Many wireless devices are used for demo and experimental licenses in India. The question is, are there any regulations governing the use, storage, and disposal of these devices?
Since October 15, 2025, India, through the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Unit under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has implemented guidelines for wireless product disposal. These guidelines are regulated through the document Guideline No. R-11017/11/2025-PP.
The guidelines for wireless product disposal regulate demo and experimental licenses in terms of the use, storage, and especially disposal of wireless devices that were previously under a Wireless Operating License (WOL). These new rules are certainly part of a company’s compliance management to ensure that spectrum usage remains safe and traceable.
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Guideline No. R-11017/11/2025-PP
Guidelines for wireless product disposal provide a structured approach to the use, storage, and disposal of wireless equipment. These devices are typically used under a Wireless Operating License (WOL), including experimental and demonstration licenses.
The wireless equipment regulations listed in the guidelines cover handling after a license is revoked, expires, is stored, or is canceled. These guidelines apply to all entities holding any permit issued by the WPC Wing, RLOs, and Wireless Monitoring Organizations.
Guidelines for Wireless Product Disposal
In the guidelines for wireless product disposal, four main conditions are mandatory. Here is the explanation:
1. Cancellation request by the license holder
The cancellation request is submitted to the licensing office that issued the license. After that, the device must be disposed of within 90 days from the date of the cancellation request. If this cannot be done within the specified period, the company must apply for an NDPL (Non-Destructive Possession License) to ensure that ownership of the device remains lawful.
2. Expired license
The license is considered expired at the end of its validity period. There will be an automatic notification via the portal to the license holder, instructing them to dispose of the equipment within 30 days.
During this period, the equipment will be considered stored under an NDPL. After disposal, the disposal certificate must be uploaded to the portal within seven days at the latest. If disposal within 30 days is not possible, a regular NDPL must be obtained from the authorized WMO field office.
3. Storage for continuing activities
Wireless devices that have been disposed of can still be stored if you wish to continue working on the next stage. However, you must obtain an NDPL from the authorized WMO field office. The purpose of this is to ensure that the device is not considered an illegal device that continues to emit signals without permission.
4. License termination
The government has the right to terminate a license if there is a violation of the provisions. Devices whose licenses have been terminated must be disposed of within 15 days of the termination date. During this period, the devices remain legal until they are disposed of. Then, a certificate of proof of disposal must be submitted to the license-issuing office.
Disposal Methods
Guidelines for wireless product disposal also provide mandatory methods for disposing of devices. The following methods can be used:
- Return it to the source or original manufacturer
- Return it to an authorized WPC dealer
- Transfer the device to another licensee in a similar frequency assignment
- Destroy the device so that it cannot transmit or receive signals
Companies can choose one of these methods for the disposal process. After that, proof of disposal must be submitted in the form of a disposal certificate within 10 days. In addition, the entire process must comply with the 2022 E-Waste Management Rules. Devices must be disposed of in accordance with the Regulations of the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change.
Ultimately, regulations related to guidelines for wireless product disposal were issued to tighten restrictions on unlicensed wireless devices. This should certainly be a special concern for certification holders and importers to comply with the new regulations that impact India type approval process.
Regulatory compliance will certainly ensure that businesses involved in the production, import, distribution, or demonstration of wireless devices in India remain safe. They will avoid violations, fines, or the risk of devices being considered illegal after their licenses expire.
