[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/WPC ETA for IoT Devices IndiaWPC / IoT # WPC ETA for IoT and M2M Devices in India Whether your IoT device needs WPC ETA depends entirely on which frequency bands it uses. The 2.4 GHz ISM, Bluetooth, and India's 865–867 MHz LoRa sub-band are de-licensed — no ETA needed. Cellular IoT (NB-IoT, LTE-M), certain 5 GHz configurations, and any proprietary band using licensed spectrum requires ETA before import or sale. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fwpc-eta-for-iot-devices) At a glance IoT technology categories mapped 7 Application steps 5 Common pitfalls 5 ## IoT wireless technologies and ETA requirements TechnologyBandETA Required?Power Limit Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/n)2400–2483.5 MHzNo ETA — de-licensed bandMax 100 mW EIRP Wi-Fi 5 GHz (802.11a/n/ac/ax)5150–5350 MHz and 5725–5875 MHz portionsPartial — depends on sub-bandVaries by sub-band (indoor/outdoor restrictions) Bluetooth (Classic and BLE)2400–2483.5 MHzNo ETA — de-licensed bandMax 100 mW EIRP LoRa / LoRaWAN865–867 MHz (India-specific ISM)No ETA — de-licensed sub-bandMax 1 W (varies for gateway vs node) NB-IoT / LTE-M / Cat-M1Licensed cellular bandsETA required (via telecom operator ecosystem)Per carrier specification Sigfox / Proprietary 868 MHz865–867 MHz and adjacentVerify current WPC status for bandLow power (sub-25 mW typical) Zigbee / Thread (2.4 GHz)2400–2483.5 MHzNo ETA — de-licensed bandVery low power, within de-licensed limits ## ETA application process for IoT devices 01 ### Confirm whether your IoT device uses licensed or de-licensed spectrum Map every wireless interface in your IoT device to its frequency band. De-licensed bands (2.4 GHz ISM, 865–867 MHz LoRa, 5.8 GHz ISM) do not require ETA. Licensed bands (cellular, some 5 GHz) do. Document this analysis — customs may ask. 02 ### For ETA-required bands: obtain RF test reports from WPC-recognized lab Get the IoT device tested at a WPC-recognized or ILAC-accredited laboratory for all RF parameters: frequency range, power output, spurious emissions, and SAR if body-worn. 03 ### Appoint Authorized Indian Representative (foreign manufacturers) Foreign companies must appoint an AIR with a registered India address to submit ETA applications through the Saral Sanchar portal. 04 ### Submit ETA application via Saral Sanchar portal Register on the Saral Sanchar portal, complete the ETA application form, upload all RF test reports, device specifications, and user documentation. Pay government fees online. 05 ### Obtain ETA and mark products correctly After ETA grant, affix the ETA number on the product label or packaging. For IoT modules embedded in end-products, the end-product label must carry the ETA reference. ## Common pitfalls for IoT importers Assuming all IoT devices only use de-licensed bands — many cellular IoT products need ETA Not checking 5 GHz sub-band restrictions — some sub-bands require ETA for outdoor use IoT module ETA vs end-device ETA confusion — module ETA may not cover the final end-product if the integration changes RF characteristics Missing SAR testing for wearable IoT devices or body-worn sensors Exporting IoT devices to India with FCC or CE certificates and assuming WPC ETA is not needed ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a LoRaWAN end-node need WPC ETA in India? No — the 865–867 MHz band in India has been de-licensed by WPC specifically for LPWAN applications like LoRa. LoRaWAN end-nodes operating at standard LoRa power levels (up to 1W for gateways, much lower for end-nodes) do not require ETA. However, the device must operate within the power and duty cycle limits specified in the WPC de-licensing notification. Always retain documentation confirming de-licensed compliance for customs inquiries. ### Does an NB-IoT module embedded in a product need separate WPC ETA? NB-IoT modules use licensed cellular spectrum and require ETA. However, cellular module manufacturers typically obtain ETA for their modules. When you embed a certified module in an end-product, the end-product inherits the module's ETA if the RF characteristics are not modified. The end-product label should reference the module's ETA number. If you modify the antenna, power, or RF design, a fresh ETA assessment is needed. ### My IoT device has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — both de-licensed. Is any WPC approval needed? If your IoT device only uses Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz ISM) and Bluetooth, and operates within de-licensed power limits, no WPC ETA is required. However, you may still need BIS CRS registration under MEITY's CRS scheme for the product category (e.g., if the device is a consumer electronics product). WPC ETA and BIS CRS are separate requirements. Check both before importing or selling. **Disclaimer:** De-licensed band parameters and ETA requirements are subject to WPC notifications. Always verify current band allocation status before importing IoT devices. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/10-india-wireless-type-approval-wpc-eta-mtcte)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/10-india-wireless-type-approval-wpc-eta-mtcte) Related guides * [WPC ETA Certification for Wireless EquipmentComplete guide to WPC ETA certification: equipment type approval requirements, application process, test reports, labeling, and…](/guides/wpc-eta-certification) * [TEC MTCTE for Routers and Network EquipmentComplete guide to TEC MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) for routers, switches, and network equip…](/guides/tec-type-approval-routers) * [BIS CRS Certification for ElectronicsComplete guide to BIS CRS registration for electronics and IT products: application process, required documents, test reports, …](/guides/bis-crs-certification-electronics) * [India Market Entry for Hardware CompaniesPractical regulatory roadmap for hardware companies entering India: BIS CRS, WPC ETA, TEC MTCTE, EPR, and customs requirements …](/guides/india-market-entry-hardware)