DoT Certification

ETA

ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is the WPC wing’s approval for wireless and RF devices operating in licence-exempt (de-licensed) frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 865 to 867 MHz RFID and the 26.957 to 27.383 MHz citizen band. It is applied for on the Saral Sanchar portal and is needed before importing, manufacturing or selling such devices. For many categories, a self-declaration ETA and a system-generated import undertaking replaced the earlier scrutiny-based process.

We check the product’s frequency band against the National Frequency Allocation Plan, register on Saral Sanchar, prepare the datasheet, RF test report, manuals and undertaking, file the application, handle queries and obtain the ETA certificate for use in import and sale. Sources conflict on the fee, with one saying about Rs 10,000 and another saying no government fee when the RF report comes from an accredited foreign lab, so we confirm the position at filing.

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Service Overview

What is ETA?

Equipment Type Approval is a certificate from DoT’s Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing confirming that a model of wireless equipment conforms to the technical norms for the licence-exempt band in which it works, so it can be sold and imported without an individual spectrum licence. It is different from the WPC import licence, which is permission to import wireless equipment, and from TEC’s MTCTE certificate, which confirms conformity to Essential Requirements.

Typical documents are the product technical datasheet showing frequency range, power and specifications, a user manual and photographs, a test report for the RF parameters from an accredited lab, including foreign ILAC-accredited labs per consultants, a self-declaration, GST or IEC for importers and an authorised Indian representative for foreign manufacturers. Approval time quoted by consultants is roughly 15 to 30 working days.

ETA

Who Needs This Service

Manufacturers, importers and sellers of Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, wireless keyboards and earbuds, smart home devices, RFID products, drones and walkie-talkies in licence-exempt bands need ETA.

E-commerce sellers of imported wireless gadgets must ensure suppliers hold ETA.

Startups designing connected products should plan ETA with MTCTE.

If your device operates in licensed bands, a separate licence is needed.

Key Benefits

Legal sale and import of licence-exempt wireless devices
Frequency band check and documents prepared
Saral Sanchar filing handled
ETA certificate for customs and sale
Reduced shipment delays

Next Steps & Related Services

After ETA, apply for MTCTE where needed and import with undertakings. Related services: MTCTE, CRS, IEC Code and DOT Certification.

Common Mistakes

Wrong frequency band assumptions.
Using non-accredited reports.
Missing manuals and datasheets.
Importing before approval.
Confusing ETA and licences.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Consultants quote 15 to 30 working days.

Practical tip: keep an RF test report ready.

Additional Information

WPC regulates radio equipment under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy framework.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A router importer obtains ETA.

Scenario 2:

A smart-bulb maker certifies.

Scenario 3:

An RFID vendor applies.

Practical Guidance

ETA depends on understanding which frequency bands are exempt from licensing. The National Frequency Allocation Plan and DoT orders list bands that can be used without an individual licence, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 865 to 867 MHz for RFID and the citizen band. If your device operates in those bands within prescribed power limits, it needs ETA rather than a spectrum licence.

Prepare the application carefully. The datasheet should state frequency range, output power, modulation and antenna details. The test report should demonstrate compliance with the technical limits. If the test report comes from a foreign accredited lab, check whether it is accepted under current rules, since consultant sources say it can be. If you are a foreign manufacturer, appoint an authorised Indian representative. Import then follows the DoT procedure for equipment with ETA, including undertakings.

Keep ETA separate in your mind from MTCTE and BIS. A router, for instance, might need ETA for the Wi-Fi radio, TEC certification for network functions and CRS registration under BIS, depending on its type. Plan all approvals together so that no single missing document delays your launch.

Written By

Raghav Sharma

Operations Executive

10+ Years Experience

As seen on

Raghav Sharma has 10+ years of experience covering Company Registration - Operation, MCA Services - Operation, Corporate Operation, Import Export Services - Operation, Goverment Licence Services - Operation, FSSAI - Operation, SEBI - Operation, Labour Compliance - Operation, Fund Raising - Operation, Licence & Certificate - Operations.

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Frequently asked questions

Need clarity?

What devices need ETA?

Wireless devices in licence-exempt bands such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and RFID.

Where is it applied?

On the Saral Sanchar portal.

What is the fee?

Sources conflict; confirm at filing.

Is ETA the same as MTCTE?

No, MTCTE is TEC's conformity certification.

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