CCPA cracks down on illegal sale of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms
New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took action against the illegal sale of walkie-talkies on major e-commerce platforms and imposed penalties for regulatory violations.
The Authority initiated suo motu proceedings after it detected more than 16,900 non-compliant listings of walkie-talkies, also known as Personal Mobile Radios. CCPA issued notices to 13 platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart and Meta’s Facebook Marketplace.
Investigators found that platforms allowed sellers to list and sell walkie-talkies without mandatory approvals. Many listings did not disclose operating frequency, licensing requirements or Equipment Type Approval from the Department of Telecommunications. Sellers also falsely advertised several products as “license-free” or “100% legal,” misleading consumers.
Illegal sale of walkie-talkies triggers safety and compliance concerns
CCPA found that many devices operated in the Ultra High Frequency band, which authorities reserve for police, emergency and disaster response services. Some sellers marketed walkie-talkies as toys despite ranges of up to 30 kilometres, which raised serious safety concerns.
The illegal sale of walkie-talkies violates the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the 2018 rules governing low-power radio devices. Even licence-exempt devices must operate only within the 446.0–446.2 MHz band and secure ETA certification before sale.
To stop further violations, CCPA notified new guidelines in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Home Affairs. These rules direct platforms to verify frequency compliance, ensure ETA certification, disclose licensing conditions and block misleading claims.
The Authority passed final orders against eight entities, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Meta, JioMart, Talk Pro, Chimiya and MaskMan Toys. CCPA imposed penalties of ₹10 lakh each on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and Meta. It levied lower penalties on other platforms.
CCPA rejected claims that platforms act only as intermediaries. It clarified that platforms must conduct due diligence when they host and promote regulated products.
The Authority warned that unauthorised radio equipment can disrupt critical communication networks and threaten public safety. It reaffirmed its commitment to curb the illegal sale of walkie-talkies and protect consumer rights.
