New Delhi: In a decisive move to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless communication devices, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Friday issued fresh guidelines to regulate the listing and sale of radio equipment on e-commerce platforms.
The new norms, aimed at enhancing consumer safety and national security, come amid heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Authorities fear such equipment could be misused by extremist elements to disrupt civilian life or target security forces.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said the guidelines were formulated in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and seek to address growing concerns over the unregulated online sale of devices like walkie-talkies. Many of these listings fail to mention critical legal requirements such as licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
Key provisions of the guidelines include:
- Only authorised, compliant radio devices operating on permitted frequencies may be listed.
- Sellers must disclose technical details like frequency range and provide regulatory approvals.
- Platforms are required to verify listings for compliance and remove non-conforming products.
- Misleading product descriptions and advertisements are strictly prohibited.
- Penalties for violations will be enforced under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Earlier this month, the CCPA had issued notices to 12 major online platforms—including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, and Indiamart—over non-compliant listings. A preliminary review uncovered hundreds of questionable listings, with Amazon hosting around 467, Flipkart 314, Meesho 489, and TradeIndia 423.
The government warns that unregulated use of such devices could interfere with emergency services and law enforcement communication networks, potentially endangering public safety.
