Illegal sale of radio equipment including walkie talkies on e-commerce platforms; Centre issues guidelines

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has issued a new set of regulations titled Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025.

Aimed at addressing the growing concern over unregulated sales of wireless communication devices online, the guidelines seek to prevent the unauthorized distribution of radio equipment that can compromise public safety. 

Such equipment, when sold without proper authorization, not only misleads buyers about its legality but also has the potential to disrupt vital communication channels used by emergency responders and law enforcement agencies. The move is intended to strengthen consumer protection and ensure the secure use of radio-frequency devices across the country.

The guidelines were finalized following extensive inter-ministerial consultations with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Key regulatory and security considerations provided by both departments have been incorporated into the final framework to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach.

It was observed that Walkie-talkies are being sold on e-commerce platforms without mandatory and clear disclosures regarding the requirement of a wireless operating license or compliance with applicable laws. The product listings for walkie-talkies do not specify whether the device requires a license from the concerned authority for use.

Key highlights of the guidelines are as under:

Mandates that only authorized and compliant walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies are listed for sale on online platforms.

Product listings to specify frequency ranges and other technical parameters and include proof of regulatory approval (Equipment Type Approval).

Requires e-commerce entities to undertake due diligence and verify regulatory compliance, including licensing where applicable and listings lacking frequency information or necessary certification should be taken down.

Prohibits misleading advertisements or product descriptions that may misinform consumers about the legal usage of such devices.

Sellers should ensure that equipment listed for sale do not operate on frequencies which are not exempted from requirement of frequency assignment and authorization by DOT and ensure that the frequency bands on product description are clearly labelled

Outlines penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violations in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

With these guidelines, the Department aims to:

Ensure due diligence by platforms before listing such products;

Mandate verification of seller credentials and certification;

Introduce automated monitoring and takedown mechanisms for unauthorized listings;

Promote consumer awareness through proper disclosures; and

Enforce penalties and platform liability in case of non-compliance