Major E-Commerce Platforms Under Scanner
The Authority issued notices to 13 e-commerce entities, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, Meta (Facebook Marketplace), Talk Pro, Chimiya, MaskMan Toys, IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Antriksh Technologies, Vardaanmart and Krishna Mart. Investigations revealed that several platforms were facilitating the sale of walkie-talkies operating on restricted radio frequency bands without statutory approvals.
CCPA observed that many listings failed to disclose critical information such as operating frequency, licensing requirements and Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certification issued by the Department of Telecommunications. Several devices were falsely advertised as “license-free” or “100% legal,” misleading consumers into purchasing products that could expose them to legal consequences.
Public Safety and National Security Concerns
Authorities highlighted that many walkie-talkies were operating in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band, which is reserved for police, emergency services and disaster response agencies. Unauthorized use of such frequencies can cause harmful interference with critical communication networks.
In some instances, walkie-talkies were marketed as toys despite having communication ranges of up to 30 kilometres, far exceeding permissible limits. The CCPA noted that such misrepresentation undermines consumer trust and poses serious public safety risks.
Legal Framework and Regulatory Violations
The sale, import and use of walkie-talkies in India are governed by the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Low Power and Very Low Power Radio Frequency Device Rules, 2018. Under these rules, only devices operating strictly within the 446.0–446.2 MHz band are exempt from licensing, and even these require ETA certification.
Failure to comply with these provisions constitutes misleading advertisement, unfair trade practice and deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, along with violations of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
Penalties and Enforcement Action
The CCPA imposed penalties of ₹10 lakh each on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and Meta Platforms Inc, and ₹1 lakh each on Chimiya, JioMart, Talk Pro and MaskMan Toys. Several platforms have already deposited the penalty amounts, while proceedings against others remain ongoing.
Rejecting claims that platforms were merely intermediaries, the Authority clarified that entities facilitating the listing and sale of regulated products must exercise due diligence and cannot evade responsibility under the law.
New Guidelines to Prevent Recurrence
To prevent future violations, the CCPA has notified the “Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie-Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025,” in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The guidelines mandate frequency verification, ETA compliance, clear consumer disclosures, prohibition of misleading claims and deployment of automated monitoring systems to detect and remove illegal listings.
Commitment to Consumer Protection
The Authority reiterated that consumers rely heavily on online product descriptions while making purchases. Sale of non-compliant radio equipment not only misleads buyers but also exposes them to legal and regulatory risks.
CCPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, transparent and accountable digital marketplace, urging all e-commerce platforms to strictly adhere to regulatory norms while listing radio communication devices.
Final orders and detailed advisories are available on the official website of the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
