What Are the WPC ETA Certificate Rejection Reasons?

Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is mandatory in India for wireless and RF-enabled products operating in de-licensed frequency bands. Despite submitting an application, many importers and manufacturers face WPC ETA certificate rejection due to avoidable compliance errors.

Understanding the rejection reasons in advance helps businesses correct issues early and avoid delays, shipment holds, and financial losses. Below are the most common and well-explained reasons for WPC ETA rejection in India as per 2026 regulatory practices.

1. Incorrect or Unsupported Frequency Band

One of the most common reasons for rejection is the use of a non-permitted frequency band.

WPC ETA is granted only to products operating in de-licensed frequency bands approved by the Government of India. If a device:

• Operates in a licensed or restricted band, or

• Uses a frequency not allowed in India

the application is rejected immediately.

Even minor deviations in frequency range mentioned in test reports can lead to rejection.

2. Incomplete or Invalid RF Test Report

An RF Test Report is the backbone of an ETA application. Rejection occurs if:

• The test report is incomplete

• Test parameters are missing

• Output power details are unclear

• The report does not match the product model

Additionally, if the test lab is not accredited or recognized, WPC may reject the application.

3. Mismatch Between Product Details and Documents

Consistency is critical in WPC ETA applications. Rejection happens when:

• Model number differs across documents

• Product name varies between test report and application

• Technical specifications are inconsistent

Even small spelling errors or formatting mismatches can trigger rejection during technical scrutiny.

4. Incorrect Equipment Category Selection

Selecting the wrong equipment category during application is a frequent issue.

For example:

• Declaring a Bluetooth device under the wrong RF category

• Incorrectly classifying IoT, RFID, or Wi-Fi devices

This leads to technical mismatch and eventual rejection because the evaluation criteria differ for each category.

5. Improper Authorization Letter

If the applicant is not the manufacturer, a proper authorization letter is mandatory.

Rejection occurs if:

• Authorization letter is missing

• Not signed or stamped correctly

• Does not clearly authorize ETA filing

• Manufacturer details are incomplete

WPC strictly verifies the legitimacy of representation.

6. Missing or Incorrect Importer Details

For imported products, WPC requires accurate Indian importer details. Applications may be rejected if:

• Importer name or address is missing

• GST or IEC details are incorrect

• Importer details do not match customs records

This ensures accountability within India.

7. Output Power Exceeding Permissible Limits

Each de-licensed band has a maximum permissible output power. If the RF test report shows:

• Output power exceeding limits

• Inconsistent power readings

the application is rejected on technical grounds due to spectrum interference risks.

8. Inadequate Technical Specifications

Some applications are rejected because:

• Technical datasheet is missing

• Antenna type and gain not specified

• Modulation details not provided

WPC requires complete technical clarity to ensure spectrum compliance.

9. Reused or Altered Test Reports

Submitting:

• Edited test reports

• Reports issued for a different model

• Previously used reports without validity

can result in outright rejection and may attract scrutiny.

10. Non-Compliance with Latest WPC Guidelines

WPC regulations evolve periodically. Applications not aligned with:

• Updated frequency rules

• Revised documentation formats

• Current procedural guidelines

may be rejected even if older approvals existed.

Conclusion

WPC ETA certificate rejection is usually the result of documentation errors, technical mismatches, or frequency non-compliance. Most rejections are avoidable with careful verification of RF test reports, accurate product details, correct frequency selection, and proper authorization. For 2026, stricter digital scrutiny and technical validation make accuracy more important than ever. Ensuring compliance at every stage helps businesses obtain ETA approval smoothly and legally enter the Indian market.