CBIC Notifies Simplified ETA Process for Wireless Devices

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 09.07.2025

CBIC Notifies Simplified ETA Process for Wireless Devices

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Instruction No. 24/2024-Customs simplifying the import process for license-exempt wireless equipment. This follows the directive issued by the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through its Office Memorandum dated 09.09.2024, streamlining the Equipment Type Approval (ETA) process via self-declaration.

This new system benefits stakeholders in the telecom, electronics, IT, e-commerce, and IoT sectors by reducing procedural bottlenecks, improving import turnaround times, and enhancing ease of doing business in India.

What Is Equipment Type Approval (ETA)?

ETA is a mandatory regulatory compliance issued by the WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) Wing of DoT. It ensures that wireless devices conform to the permissible radio frequency (RF) bands and emission norms under Indian regulations.

Typically, any wireless device (e.g., Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth products, Zigbee-enabled equipment, RFID readers, etc.) needs an ETA before import into India.

Key Features of Instruction No. 24/2024-Customs

Self-Declaration Based ETA Grant for License-Exempt Devices

The CBIC has confirmed that, per DoT’s instructions:

ETA for wireless devices that are license-exempt under various Gazette notifications will now be granted on a self-declaration basis.
This eliminates the need for pre-approval or in-person scrutiny by the WPC Wing.

This means a massive procedural relaxation for businesses importing:

Bluetooth devices
Wi-Fi routers
Wearables
IoT sensors and gateways
Short-range communication devices

Centralised Application via SARAL Sanchar Portal

All ETA applications must now be submitted through the SARAL Sanchar Portal with:

Technical documentation
RF test reports (if applicable)
Prescribed application fee

Once the application is submitted and validated, the ETA certificate can be downloaded instantly from the same portal—no waiting period, no file movement.

ETA Only Confirms RF Compliance – Import Policy Still Applies

Importers are reminded that:

ETA only ensures that the product complies with radio frequency norms.
Importers must still obtain:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) or
- License exemption from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) wherever required.

It is solely the responsibility of the importer (or ETA holder) to comply with DGFT’s Foreign Trade Policy conditions.

Revised Standing Instructions to Customs Zones

CBIC has directed all:

Principal Chief Commissioners / Chief Commissioners of Customs
Commissioners of Customs and Preventive Units
Directors General under CBIC

To:

Issue Standing Orders or Public Notices
Sensitize officers at ports, ICDs, and airports to the revised self-declaration ETA protocol
Ensure uniform and timely clearance of consignments covered under self-certified ETA

This aims to prevent inconsistency and delays during customs clearance at various ports.

Instruction 16/2022-Customs Now Modified

CBIC has clarified that this new instruction modifies Instruction No. 16/2022-Customs dated 21.07.2022, to the extent it relates to ETA processing.

Benefits to Industry

Stakeholder	Benefit
Electronics & IoT Importers	Rapid ETA issuance, reduced import lead time
Customs Brokers & CHAs	No WPC approval delays; easier document handling
eCommerce Platforms	Faster imports for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi products, gadgets
Startups & MSMEs	Access to global wireless tech without red tape
DGFT-licensed Traders	Better compliance clarity with separation of RF and import control roles

Compliance Checklist for Importers

Before proceeding with imports:

Confirm the device is license-exempt per DoT’s notified list
Apply and download self-declared ETA certificate via SARAL Sanchar Portal
Obtain DGFT clearance or exemption (where applicable)
Maintain records of application, technical documents, and import documentation
Ensure ETA number and document are presented during customs clearance

CBIC’s Message to Field Officers

Field formations should not hold up consignments for traditional ETA validations if self-declared ETAs are submitted.
Officers must verify:
- ETA certificate issued via SARAL portal
- Validity of license exemption
- DGFT-related compliance (NOC, import policy)

Any deviation should be addressed via speaking orders or guidance from the Customs Policy Wing.

Conclusion

The self-declaration-based ETA system, as notified by Instruction No. 24/2024-Customs, is a major policy shift that reduces regulatory friction in India’s growing wireless and digital electronics sector.

It empowers businesses to bring in globally compliant wireless technologies faster, helps regulators focus on post-import compliance rather than procedural approvals, and aligns with India’s commitment to ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and Digital India.

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Source: CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India

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