On October 22, 2024, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) issued Instruction No. 24/2024-Customs, addressing the process for obtaining Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for license-exempt wireless equipment devices. This initiative aligns with the Office Memorandum from the Department of Telecommunications, dated September 9, 2024, which allows applicants to obtain ETAs on a self-declaration basis, facilitating ease of doing business in the telecom sector. To apply, individuals must submit their applications through the SARAL Sanchar portal, providing necessary documents and fees. Upon approval, applicants can download their ETA certificates directly from the portal. Additionally, ETA holders are required to secure a No Objection Certificate or other clearances from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before importing the equipment, emphasizing their responsibility to adhere to all relevant import regulations. The new instructions also modify previous guidance on the matter, urging customs officials to disseminate this information to ensure compliance and avoid confusion. Any challenges encountered in implementing these guidelines should be reported to the CBIC.
F. No. 401/48/2022- Cus-III
Government of India
Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue,
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
Room No. 229A, North Block, New Delhi
******
Instruction No. 24/2024-Customs Dated: 22.10.2024
To,
All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners of
Customs/Customs (Preventive)/Customs & Central Taxes.
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs/Customs
(Preventive).
All Pr. Directors General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Issuance of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for License-Exempt Wireless Equipment Devices.
Madam/Sir,
Reference is invited to Office Memorandum of WPC Wing, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications issued vide R-11017/01/2018-PP(part-1) dated 09-09-2024 in regard to issuance of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for License-Exempt Wireless Equipment Devices (copy enclosed) as a Ease of Doing Business in the telecom sector.
2.1 Vide above OM, it is conveyed that all the applications of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for wireless equipment devices, which have been license-exempt through various Gazette notifications issued from time to time, shall be granted to the applicant on a self-declaration basis.
2.2 To avail this facility, it is stated that, the applicants are required to submit the applications on the SARAL Sanchar portal (https://saralsanchar.gov.in), with all requisite documents and fees. Upon successful submission of the application, the applicants can download the ETA certificates from the portal.
3. It has also been clarified in the said OM that these ETAs shall be granted for ensuring compliance with RF regulation. Therefore, ETA holders must obtain No Objection Certificate or other clearances (if applicable) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before importing the equipment. It is the sole responsibility of the ETA holders to ensure compliance with all import regulations and requirements stipulated by the DGFT.
4. It is requested to sensitise the officers under your jurisdiction by issue of suitable standing order/public notice.
5. Earlier Instructions no. 16/2022-Customs dated 21.07.2022 stands modified to that extent.
6. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Encl: as above.
Yours faithfully,
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD (Cus-III),
Customs Policy Wing, CBIC
R-11017/01 /2018-PP(parbt )
Ministry of Communications
Department of
Telecommunications WPC
Wing
Sanchar Bhawan. New Delhi-110001.
Dated: 09″ Sept. 2024
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Issuance of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for License-Exempt Wireless Equipment Devices
With the objective to promote the Ease of Doing Business in the telecom sector, the competent authority has decided that, henceforth, all the applications of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for wireless equipment devices. which have been license-exempt through various Gazette notifications issued from time to time. shall be granted to the applicant on a self-declaration basis.
2. Applicants are required to submit the applications on the SARAL Sanchar portal (https://saralsanchar.govint), with all requisite documents and fees.Upon successful submission of the application. the applicants can download the ETA certificates from the portal.
3. These ETAs shall be granted for ensuring compliance with RF regulations. Therefore. ETA holders must obtain No Objection Certificate or other clearances (if applicable) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before importing the equipment. It is the sole responsibility of the ETA holders to ensure compliance with all import regulations and requirements stbulated by the DGFT.
This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.
(Amit Kumar Singh)
Assistant Wireless Adviser
To
1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
2. All Chief–Commissioners of Customs and Central Excise
3. WPC Field Offices
4. IT & SACFA (WPC Wing). For implementation in SARAL Sanchar portal
Copy to:
(i) PPS to Secretary (T)1 AS (T ) ; Member If ) Member (S),
(ii) PPS to Secretary (MeitY)
(ii) Vol Website
