Srinagar: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has served notices to 13 leading e-commerce platforms for listing and selling walkie-talkies without necessary regulatory approvals, in breach of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, TradeIndia, Facebook, IndiaMart, Jiomart, VardaanMart, Krishnamart, Chimiya, Talk Pro Walie Talkie, and MaskMan Toys allegedly offered wireless communication devices without disclosing critical details such as frequency range, licensing norms under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the WPC Wing.
The CCPA said such omissions mislead consumers into thinking these devices are legal for unrestricted use. Many listings also lacked clarity on whether the devices fell under the exempted category specified in the 2018 rules for low-power, short-range radio devices.
An initial review showed hundreds of non-compliant listings—467 on Amazon, 314 on Flipkart, 489 on Meesho, and 423 on TradeIndia. The CCPA has demanded seller information, product links, frequency details, ETA status, and sales figures since January 2023 from the platforms.
To tackle the issue, the CCPA plans to release Draft Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Sale and Use of Licensed Frequency Range Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus including Walkie-Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025. The draft will be open for public input via the Department of Consumer Affairs website.
The proposed rules will enforce mandatory seller verification, licensing disclosures, auto-removal of illegal listings, public awareness campaigns, and penalties for violations, holding platforms accountable.
Input has also been sought from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Telecommunications. A stakeholder meeting chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on May 3 involved top e-commerce and OTT players, where they were urged to take proactive measures to monitor and eliminate unlawful listings.
