RC India

Hi,

I am importing drones and there is a requirement to fill ETA application form.
Initially the category of RPA’s which I plan to import is in the weight category of “small” and “medium”.

There are 3 sections in the ETA form.
Section-A- Applicant
Section- B- Details of Transmitter
Section-C- Details of Receivers

Has anyone filled this form before ?
Can anyone share the written form? They can remove the section A to hide the applicant details if required.
It is little complicated and need help on the same.

regards,
Prasad.

sorry not wishing to discourage you but , maybe its a lost cause

Don't waste your time. Such applications are thrown in dustbins by WPA employees.
I gone through this and its very painful procedure with zero result.
At the end you will be fined upto Rs 5000 rupees and then you will come here again asking how to respond them.
So its better don't you indulge your self into this .Rest your choice.

Hi Pnkyjs,
Thanks for your answer.
Have you filled an ETA form before, and if yes, are you willing to share?
That's what i am looking for.
Thanks.
regds,
Prasad.

Hi Shaqib19,
I have got some choices lined up in front of me.
I will take the bull by its horns.
So if you have filled an ETA form before, which i presume you had, kindly share.
If you can share then it will be helpful, otherwise, thanks for the advice. :hatsoff:
regds,
Prasad.

Custom dept has nothing to do with ETA Form, they want final NOC Letter from WPA dept which you would never get from them.
If still you want to do your own then go ahead and order a Drone.
GoodLuck.

Hi Shaqib19,
ETA form is for approval from WPC (not WPA), DoT and not customs. I am aware of it. I have never mentioned anywhere that this form is for customs.
However, you have skipped the most important part of my question. Have you filled an ETA form before? And whether you are willing to share it here?

I had filled it but don't have that form now to share.
If you are aware of all things then I don't think you need any advice or guidance.
Do update us when you get your Drone and your experiences.

Hi Shaqib19,
If i knew everything, then i would not have posted my first post.
Of course i will share my experience and the process to all concerned.
regards,
Prasad.

Parastky ... I have not filled in this form for drones
But we have filled similar forms for importing transreceivers (Walky talkys)


Pm me and I will share what I know

PRASATKY ...... Bro, Some 15 years ago i had worked in a telecom company , they used to get the WPC and approvals for the Mobile towers , there was a typical form needed to be filled up having gps coordinates and all, but our company took the help of some third party i forget who, there would be multiple applications and after about 5 to 6 months only the SACFA(Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation) clearances would come through with the approvals and SACFA id for each tower. Thats all i remember now. But i hope you are successful in your endeavor.

Hi Pnkyjs,
Thanks for the update.
Will keep everyone posted, when there is a +ve development.
But the current priority is to get the ETA form filled.

Kind regds,
Prasad.

So fur I know you have to apply separately for each model of drones you wish to import . I too try to fill up the offline form, but later give up for the same reasons. I couldnt register on the site too.   

You are right, for each new model you need to fill the ETA form and get approval for the same.

WPC doesn't entertain applications for Individuals use, only applied by a company will be treated as valid.
The ETA charges is min Rs 10000 which will be deposited to your respective WPC zonal office.
As Drone is strictly banned, ETA will not be issued for this in any condition.
Drone is banned due to avoid terrorist attacks and other national security reason , so they won't take risk by allowing your drone to enter India.
Customs will not release drone until you submit the ETA approval copy and you will be given a week to 10 days time only  to submit the ETA to them otherwise you will be penalized upto Rs 5000 and the drone will be confiscated .

Hi Shaqib19,

I am applying for ETA license for my company and not a individual.
There has been new policy on Drones and it is now possible to import drones, provided all approvals are in place.
When the problem lies at the ETA level, there is no point in looking forward at customs or levels now.

regds,
Prasad.

Is it easier if you apply as a company than a person?

The new policy for drone are not into effect yet. They are still on a hold. So at the moment, drones are still banned.

ETA will not be provided for UAVs as of now.
Even after ETA is approved, you will need DGFT license to import drones which is again a tough task provided the security risk with drones
Even after you get DGFT license, you will need DGCA NoC for your drone shipment which is again another big task as DGCA will not want anyone to risk the airspace security.

So you see, ETA, DGFT and DGCA are the three clearances you will have to pass through to get your drone.

And again, its easier said than done. You must not be knowing that to get DGFT license, each aircraft should be inscribed with a USN on blastproof metal plate. How are you going to do that as for my knowledge, none of the bramds do this right now.

Not being pessimistic but you should avaoid going through all the trouble just to find a dead end right now.

Hi Prasad,

Are you still looking for this?

Regards,
Bharadwaj

Hi Bharadwaj,

Can you help us with this ETA certificate for Mavic Mini 2? I mean if its already available on the name of some other company/person.

hi guys sorry to ask, if the procedure is so hard to import how are companies like DJI doing business in India?