Can You Sell Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Products Without WPC Certification?

Can you sell Wi-Fi or Bluetooth products without WPC certification? Learn why WPC ETA registration is mandatory and how to apply online.

Legal Apr 17, 2025 43 Add to Reading List

In today’s fast-moving tech world, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled products are everywhere—from smartphones and smartwatches to routers and wireless earphones. If you're a manufacturer, importer, or seller in India, you may wonder whether you can sell these products without WPC certification. The simple answer is no. If your product works on radio frequencies, especially Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it must have a valid WPC ETA Registration before being sold in the Indian market.

Let’s examine why this certification is important, describe the process, and explain what happens if you skip it.

What is WPC Certification?

WPC Certification is issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), a department under the Ministry of Communications in India. It grants approval to wireless products that use license-exempt frequency bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, commonly used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies.

If you want to legally import or sell any wireless product in India, getting a WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is mandatory. Whether you’re launching a new Bluetooth speaker or importing smart home devices, this certification helps ensure that your product does not interfere with other frequency-based systems in the country.

Why Is WPC ETA Registration Required?

The WPC ETA Registration acts as a regulatory check to make sure wireless devices operate within permitted frequency limits. Without it, there's a risk of interference in communication systems such as aviation, defense, or emergency services. This is why the government has made it a legal requirement.

Selling wireless products without WPC certification can lead to serious consequences such as:

Product seizure by customs
Heavy penalties
Legal actions
Business disruption

So, to stay compliant and avoid unwanted trouble, getting your WPC registration online is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Can You Sell Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Products Without WPC Certification?

Absolutely not. Any product that uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth must be registered with the WPC. Whether you’re selling through an e-commerce platform or offline retail, all products must have an ETA certificate before they are launched in the market.

Even if you're importing a small number of devices for testing or personal use, it's best to check the frequency band and get your product registered. Otherwise, your shipment may be held at customs.

If you're a seller or distributor, always ask for the WPC ETA certificate from your supplier or manufacturer to avoid facing regulatory issues later.

Products That Need WPC Certification

Here are some common products that require WPC certification:

Wireless routers and modems
Bluetooth speakers
Smartwatches
Drones with remote control
Wireless microphones
Smart TVs with Wi-Fi connectivity
IoT devices with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
Wireless earbuds and headphones

Basically, if the product transmits or receives signals through radio waves, you need WPC ETA registration.

WPC Registration Online: Process Explained

The WPC registration process is simple, but it must be done with care. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Product Testing

Before applying for WPC ETA, your product must be tested in an ISO/IEC 17025 NABL-accredited lab. The lab checks the frequency range and power output to ensure it meets Indian standards.

2. Document Preparation

You need the following documents:

Product datasheet
RF Test Report
Authorization letter (if you are not the manufacturer)
Company GST and PAN details
Import-Export Code (IEC)

3. Online Application

The application is submitted on the WPC Registration Online portal. The applicant must upload all relevant documents and test reports.

4. Review & Approval

The WPC department reviews the application. If all documents are correct and the product meets the guidelines, you’ll receive your ETA certificate within a few working days.

Once you have the ETA, you’re good to go!

How is WPC Different from TEC Certificate Registration?

Many people confuse WPC certification with TEC certificate registration, but they are not the same.

WPC ETA is required for wireless/radio frequency products like Bluetooth devices or routers.
TEC certificate registration, on the other hand, is issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Center under the Department of Telecommunications. It is required for telecom and network equipment such as mobile phones, switches, and transmission devices.

If your product falls into both categories, you may need WPC ETA registration and also apply for a TEC certificate. Always consult a compliance expert or legal advisor to determine the exact requirements.

Benefits of Getting WPC Certification

Getting your product WPC certified comes with several benefits:

Smooth customs clearance during import
Avoidance of legal penalties
Increased trust from distributors and resellers
Eligibility to sell on major e-commerce platforms
Compliance with Indian wireless regulations

Whether you’re a startup importing smart gadgets or an established electronics brand, WPC registration online helps you stay legally secure while building customer trust.

What Happens If You Skip WPC Certification?

Trying to cut corners by skipping WPC ETA registration can cost you dearly. Authorities are strict about compliance, especially at ports and airports. If your product doesn’t have a valid certificate:

Your shipment will be held or rejected at customs
You may face heavy fines and legal notices
Your product can be banned from the Indian market
Reputational damage may affect your business long-term

For a hassle-free experience, always ensure that certification is completed before the product launch or import.

Conclusion

To sum it up, you cannot sell Wi-Fi or Bluetooth products in India without WPC certification. It’s a mandatory step to ensure the safety and legal compliance of wireless devices. With the right documents and testing, the process of WPC ETA registration is quite straightforward. Also, if your product needs it, don’t forget to apply for a TEC certificate as well.

For anyone entering the electronics market, understanding the difference between WPC registration online and TEC Certificate Registration is important. It not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also builds credibility with your customers and partners.