DoT Extends 6GHz Wi-Fi Compliance Deadline
9. July 2026India Extends WPC ETA Transition Deadline for 6 GHz Wi-Fi Devices
India’s Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced an extension of the deadline for the withdrawal and replacement of certain Equipment Type Approvals (ETA) related to 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices. The revised deadline for completing the regulatory transition is 6 July 2026, providing additional time for manufacturers, importers, and OEMs to update their approvals in line with the latest WPC requirements.
The extension is particularly relevant for wireless products operating in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency range, which corresponds to the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. Companies with affected products should use the additional time to review their certification status and ensure compliance with the updated framework. Wi-Fi devices usually require WPC certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.
Updated WPC Requirements for Existing ETA Holders
The regulatory update affects equipment that supports operation in the 6 GHz band but currently holds an active ETA covering only the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz frequency bands. In such cases, existing approvals must be revised through a two-step process.
First, companies are required to submit a technical cancellation request for the existing ETA. The request must be sent to the designated WPC email addresses and should include the current ETA number, the new ETA reference, and details of the product make and model.
Following the cancellation process, applicants must submit a new ETA application through the WPC online portal. The new application should accurately reflect all operational frequency bands supported by the device, including the 5925–6425 MHz spectrum used for 6 GHz Wi-Fi functionality.
Implications for Manufacturers and Market Access
The extension offers valuable additional preparation time, but businesses should not assume that compliance activities can be delayed indefinitely. The transition requires both manual administrative steps and the submission of a fresh certification application, which may involve processing times and additional technical documentation.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors supplying wireless networking equipment to the Indian market should verify whether any products in their portfolio include 6 GHz Wi-Fi capability. Failure to update approvals before the revised deadline could result in certification discrepancies that may affect importation, distribution, or market access.
The WPC certification framework plays a central role in regulating radio-frequency devices in India and ensuring that wireless products operate within authorized spectrum allocations. Companies planning to continue marketing 6 GHz-enabled devices in India should complete the required certification updates well before 6 July 2026 to maintain regulatory compliance and avoid potential disruptions.
WPC certification is necessary for wireless products in order to be used and sold in India.
The national broadcasting authority WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) is responsible for this certification, in order to regulate the issuing of issuing of amateur radio licenses and the allocation and monitoring of the frequency spectrum.
If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). There is no cost or obligation for us to check for you. If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.
For more information about WPC certification, please refer to our free brochure “WPC Certification Made Easy“.
