
Primary Documents require for the Import License are below:
Copy of CIN/LLPIN/PAN
Identity Proof (Aadhar/Passport) of Authorized Person
Copy of PO and PI/CI
Technical Literature
Copy of Approval (ETA/Exp/DPL)
Undertaking
Copy of NON (If applicable)
Important: All the documents must be digitally signed by applicant.
Quick Comparison
Import Permission
Category
Free category (DGFT EXIM)
Process
Self-declaration
Frequency
Per shipment basis
Import License
Category
Restricted category (DGFT EXIM)
Process
Formal application
Documents
7 primary documents required
HSN Code Based
DGFT EXIM policy categorization
Per Shipment
Individual shipment authorization
Digital Signature
Mandatory document signing
DGFT EXIM Policy Compliance · WPC Pre-approval Required · Digital Documentation
Dealer Possession License (DPL)
Wireless Product Dealer Authorization
Dealer Possession License (DPL)
Purpose & Scope
DPL is issued for the prospective dealers and distributors of wireless products. The DPL enables a person or company to possess and transact in the wireless products which are operating in licensed frequency bands.
Key Authority
DPL holder can transfer devices to customers, but every user must already have an Operating License or valid license issued by WPC.
Important: A person applying for a Demonstration license must already possess a valid DPL license. If not, then the applicant needs to apply for a DPL license first.
Documentation for DPL License
Application Form
Identity proof of the signatory (Aadhar, PAN etc.)
Photo & signatures of the signatory
Technical datasheet
CIN certificate of the company
Important: All the documents must be digitally signed by applicant.
Validity & Renewal
Annual Validity
Valid till month of December of every year which can be renewal before expiry of license.
Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL)
Purpose & Scope
NDPL is issued to a person or company which is neither a dealer of wireless products, nor holds any other license from WPC but still propose to hold wireless equipment in their possession.
Pre-requisite
Before applying for NDPL, the applicant needs to apply for DL (Decision Letter)/WOL (Wireless Operating License)/WOC Reference Letter.
DPL vs NDPL Comparison
DPL (Dealer Possession License)
For
Dealers & distributors
Authority
Possess & transact wireless products
Documents
5 primary documents required
NDPL (Non-Dealer Possession License)
For
Non-dealers holding equipment
Authority
Hold wireless equipment in possession
Pre-requisite
DL/WOL/WOC Reference Letter
Examples of Products Covered
DPL and NDPL Coverage
Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus
Licensed frequency band
Walkie Talkie
Two-way communication
Two-way Radio
Professional communication
Licensed Frequency
Operating in licensed frequency bands
Annual Renewal
Valid till December, renewable
Digital Signature
Mandatory document signing
WPC License Compliance · Licensed Frequency Band Operation · Annual Renewal Required
Manufacturing & Testing License
Wireless Equipment Manufacturing Authorization
A Manufacturing & Testing License is issued by the WPC Wing to Indian entities for manufacture, assemble, and test wireless transmitting equipment that uses radio frequencies.
Required when manufacturing or testing involves radiation of RF signals, even temporarily, for R&D or quality checks.
Documentation Required
Technical specification of the product
Test bed setup
Schematic diagram
Application form
Undertaking
All documents must be digitally signed by applicant.
Validity
5 years validity period
License Coverage
Manufacturing
Assembly
Testing
RF Signal Radiation
Temporary testing
5-Year Validity
Extended duration
Indian Entities
Domestic companies
WPC Wing Authorization · RF Signal Radiation · 5-Year Validity
Common Challenges & How Vincular Solves Them
Expert solutions for wireless licensing complexities
Regulatory Consulting
Identify the right approval process for your specific wireless equipment needs.
End-to-End Documentation Support
Comprehensive assistance for hassle-free submissions and compliance requirements.
WPC Authority Coordination
Direct coordination with WPC authorities to ensure smooth approval processes.
Import Clearance & Compliance
Handle import clearance and compliance requirements to avoid delays and complications.
Expert Guidance
Professional consulting
Streamlined Process
Efficient workflows
Vincular Solutions · Regulatory Expertise · End-to-End Support