- ✓Saralsanchar portal now mandatory for all WPC-ETA applications — old portal retired
- ✓IoT devices with multiple RF technologies require consolidated single-model ETA
- ✓New frequency band declarations required for 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices
- ✓Type Approval validity extended from 3 to 5 years for eligible categories
- ✓Foreign applicants must submit translated documents with apostille in some cases
- ✓ETA certificate now downloadable directly from Saralsanchar portal by applicant
What is WPC-ETA and Why Does It Matter?
The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) governs the import, manufacture, and use of wireless devices in India under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is the mandatory authorization required before any wireless or IoT device using unlicensed frequency spectrum can be imported or sold in India.
Products requiring WPC-ETA include — but are not limited to — devices using Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), Bluetooth (Classic and BLE), Zigbee, Z-Wave, LoRa, RFID, GPS modules, NFC, and any other radio frequency technology.
India's IoT market is projected to exceed $26 billion by 2026. Every connected device entering this market requires valid WPC-ETA before customs clearance.
The Saralsanchar Portal — What's Changed
The most operationally significant change in the 2025 WPC update is the full migration to the Saralsanchar portal (saralsanchar.gov.in) for all ETA applications. The legacy WPC portal has been retired.
- Unified dashboard for tracking multiple ETA applications simultaneously
- Online payment of government fees (₹500–₹2,000 depending on category)
- Direct download of approved ETA certificates — no physical certificate required
- Query management — WPC officials post technical queries directly on the portal
- Renewal management integrated with original application record
⚠️ Common First-Timer Mistake: The Saralsanchar portal has multiple form types — for ETA, Import License, DPL, NDPL, and other WPC approvals. Selecting the wrong form type results in rejection. Always verify form selection before submission.
New Requirements Specific to IoT Devices
Multi-Technology Consolidated ETA
IoT devices that incorporate multiple RF technologies now require a single consolidated ETA application covering all frequency bands — separate applications per technology are no longer accepted.
6 GHz Wi-Fi — New Declaration Requirements
Devices with 6 GHz Wi-Fi capability (Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7) require an additional frequency band declaration form confirming compliance with India's specific power limits for the 6 GHz band.
LoRa and LPWAN Devices
IoT devices using LoRa, Sigfox, or other LPWAN technologies now have a dedicated ETA application sub-category on the Saralsanchar portal with a designated review team and faster processing timeline.
Step-by-Step: Filing WPC-ETA on Saralsanchar (2025 Workflow)
Here is the current workflow for filing a WPC-ETA application on the Saralsanchar portal under the updated requirements:
Identify all frequency bands, power levels, and RF technologies. Determine the correct ETA sub-category.
Submit device samples to a WPC-recognized laboratory for RF conformity testing across all applicable frequency bands.
Create or log into your Saralsanchar account. Select the WPC-ETA form and fill all fields precisely as they appear in the test report.
Upload RF test report, technical datasheet, product photographs, user manual, company registration, IEC certificate, authorization letter, and declaration of conformity.
Pay the applicable government fee online through the Saralsanchar payment gateway and retain the application reference number.
WPC reviews within 2–4 weeks. Respond to portal queries within 7 days. Download the ETA certificate directly from the portal dashboard.
Documents Required for WPC-ETA (Updated 2025 Checklist)
- RF Test Report — from WPC-recognized lab, covering all frequency bands, dated within 12 months
- Technical Specification Sheet — frequency bands, power output, antenna gain, modulation types
- Product Photographs — front, rear, sides, label, internal antenna (if applicable)
- User Manual — in English, specifying frequency bands and power output
- Company Registration — Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, GST certificate
- Import-Export Code (IEC) — issued by DGFT, mandatory for all importers
- Authorization Letter — authorizing consultant to file on behalf of the company
- Declaration of Conformity — signed by manufacturer
- 6 GHz Band Declaration — additional requirement for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices
- Consolidated Technology List — for multi-technology IoT devices
💡 Pro Tip: The #1 cause of WPC query letters is model number mismatch between the test report and the Saralsanchar application form. Our team cross-checks every field before submission.
Timelines and Validity Under Updated Guidelines
- RF lab testing: 2–4 weeks (standard wireless) / 3–5 weeks (multi-band IoT)
- Document preparation and portal filing: 3–5 working days
- WPC portal review: 2–3 weeks from application submission
- Query response window: 7 days from query date
- Total end-to-end (clean application): 4–8 weeks
A notable update in the 2025 guidelines: ETA certificate validity has been extended to 5 years (from 3 years previously) for standard unlicensed band devices.
Consequences of Importing Without WPC-ETA
- Customs detention: Shipment held at port of entry pending resolution
- Return or destruction: Detained consignment returned at importer's cost or destroyed
- Fines: Up to ₹1,000 per device, or ₹10,000 per consignment (whichever is higher)
- Repeat violation: Up to 3 years imprisonment under IWT Act provisions
- Import licence cancellation: IEC suspended for repeat offenders
⚠️ WPC enforcement has intensified significantly since 2023. Customs officials now routinely cross-reference product descriptions against the WPC-ETA database. Devices described generically to avoid scrutiny are flagged for inspection.