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WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for wireless devices
Importing mobile phones, smart watches, routers or other devices with radio parts needs a WPC Equipment Type Approval. Self declaration steps on Saral Sanchar and who cannot use it.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
Importing mobile phones, smart watches, routers or other devices with radio parts needs a WPC Equipment Type Approval. Self declaration steps on Saral Sanchar and who cannot use it. Key facts: Issued by: Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, Department of Telecommunications; Validity: Per approval; Time: Self declaration on the Saral Sanchar portal.
Source: eservices.dot.gov.in. Not yet matched to an official page; confirm on the official portal before paying.
What it is
Equipment Type Approval, or ETA, is a certificate from the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications. It is needed to import, sell and use wireless devices that operate in de-licensed frequency bands or use radio transmission.
ETA can be obtained by self declaration for commercial finished products such as mobile handsets, smart watches, laptops, short range devices, microphones, headphones, printers and cameras that operate in licence-exempt bands and fall in the Free category of DGFT's import policy. A system-generated import undertaking from Saral Sanchar then replaces a separate import licence for those devices.
Who needs it
Importers of radio frequency devices. Self declaration is not available for radar, jamming devices, drones and satellite equipment, which follow a separate route.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| ETA application | See Saral SancharNot officially verified SourceThe portal shows the fee at the time of application. We did not find a fee table on the pages we could read. |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- IEC
- Technical details and frequency band of the device
- Test report or specifications as the portal asks
- Declaration that the device operates in a licence-exempt band
- Saral Sanchar login
Steps to apply
- Check that the device is in the Free category of DGFT's import policy. DGFT licence guide
- Register on the Saral Sanchar portal and choose WPC ETA by self declaration. saralsanchar.gov.in
- Fill in the product details and pay the fee shown. Fee: As shown on the portal
- Download the ETA and the system-generated import undertaking for Customs.
Where to apply
- DoT: Equipment Type Approval: Rules and application
- DoT: ETA self declaration: Self declaration route
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Self declaration on the Saral Sanchar portal
Not officially verified
If you operate without it
Wireless devices without ETA can be held by Customs and the importer can be punished under the wireless law. We could not read the penalty text on an official page.
Law: Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933
Not officially verified
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Technical details do not match the test report | Enter the exact frequency and power from the test report. |
| Fee or documents missing | Upload all papers and pay the fee. |
| Device is outside the licence free bands | Check the rules for your frequency before applying. |
Not officially verified
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.