India Type Approval

To market, import, or sell electronic and wireless products in India, manufacturers must comply with local regulatory requirements. The main regulatory authorities involved are:

• WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) – for wireless and RF approvals
• BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) – for safety and quality standards
• TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) – for telecom and network devices

1. WPC Approval (Wireless Devices & RF Equipment)

Regulator: Department of Telecommunications – WPC Wing
Applies to: Any product using RF (Radio Frequency) technologies

Products That Require WPC Approval

• Wi-Fi routers and modules
• Bluetooth devices and wearables
• Cellular-enabled IoT products (2G/3G/4G/5G)
• RFID readers, remote controls, wireless speakers

Certification Process

1. Determine License Type
   • ETA (Equipment Type Approval) is required for most low-power wireless devices operating in unlicensed bands
   • Licensed-band devices (e.g., GSM) may require frequency allocation and licensing
2. Testing Requirement
   • For ETA, products must be tested in an accredited Indian lab, or valid test reports may be submitted (in some cases)
   • Key parameter: Compliance with India’s frequency and power limits
3. Local Indian Entity Required
   • Only an Indian company can apply for ETA on behalf of a foreign manufacturer
4. Grant of ETA Certificate
   • Once approved, you’ll receive an ETA certificate number (no physical label required, but documentation is essential)

2. BIS Certification (Product Safety – Compulsory Registration Scheme)

Regulator: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Applies to: Electronics, IT hardware, appliances, batteries, lighting, etc.

Products Covered Under BIS (CRS Scheme)

• Power banks, mobile phones, chargers
• TVs, monitors, and laptops
• LED lighting and control gear
• Electronic toys and smartwatches
• Household appliances (depending on product)

Certification Process (CRS Scheme)

1. Testing in BIS-Recognized Lab
   • Products must be tested in an Indian BIS-accredited laboratory
   • Test reports must follow Indian standards (IS)
2. Application Submission
   • Submit application via the BIS portal, including test reports, factory details, label artwork, and documents
3. Factory Inspection (for some schemes)
   • For the ISI mark scheme (used for more critical items), a factory audit is conducted by BIS inspectors
4. Labeling Requirements
   • Products must display the Standard Mark (e.g., BIS CRS logo + unique registration number)
   • Label must be permanently affixed and clearly visible
5. Local Representative Requirement
   • Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to hold the BIS license

Validity and Renewal

• BIS registration is valid for 2 years and is renewable

3. TEC Certification (Telecom & Network Devices)

Regulator: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
Applies to: Network-connected devices and telecom infrastructure

Products That May Require TEC Approval

• Routers, switches, and modems
• IoT gateways and smart meters
• PBX systems, base stations, etc.

Certification Process

1. Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE)
   • Testing must be done in a TEC-designated lab in India
   • Covers safety, EMI/EMC, SAR, and technical parameters
2. Certification Application
   • Requires submission of technical documents, test reports, product info, and a compliance statement
3. Labeling Requirement
   • Products must be marked with a TEC certificate number once approved
4. Local Presence
   • Indian representation is mandatory

Validity and Renewal

• Certificates are typically valid for 5 years

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Why Compliance Matters in India

India has strict enforcement and border control:

• Non-certified products are denied import at customs
• Unauthorized wireless devices may face confiscation or fines
• Retail sale of non-BIS-compliant products is prohibited

Final Recommendations

• Start compliance planning early, especially if multiple certifications are needed (WPC + BIS or TEC + BIS)
• Choose reliable Indian representatives or local partners to manage submissions
• Keep all labeling, manuals, and declarations in line with Indian standards

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