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

Issued by

Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, Department of Telecommunications

Validity

Per approval

Time

Self declaration on the Saral Sanchar portal

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 SancharTo confirm 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 To confirm 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: To confirm
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.

Common questions

Which devices need ETA?

Wireless devices that use de-licensed frequency bands or radio transmission, such as phones, smart watches, headphones and routers.

Can I use self declaration?

Yes for commercial finished products in licence-exempt bands that are Free in DGFT's import policy. Not for radar, jamming devices, drones or satellite equipment.

Is a separate import licence needed?

For eligible devices, the system-generated import undertaking from Saral Sanchar is enough.

Does ETA replace BIS registration?

No. Electronics and IT goods may also need BIS registration. See our BIS page.

Is Govt License a government website?

No. Govt License is an independent guide. We link to the official government portals where you apply and pay. Always confirm the fee on the portal before paying.