In India, wireless products such as Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers, RFID equipment, IoT devices, and other RF-enabled gadgets must obtain WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) before they can be imported, sold, or marketed. Alongside regulatory approval, compliance with the WPC ETA marking requirements is essential to legally operate in the Indian market.
Markup requirements ensure that products clearly display globally recognized identification, certification information, and manufacturer details. This article explains the what, why, and how of WPC ETA marking — making compliance easy to understand for manufacturers, importers, and sellers.
1. The Purpose of WPC ETA Marking Requirements
Mandating specific marking on wireless products serves three core objectives:
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Regulatory Compliance – To verify that the product has obtained official approval from the WPC authority.
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Traceability – To link the product physically to its valid ETA certification details.
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Consumer and Market Transparency – To ensure customers and enforcement authorities can identify compliant products easily.
In essence, marking requirements reduce fake imports, prevent misuse of the spectrum, and protect users from uncertified or harmful wireless devices.
2. What Must Be Marked on Wireless Products?
Under WPC ETA marking requirements, all certified wireless products sold in India must include the following information visibly on the product or its packaging:
a. WPC ETA Certificate Number
The most important requirement is to display the ETA Certificate Number issued by the WPC authority.
This should be printed in a legible format such as:
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ETA/xxxx/xxxx
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Alphanumeric string provided on the certificate
The ETA number confirms regulatory approval and provides traceability.
b. Manufacturer/Importer Details
Products must display:
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Manufacturer’s name
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Importer’s name and address (if imported)
This provides clarity on who is responsible for the product in India, for both compliance and warranty purposes.
c. Model Number or Identifier
Each wireless device must be clearly marked with its model number or designation.
This ensures that the marking corresponds to the exact product covered under the ETA certification — not to a different model or variant.
d. Frequency and Power Information (if applicable)
While not always mandatory, many wireless devices also display:
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Operating frequency band
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Rated output power
This offers additional technical transparency and assures authorities that the product meets spectrum usage norms.
3. How the Marking Should Be Applied
a. Durable and Clear
The marking must be:
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Permanent
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Non-erasable
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Clearly legible
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Located on the product label or body
If the device is small and cannot physically carry the marking, the information must appear on the outer packaging or user manual.
b. On the Product or Packaging
Depending on product size:
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Bigger products should have markings directly on the unit.
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Very small devices can use packaging markings, as long as they are visible at the point of sale.
4. Placement Best Practices
Good placement practices help compliance and inspections:
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Markings should be on the back of the product or bottom surface
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Near the product label or barcode
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On the outer box, if the product itself is too small
Inspectors and customs officials should be able to read markings during routine checks without dismantling the product.
5. Why Incorrect or Missing Marking Is a Compliance Risk
Failing to follow WPC ETA marking requirements can lead to:
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Customs shipment rejection
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Fines and penalties
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Product seizure
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Delisting from e-commerce platforms
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Market enforcement action
Authorities actively check markings during import clearance and market surveillance. Incorrect or absent markings signal non-compliance.
6. How to Ensure Continued Compliance
To stay compliant, manufacturers and importers should:
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Verify the correct ETA number before printing
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Ensure each product model is individually marked
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Include markings on new product versions
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Keep packaging and labeling updated with any ETA changes
Maintaining correct documentation and quality checks helps avoid market issues.
Conclusion
WPC ETA marking requirements are a critical part of ensuring that wireless products in India are legally approved, traceable, and transparent to regulators and consumers alike. By displaying the correct ETA certificate number, manufacturer/importer details, model number, and relevant technical information clearly and durably, businesses can ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and build trust in the marketplace. As wireless technology grows faster each year, correct marking remains essential for safe, reliable, and regulation-compliant products in India.