December 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

As the demand for wireless-based products like speakers, microphones, smartwatches, etc. increases on an everyday basis, the need to stay compliant with market regulations is essential. All wireless products require a mandatory WPC ETA certification, to stay compliant. However, there are certain common mistakes that businesses tend to make while going through the WPC certification process. These mistakes must be avoided to prevent last-minute legal hassles and to ensure smooth market access to businesses in the Indian market. 

Let us understand in detail what are some of the common WPC ETA application mistakes that businesses dealing with wireless products must avoid. 

Why is WPC ETA Approval Required?

All wireless products being circulated in India through manufacturing or import, have to go through the WPC application process and obtain an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing. The WPC ETA certification granted to wireless-based products ensures that they have been tested and verified thoroughly before being allowed to be regulated in the Indian market. 

The WPC ETA license is also a mandatory compliance, non-conformance to which poses several legal risks for businesses. It ensures the smooth interoperability of various wireless products with existing networks and promotes the regulation of safe and qualitative products in the market. Therefore gaining a WPC ETA approval is a necessary compliance for businesses dealing with wireless-based products. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for a WPC ETA Certificate

Here are some common WPC ETA application mistakes listed below which businesses must avoid to gain a hassle-free WPC ETA certification:

  • Incorrect or incomplete documentation:
    Businesses often make the mistake of submitting incomplete or incorrect documents which leads to numerous queries and unnecessary delays in gaining the WPC ETA license for their products.
  • Non-compliance with RF regulations:
    If the products do not comply with the Indian regulations and Radio Frequency specifications, the WPC ETA license will not be granted to them. To stay compliant and legally eligible in the market, the Indian RF standards must be met by the wireless products being produced or imported in India.
  • Test reports from non-accredited labs:
    Getting the products tested from non-accredited labs, and obtaining the test reports from the same is a sheer waste of time, effort, and money, as there are strict norms of getting the wireless products tested in WPC-accredited laboratories only. Businesses must avoid any laboratories for testing products other than the ones that have been accredited by the WPC.
  • Wrong categorization of products:
    Not understanding product categories and choosing the wrong ones for wireless products can lead to additional delays in gaining a WPC ETA certificate. For instance, Wi-Fi-based products should not be categorized under the Bluetooth category.
  • Filling incorrect details:
    If the applicant fills in incorrect details, it could lead to delays and also rejection of the WPC application. Therefore it is important to double-check the application while filling in the important information and necessary details as asked for.
  • Skipping cross-checking product details:
    Filling accurate product details and technical specifications is of paramount importance for getting a WPC ETA certificate. However, businesses often skip cross-checking the product details, which can lead to various consequences later on. Identifying products that don’t meet the details filled in the application can reject the WPC ETA license for such businesses.
  • Not following application status:
    Businesses often forget to continuously monitor and track their application status, as a result of which there are several delays in obtaining a WPC ETA license. If there are any queries raised by the WPC, the delayed responses from businesses mean a time-consuming process of gaining the WPC ETA approval.
  • Not checking the latest guidelines and updates:
    Skipping the latest updates and guidelines being issued by the WPC is a common mistake that businesses must avoid. It is important to keep track of all the latest guidelines and WPC ETA regulations being notified and adhere to the same to stay ahead and compliant always.
  • Delays in fee payments:
    Delayed fee payments to the WPC can result in delayed application processing. The WPC license will be issued after the entire process is completed including the fee payment. Therefore businesses must make all the required payments timely and avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Not consulting an expert compliance expert:
    Manufacturers and importers often skip consulting a compliance management expert and begin with the application processes on their own. This mistake leads to many blunders and legal hassles which further complicates the processes of meeting the necessary compliance. Therefore it is best to get in touch with an expert compliance consultant and understand the details in their entirety.