In a thoughtful and much-needed step to protect consumers and uphold national safety standards, the Government of India has introduced new guidelines aimed at preventing the illegal listing and sale of radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, on e-commerce platforms. These comprehensive rules, officially titled Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, have been notified by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
The rise of e-commerce has brought many conveniences to consumers, but it has also led to unintended risks—especially in the unchecked sale of wireless communication devices that are often listed online without proper regulatory approval or legal clarity. These devices, when sold without clearly mentioning whether a license is needed, can mislead buyers and may even interfere with sensitive communication networks used by police, emergency services, and other authorities.
In response to this growing concern, the Department of Consumer Affairs held detailed consultations with both the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Drawing on the regulatory expertise and security insights from both departments, the guidelines have been carefully crafted to balance consumer interest, public safety, and platform accountability.
It was discovered that a staggering number of walkie-talkies—over 16,970 listings—had been put up for sale on various online marketplaces without essential information such as operating frequency, the need for licenses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, or confirmation of compliance with relevant exemptions like the 2018 Low Power Device Rules. In many cases, the absence of such details gave consumers the false impression that these devices could be used freely and legally, potentially exposing them to legal action or endangering secure communication channels.
The newly introduced guidelines aim to put an end to such unsafe practices. They make it mandatory for sellers to clearly disclose frequency ranges, technical specifications, and proof of regulatory approval—such as Equipment Type Approval (ETA)—for each device listed. E-commerce platforms, in turn, are required to perform due diligence by verifying compliance and removing any listings that lack this critical information. The guidelines also prohibit misleading product descriptions that could misinform buyers about the legal status of the equipment being sold.
Sellers are further instructed to ensure that their devices do not operate on unauthorized frequencies, and that product descriptions include proper labeling to indicate the exact bands being used. In case of violations, strict penalties are outlined under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and platforms may be held liable for non-compliance.
These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to creating a safe and transparent digital marketplace where consumer rights are protected and national security is respected. Importantly, the guidelines also call for automated monitoring systems that will flag and remove unauthorized listings, ensuring ongoing enforcement even as new products enter the market. The goal is not only to protect consumers but to raise awareness so that buyers can make informed decisions without unknowingly putting themselves at risk.
The CCPA had already taken action by issuing thirteen formal notices to various digital platforms for hosting illegal walkie-talkie listings—an effort that underscores how seriously the authorities are treating this matter. These platforms will continue to be monitored to ensure full adherence to the new rules.
In a time when digital commerce is flourishing and access to communication devices is easier than ever, these measures are a timely reminder that convenience must never come at the cost of safety and legality. The government’s empathetic yet firm approach ensures that both buyers and sellers are better informed and more responsible, paving the way for a more secure and trustworthy e-commerce environment.
