WPC vs BIS: What's the Difference?

Are you confused about the differences between WPC and BIS Certification in India? Then you are at the right place. A BIS Certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) indicates that the product meets the necessary Indian standards for safety, reliability, and quality. Whereas WPC is issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination, this ensures that your wireless-enabled device conforms to telecom and frequency compliance.

Both certification bodies are crucial for the Indian market. It becomes utmost important to understand the difference between these certifications, especially for manufacturers, importers, and businesses involved with electronics and wireless products. So let’s delve deeper to know more.

What is BIS and WPC Certification?

WPC & BIS Certifications are both issued by different government bodies and have separate intents, but both are applied to various product categories. BIS Licensig ensures that products of Indian origin satisfy and comply with Indian standards of quality, safety, and performance, while WPC Certification allows the use of RF and wireless technology under the relevant regulations of the country. Below, we will discuss the certification and how it affects the legal compliance of the product and access to the Indian market.

BIS Certification in India

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment scheme governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-India’s national standard body, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.  The main aim behind this certification is to ensure that products are manufactured or imported into India and satisfy the safety, quality, and performance requirements as specified by Indian Standards (IS codes). 

BIS Mandatory Products are subjected to registration and must fulfil the requirements of the applicable standards to obtain certification in advance before they can be marketed, sold, or imported into India.

WPC Certification in India 

WPC Certification is a license provided by the Wireless Planning and Coordinating (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.  

This Certification is compulsory for WPC Mandatory Products operating in the spectrum as summoned and regulated by the Indian telecom regulations.  This certification certifies that the devices are not disrupting national security, other public networks, or any wireless communication.

Key Differences Between WPC & BIS Certification  

Below, you can go through the key differences between WPC & BIS Certification: 

1. Governing Body

• WPC Certification is a mark provided by WPC other than the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• BIS Certification is a mark provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards, part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

2. Purpose

• WPC provides certification to ensure that any device that uses RF or wireless technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc.) is compliant with India's telecom regulations and frequency usage.
• BIS provides certification to ensure that any products comply with the quality, safety, and performance requirements according to India's applicable Indian Standards (IS codes).

3. Types of Products Regulated

• WPC applies to products based on wireless communication technology, e.g., routers, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, IoT devices, etc.
• BIS applies to a wide variety of electronic, electrical, and industrial products, e.g,. Mobile phones, LED lights, kitchen appliances, steel items, etc.

4. Types of Certification

• WPC will issue ETA (Equipment Type Approval) for de-licensed RF devices, as well as Import Licenses and Experimental Licenses.
• BIS will provide ISI Mark Certification (for industrial/consumer goods) and CRS Registration (for electronics & IT products).

5. Testing Requirements

• WPC will allow testing in internationally accredited laboratories for ETA purposes.
• BIS tests must be done in one of the BIS-recognised laboratories in India only.

Why Are Both WPC and BIS Certifications Compulsory in the Indian Market?

In India, both WPC and BIS certifications are compulsory because they serve distinct but complementary regulatory purposes. Both certifications are compulsory for manufacturers as well as consumers in the Indian market. Let’s go through the importance of these certifications:                                                    

1. Different Regulatory Authorities

• WPC Certification is governed by the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing of the Ministry of Communications through the use of radio frequency (RF) and also uses technologies for wireless communications such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee.
• BIS Certification is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which guarantees product safety, product performance, and product quality based on Indian Standards (IS codes).

2. Different Compliance Outcomes 

• WPC ensures that the end device is functioning and operating in the permitted frequency ranges and does not cause interference with any public or private communication networks.
• BIS ensures the product is safe for the consumer, reliable, and meets structural performance for all benchmark tests as outlined in the Indian Standards. 

3. Product Types Requiring Both Certifications

Products that require both WPC and BIS authorisation are:

• Smart phones
• Bluetooth headphones
• Wi-Fi routers
• Smart watches
• Wireless speakers
• Smart TVs (that offer Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)

These products use RF modules, which require the WPC aspect. Additionally, products falling under the mandatory BIS classification still need this WPC certification due to the use of RF.

4. Legal requirement to enter the market

If you do not have both WPC and BIS certifications:

• They will be blocked at Indian customs as imports
• You are unable to sell either online or offline
• Vendors and importers are subject to fines, confiscation, or legal action

5. Consumer safety + National security

The dual certification in India is mandated to:

• Department of Consumer Affairs - Protect consumers from substandard, counterfeit, or unsafe products.
• Prevent unauthorized use of RF to protect national security and the integrity of national or local telecommunication systems.

Conclusion

It is compulsory to know the key differences between WPC Certification and BIS Certification if you plan to manufacture, import, or sell wireless devices and electronic products in India. In the above article, we have mentioned all the key differences and the importance of both certifications for manufacturers and consumers in the Indian market.

Ultimately, at ERCS Private Limited, as a BIS & WPC consultant in India makes the confusing certification process easier with end-to-end consulting.  From documentation, lab testing, application submission, and certifying completion, we manage all certificate issuance process.