New Delhi, May 30 (H.S): The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has issued Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment, including Walkie Talkies, on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025. These guidelines aim to prevent the unauthorized sale of wireless devices that could compromise consumer safety, mislead consumers about legality, and disrupt critical communication networks such as those used by law enforcement and emergency services. Following extensive consultations with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the guidelines incorporate important regulatory and security considerations to ensure a coordinated approach.
It has been noted that walkie-talkies are being sold online without necessary disclosures regarding wireless operating licenses or compliance with existing laws. Product listings often lack vital information about licensing requirements and potential legal ramifications for unauthorized use. This creates a misleading perception that these devices are freely operable by the public.
Key highlights of the guidelines emphasize the necessity for clear disclosures on licensing, compliance with relevant laws, and potential consequences of using such devices without proper authorization. The guidelines are available for public access on the Department's website.
Mandates authorized walkie-talkie devices on permitted frequencies for online sale. Product listings must detail frequency ranges, technical parameters, and provide regulatory approval proof (ETA). E-commerce entities must verify regulatory compliance, including licensing; listings without frequency info or necessary certification must be removed. Misleading ads or descriptions that could misinform consumers about legal usage are prohibited. Sellers must ensure devices comply with frequency assignment and authorization by DOT, with clearly labeled frequency bands in product descriptions. Penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violations are detailed per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The Department's guidelines aim to ensure due diligence by platforms, verify seller credentials, implement automated monitoring and takedown for unauthorized listings, promote consumer awareness through proper disclosures, and enforce penalties and platform liability for non-compliance. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had previously issued thirteen notices against 16,970 product listings on major digital marketplaces that violated the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 due to lack of proper frequency disclosure, licensing, or ETA for walkie-talkies. These platforms are under ongoing scrutiny, alongside the notification of new guidelines.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
