The rise of e-commerce in India has changed the way people shop. From groceries to gadgets, almost everything is available at the click of a button. But alongside this growth, a parallel problem has also emerged — the illegal sale of radio communication equipment, including walkie-talkies, without proper government approvals.
To address this serious concern, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), issued comprehensive guidelines in 2025. These rules are designed to prevent the illegal listing, sale, and distribution of unlicensed radio equipment on e-commerce platforms.
This blog explains the new guidelines in simple terms — what they mean, why they were issued, and how they affect consumers, sellers, and online marketplaces.
Why Were These Guidelines Needed?
Walkie-talkies and other wireless radio devices operate on specific frequency bands. In India, the use of such devices is regulated by the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and DoT’s Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing.
Unauthorized devices can:
- Interfere with emergency and defense communication networks, leading to national security risks.
- Disrupt licensed users of spectrum, including telecom operators, police, and disaster management authorities.
- Be misused by anti-social elements, especially in border regions and sensitive zones.
In the past, thousands of unlicensed walkie-talkies were found listed on popular e-commerce sites. Investigations showed that sellers often bypassed the approval process and sold devices that did not have Equipment Type Approval (ETA).
This not only violated the law but also posed risks to consumer safety, national security, and telecom operations.
The Core Objectives of the 2025 Guidelines
The guidelines focus on consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and security. Their objectives are:
- Preventing illegal listings of radio equipment on e-commerce platforms.
- Ensuring transparency in product details for consumers.
- Protecting spectrum integrity and avoiding interference with licensed services.
- Holding platforms accountable for what is sold on their sites.
- Safeguarding national security by curbing unauthorized use of walkie-talkies.
What Do the Guidelines Say?
The guidelines clearly define the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms and sellers.
1. Mandatory Seller Verification
- Sellers must obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing (DoT) before listing devices.
- Platforms must verify ETA certificates before allowing the listing.
- Sellers without valid approvals cannot sell such products online.
2. Transparency in Product Listings
- Every listing of radio equipment must clearly display:
- Frequency range of the device
- Whether a license is required or exempted
- Relevant approval/ETA details
- This helps consumers know what they are buying and ensures informed decision-making.
3. Automated Monitoring & Detection
- Platforms must develop monitoring mechanisms to detect illegal listings.
- Tools such as keyword scans, frequency-based filters, and automated flags should be deployed.
- Once detected, non-compliant listings must be removed immediately.
4. Public Reporting Mechanism
- Consumers should be able to report suspicious products easily.
- Platforms must provide a user-friendly reporting option for illegal listings.
5. Legal Accountability of Platforms
- E-commerce companies cannot escape liability by shifting blame to sellers.
- Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, platforms will be held accountable for non-compliance.
- Penalties, seller blacklisting, and stricter enforcement actions may follow.
Enforcement Actions Already Taken
The CCPA has already acted against violations:
- 13 notices were issued to major platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, and IndiaMart.
- Nearly 16,970 illegal listings were flagged and removed.
- Platforms were asked to show compliance within 15 days, failing which stricter legal measures would be taken.
Regional authorities have also stepped in. For example:
- Bengal Police urged platforms to immediately stop illegal listings.
- Delhi Police highlighted security concerns and warned of misuse.
Impact on Stakeholders
👨👩👧 Consumers
- Safer shopping experience.
- Better awareness of licensing and frequency rules.
- Reduced risk of buying illegal or non-functional devices.
🛒 E-Commerce Platforms
- Must invest in compliance systems (monitoring, reporting, seller verification).
- Face legal liability for non-compliance.
- Need to train internal teams for handling regulatory categories.
🏪 Sellers
- Must obtain mandatory approvals (ETA) before listing.
- Cannot hide licensing obligations from buyers.
- Risk penalties and blacklisting for illegal sales.
🛡️ Government & Security Agencies
- Reduced misuse of walkie-talkies in sensitive zones.
- Better control over spectrum use.
- Stronger consumer protection and law enforcement support.
Broader Significance
These guidelines are not just about walkie-talkies — they signal a larger shift in India’s regulatory framework for e-commerce. The government is making it clear that platforms are equally responsible for ensuring compliance.
Much like how food delivery apps are accountable for ensuring FSSAI-licensed restaurants or how online pharmacies must follow drug rules, now e-commerce giants must monitor telecom and electronic devices too.
This trend shows a growing emphasis on digital accountability, consumer safety, and national security in India’s e-commerce ecosystem.
Conclusion
The 2025 Guidelines by CCPA mark a major step in strengthening consumer protection and national security. By regulating the sale of walkie-talkies and radio equipment, the government ensures that only licensed, approved, and safe products reach Indian citizens.
For consumers, this means more confidence while shopping online. For sellers, it means stricter responsibilities. And for platforms, it signals the end of “loophole liability” — they must now act as responsible digital marketplaces.
As India continues to embrace e-commerce, such rules will become essential in balancing convenience with compliance. Easyrulesindia.com will continue to simplify and explain these regulatory updates — ensuring that every citizen can stay informed and empowered.
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