CCPA Issues Guidelines to Curb Illegal Online Sales of Walkie-Talkies and Radio Equipment

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued guidelines to prevent the unauthorized listing and sale of radio equipment, especially walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms. These guidelines aim to protect consumers, prevent national security risks, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Highlights:

Mandatory WPC Approval (ETA):

Only radio equipment approved by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) can be listed and sold online.

Product Listing Requirements:

1. Platforms must ensure that listings include:

2. ETA certificate details

3. Operating frequency range

4. Applicable license/approval information

Prohibited Items:

1. Sale of mobile signal boosters and jammers is explicitly banned.

2. Platform Responsibilities:

3. Deploy filters to detect unauthorized listings

4. Implement seller verification mechanisms

5. Establish reporting and takedown systems

6. Remove illegal listings within 24 hours of notice

Consumer Protection:

Prevents consumers from unknowingly purchasing unlicensed or potentially harmful equipment.

Regulatory Action:

Non-compliance may attract penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and other telecom laws.

These guidelines reinforce the government’s push for responsible e-commerce practices and ensure that only legally compliant radio devices are sold in India.