Published: 9 Jul 2026
India Introduces New Digital Authorisation Framework for Radio Equipment Businesses Under Telecommunications Act, 2023
In a significant regulatory reform, the Government of India has notified the Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026, replacing the decades-old Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Possession) Rules, 1965 with a modern, digital authorisation framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Effective through G.S.R. 592(E) dated 8 July 2026, the new rules introduce a mandatory online authorisation regime for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, selling, repairing, testing, or demonstrating radio equipment in India.
What Has Changed?
Under the new framework, businesses can no longer rely on the previous licensing system under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Instead, eligible entities must obtain authorisation through a designated online portal notified by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The Rules are aimed at digitising the authorisation process while strengthening regulatory oversight of radio equipment in India.
Who Needs to Obtain Authorisation?
The new authorisation requirement applies to companies, LLPs, partnership firms, and other business entities engaged in activities involving radio equipment, including:
- Manufacturing
- Importing
- Purchasing or possessing for commercial purposes
- Selling or hiring
- Repairing
- Testing and demonstration
Businesses importing radio equipment solely for testing or demonstration must also obtain authorisation under the new framework.
Key Compliance Requirements
The new Rules introduce a structured authorisation process with defined fees and validity periods.
Application Fee
- ₹1,000 (non-refundable)
Authorisation Fee
- ₹10,000 per year for full dealing authorisation (manufacture, import, sale, hire, repair, etc.)
- ₹2,000 per year for testing and demonstration authorisation (subject to a minimum fee of ₹500)
Validity
- 1 to 5 years for full dealing authorisations.
- Up to 12 months for testing and demonstration authorisations.
What About Existing Applications?
One of the most important changes introduced by the new Rules concerns applications pending under the previous licensing regime.
Applications submitted under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 that have not been granted before the commencement of the new Rules will lapse, and applicants will be required to submit fresh applications under the new digital framework. The Government has, however, provided for adjustment of application fees already paid under the earlier regime.
This makes it essential for businesses with pending applications to review their compliance status and reapply through the designated portal wherever required.
Additional Compliance Obligations
The Rules introduce several ongoing compliance requirements for authorised entities, including:
- Maintaining an inventory of radio equipment.
- Updating records and prescribed information on the online portal.
- Reporting any loss, theft, or suspected misuse of radio equipment.
- Facilitating inspections and physical verification by the Government when required.
- Ensuring radio equipment conforms to applicable standards and is used only for authorised purposes.
In addition, businesses dealing with telecommunication jammers or other equipment that blocks telecommunications must obtain separate approval under Section 48 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, while certain applicants may also be subject to security vetting before authorisation is granted.
Who Is Exempt?
The Rules do not apply to ordinary consumers using personal wireless devices.
Exemptions include, among others:
- Amateur radio operators holding a valid Amateur Station Operator Certificate.
- Telecom subscribers using licensed services.
- Individuals possessing radio equipment with up to four subscriber identity modules (SIMs).
- Persons covered under other exemptions or authorisations issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
However, these exempted persons are not permitted to manufacture, sell, or let for hire such radio equipment without obtaining the appropriate authorisation.
Business Impact
The new Rules have significant implications for businesses across the telecommunications and electronics ecosystem.
Importers, distributors, manufacturers, repair centres, testing laboratories, and product demonstration facilities dealing with walkie-talkies, wireless routers, RF devices, IoT equipment, and other radio equipment must now comply with the new digital authorisation framework before undertaking regulated activities.
Businesses with pending applications under the previous regime should also take immediate steps to understand the transition requirements and avoid compliance disruptions.
Conclusion
The Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026 represent a major shift in India’s regulatory framework for radio equipment by replacing legacy licensing provisions with a fully digital authorisation system.
Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, testing, repairing, or trading radio equipment should review the new requirements carefully and ensure timely compliance to avoid regulatory risks.
How Omega QMS Can Help
At Omega QMS, we assist businesses in navigating India’s evolving regulatory landscape, including telecommunications compliance, import regulations, product approvals, BIS certification, and other statutory requirements.
If your business deals with radio equipment or wireless products, our experts can help you understand the new authorisation requirements, assess compliance obligations, and support you through the regulatory process.
Sources
Primary Source
Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, G.S.R. 592(E) – Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026, notified on 08 July 2026.
Secondary Source
e-Gazette of India – Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026.