1. Non-Network Licence

A Non-Network Licence is issued to businesses or individuals who deal with wireless equipment but do not operate telecom networks. This licence is commonly required by importers, traders, and distributors of wireless products such as Bluetooth devices, RF equipment, and similar technologies.

This category is further divided into three types: Import Licence, Dealer Possession Licence, and Non-Dealer Possession Licence. It allows organizations to legally sell, purchase, or import wireless devices in India while ensuring compliance with regulatory norms.

1. Import Licence

The Import Licence under WPC is required for businesses that intend to import wireless products into India. This licence grants permission to bring RF-enabled or wireless equipment into the Indian market and distribute it legally.

It is especially important for foreign manufacturers and importers dealing in products like Wi-Fi devices, Bluetooth gadgets, and RFID systems. Without a valid import licence, goods may be held or rejected by customs authorities.

2. Dealer Possession Licence

The Dealer Possession Licence is issued to distributors and dealers who handle the sale and distribution of wireless equipment in India. This licence ensures that all wireless products being sold comply with WPC regulations.

It is mandatory for businesses engaged in trading or supplying RF-enabled devices to ensure legal compliance and avoid regulatory penalties.

3. Non-Dealer Possession Licence

The Non-Dealer Possession Licence is granted to individuals or organizations that use wireless equipment but are not directly involved in selling or distributing such devices. This licence is applicable in cases where wireless equipment is used internally for operational or functional purposes.

It ensures that even non-commercial users of wireless devices remain compliant with WPC regulations.

2. Network Licence

A Network Licence is issued to companies that utilize radio frequency spectrum to provide communication services such as telecom networks, cable broadcasting, and DTH services. This licence is mandatory for organizations operating large-scale communication infrastructure.

It allows service providers to use restricted frequency bands allocated by the government while ensuring efficient and interference-free communication systems.

1. Internet Service Provider (ISP) Licence

The ISP Licence is required for businesses that intend to provide internet services in India. This licence is issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and is essential for offering broadband, leased line, or wireless internet services.

Obtaining an ISP licence ensures that the service provider operates within the legal telecom framework and complies with national internet regulations.

2. Experimental Licence

An Experimental Licence is granted to organizations or individuals who wish to conduct research, testing, or experimentation using wireless technologies. This licence is mainly used by R&D institutions, manufacturers, and technology developers.

It allows controlled use of radio frequencies for innovation purposes while ensuring that there is no interference with existing communication systems.

3. Equipment Type Approval (ETA) – WPC ETA Certificate

Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is a mandatory certification issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing for wireless and RF-enabled devices operating in de-licensed frequency bands in India. It is required before importing or manufacturing products such as Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi equipment, mobile phones, RFID systems, and other wireless electronics. ETA certification ensures that the device complies with Indian frequency regulations and does not cause interference with other communication systems.

For products manufactured in India using pre-approved RF modules without any modification, separate ETA approval may not be required. However, if the product is imported or uses a new or modified RF module, obtaining a WPC ETA certificate is compulsory before entering the Indian market.

WPC ETA certification can be obtained through a self-declaration process if the product operates within de-licensed frequency bands and is exempted under DGFT import policies. Common examples include smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, wireless headphones, printers, keyboards, cameras, and similar devices.

Basic Requirements for WPC ETA Approval and Import Licence

To obtain WPC ETA approval and an import licence in India, applicants must fulfill specific regulatory requirements based on their business type and operational presence. These requirements are set by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing to ensure that wireless and RF-enabled devices comply with Indian standards. Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or a foreign entity, understanding these requirements is essential for smooth certification and hassle-free market entry.

For foreign manufacturers, the process involves appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will handle all regulatory communication and documentation with WPC authorities. If the manufacturer already has a registered office in India, that entity can act as the AIR. For import licensing, the same AIR must be used as mentioned in the ETA application. On the other hand, Indian manufacturers can directly apply for WPC ETA approval and import licence without appointing an AIR, making the process comparatively simpler.

Key Requirements:

• Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) if they do not have a presence in India
• If a foreign company has a liaison or branch office in India, it can act as the AIR
• The same AIR must be used for both WPC ETA approval and import licence
• AIR is responsible for documentation, application filing, and coordination with WPC authorities
• Domestic (Indian) manufacturers can directly apply for the WPC ETA and import licence
• No AIR is required for Indian-based manufacturers

Understanding RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report for WPC ETA Certification

An RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report is a technical document that verifies whether a wireless device operates within the permitted frequency range without causing interference to other devices. It is a mandatory requirement for WPC ETA certification in India.

RF testing ensures that the device uses the radio spectrum efficiently and complies with regulatory standards. This helps prevent signal interference between multiple wireless devices operating in the same environment.

The test report covers various wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, cellular devices, and other radio frequency-based products. Compliance with these standards is essential for legal approval and market entry.

To obtain an RF test report, manufacturers or importers must get their products tested from an NABL-accredited laboratory in India or an ILAC-recognized international lab. The report includes detailed technical parameters like frequency range, bandwidth, and transmission performance. For WPC ETA approval, the RF test report must be submitted to the WPC authority for evaluation. If a product contains multiple RF modules, separate test reports may be required for each module.