WPC License in India
The products that leverage radio or wireless technology are potentially hazardous and thus their production, import, trading, and supply attract a specific approval, broadly known as the WPC license. The WPC stands for Wireless Planning and Coordination License. It is issued by the WPC wing falling under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The WPC license spans all the products featuring radio and/or wireless functionalities. The license aims to curb the illicit use of wireless or radio technologies and their hazardous impact on nature and human beings.
Who Needs a WPC License and Which Authority Grants It?
The WPC License is a mandate for entities that deal with radio/wireless-powered devices in any way. From manufacturers to importers to traders, a WPC registration encompasses everyone who is a part of the supply chain concerning wireless products.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is an apex institution in India that grants the WPC registration. The institution has four regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati. DoT essentially takes care of the frequency spectrum management and licensing affairs.
Eligibility Criteria and Products Covered
WPC has outlined certain criteria for wireless products to get certified. Adherence to these criteria is a mandate for notified products to secure the WPC’s approval. These criteria revolve around compliance concerning human safety and safe operation within de-licensed frequency bands. WPC encompasses a range of products, including;
- Wireless Headphones and/or Earplugs
- Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
- Wireless Home Appliances
- Mobile Phones
- Wireless Bluetooth-Watches
- Wireless Music Players
- Wireless Car Radio
- Remote Key for entry
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers
- Laptops
- Wireless Medical products used for patient profiling
- Wireless Water Heaters
- Any other Radio Frequency Modules
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Understanding the Type of WPC License
The WPC Certification offers three licenses, each adhering to distinct requirements and norms. These include:
- Non-Network License
- Network License
- Internet Service Provider License (ISP)
Each type attracts distinct categories of communication networks and wireless service providers. For example, the non-network license is primarily required by the non-network service providers; meanwhile, the Network License serves as a mandate for entities providing communication services such as mobile networks and DTH.
Procedure to Secure WPC License: 5 Steps Guide
The following steps come into play when you apply for the WPC approval for your entity. Make sure to follow each step diligently to avoid rejection.
Step 1: Online Application Submission
The first step involves the online submission of an e-form available on the Saral Sanchar portal- a dedicated DoT website. Applicants must pay due attention to mandatory fields in the form and fill them out as required. The form seeks information concerning the products, company, directors/partners/authorized signatories, and available certification for quality.
Step 2: Document Preparation and Submission:
The next step is to upload the supporting documents, which typically include the following:
- Copies of company registration and GST registration
- ID and address proof of authorized personnel
- RF test reports from accredited laboratories
- Letters of authorization
- Technical details of the product
Note: Be mindful before uploading these documents; the portal may not accept documents that do not adhere to a standardized format.
Step 3: Payment of Government Fees:
After applying, the portal shall redirect you to the payment gateway for the fee submission. The fee shall vary depending on the type of products you are dealing with.
Step 4: Offline Document Submission:
The documents mentioned above must be submitted in hard copies to the respective regional office of DoT as a part of compliance. Make sure to align the documents as per the DoT’s norms to expedite the approval process.
Step 5: Verification and Approval Process:
Post document submission, the concerned authority shall vet the paperwork for accuracy and compliance. Any error or discrepancy can bring the application process to a halt, forcing the applicant to apply again. Therefore, it is vital to confirm the legitimacy and accuracy of the paperwork before submitting them. Anyway, if the documents are fine with no loopholes, the authority shall grant the certification.
Documents Required to Apply for WPC License
Documents play a vital in the WPC registration process. These documents must be submitted online and offline. Some common paperwork concerning WPC approval includes:
- Company registration
- GST registration
- ID and address proof of authorized personnel/directors/partners depending the company’s structure.
- RF test reports from accredited laboratories,
- Letters of authorization
- Technical details of the product.
Understanding the significance of RF Test Reports
RF (Radio Frequency) test reports refer to a document reflecting a detailed analysis of the frequency transmission concerning wireless/radio products, confirming their adherence to spectrum efficiency standards. Performed by certified labs, RF testing checks that radio waves operate without hindering other transmissions, as mandated by law in most states. These reports span a multitude of broadcasts, including PMR radio, Wi-Fi, cellular devices, etc.
For Equipment Type Approval (ETA), the applicant must secure an RF testing report for products operating in de-licensed frequency bands. It is vital to secure the WPC approval. The RF testing report should be issued by accredited labs internationally (ILAC accredited) or within India (NABL accredited).
RF testing confirms whether or not the product abides by the WPC’s regulatory requirements. The passed products signify that they are safe and pose no danger to human life and nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, securing a WPC License is a key step for those dealing with wireless products in India. Applying for this license involves several steps including online form filing, hard copy submission, and sending products to certified labs for testing to ensure compliance. Following these steps in order is vital to ensure compliance with WPC regulatory requirements.
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