WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certification is an approval that is issued by India's WPC wing, known as the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing. This WPC ETA certificate is for those wireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and radio frequency-based devices that work in de-licensed frequency bands.
The WPC Type approval guarantees that the device works as per Indian frequency norms, and there is no use of any other communication network. All the manufacturers, importers, traders and suppliers have to apply for a WPC ETA certificate if they want to work legally.
If it is a foreign manufacturer, then it has to appoint an AIR, which stands for Authorized Indian Representative, so that it can apply for WPC certification, without that, it is not possible. But Indian manufacturers can apply for it directly. It is not legal to work without a WPC approval in India. Without a WPC ETA certificate, any radio-based device can neither be sold in India nor imported.
What is WPC?
The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) works under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. It looks after the radio frequency range, licensing, and other approvals of the wireless devices. The WPC issues WPC type approval for wireless devices such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID. It ensures that the devices comply with India's frequency standards and do not cause harmful interference with any other communication network. Those who have a WPC ET certificate or a radio equipment type approval certificate build trust in the Indian market and are legal. WPC is a major wing of India that detects any change in the frequency range.