CCPA Cracks Down on E-Commerce Platforms Over Illegal Walkie-Talkie Sales

09 May, 2025
CCPA Cracks Down on E-Commerce Platforms Over Illegal Walkie-Talkie Sales

Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.On May 9, 2025, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to 13 e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, TradeIndia, Facebook, Indiamart, VardaanMart, Jiomart, Krishnamart, Chimiya, Talk Pro Walkie Talkie, and MaskMan Toys. The notices pertain to the sale of walkie-talkie devices without proper frequency disclosure, licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA), which constitutes a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Legal Framework and Consumer Protection

The CCPA highlighted that the sale of such devices without mandatory disclosures misleads consumers into believing that these devices are freely operable by the general public. This omission violates multiple legal frameworks, including the Consumer Protection Act, the Indian Telegraph Act, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, require e-commerce entities to provide clear and accessible information to enable consumers to make informed decisions at the pre-purchase stage.

Ministerial Remarks on National Security

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that the sale of non-compliant wireless devices not only breaches statutory obligations but may also pose significant risks to national security operations. He stated that the CCPA would issue formal guidelines under Section 18(2)(l) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, aimed at strengthening compliance and consumer safeguards in digital marketplaces.

Draft Guidelines and Inter-Agency Collaboration

In response to rampant non-adherence to existing legal provisions by e-commerce entities, the CCPA announced plans to issue specific guidelines to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard consumer interests. These guidelines will be issued under Section 18(2)(l) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The 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, will soon be placed on the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs for public comments and feedback. The CCPA has also reached out to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Telecommunications for their inputs on the matter.

Enforcement and Compliance Measures

E-commerce platforms have been directed to monitor listings on their platforms and immediately delist all sellers who fail to comply with the applicable laws, rules, and guidelines. The CCPA's proactive approach aims to ensure a fair, safe, and transparent digital marketplace for consumers across the country.

Summary of Key Points:

  • The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to 13 e-commerce platforms for the illegal sale of walkie-talkies without proper licensing and disclosures.
  • The sale of such devices without mandatory information violates the Consumer Protection Act, the Indian Telegraph Act, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act.
  • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the national security risks posed by non-compliant wireless devices.
  • The CCPA plans to issue formal guidelines to strengthen compliance and consumer safeguards in digital marketplaces.
  • Draft guidelines will be open for public comments and will involve inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Telecommunications.
  • E-commerce platforms are instructed to monitor and delist non-compliant sellers immediately.
  • The CCPA aims to ensure a transparent and safe digital marketplace for consumers.