Centre Issues New Guidelines to Regulate Sale of Walkie-Talkies and Radio Devices on E-Commerce Platforms

In a significant move to curb the unauthorized sale of wireless communication devices, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment, including Walkie-Talkies, on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025.

The guidelines aim to address the growing concern over the unregulated sale of walkie-talkies and similar radio equipment that may interfere with emergency communication networks and mislead consumers regarding their legal usage.

The guidelines were finalized after inter-ministerial consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The framework incorporates key regulatory and security provisions advised by both ministries to ensure a coordinated approach toward consumer safety and national communication infrastructure.

Widespread Violations Identified

The CCPA revealed that it had scrutinized 16,970 product listings on major e-commerce platforms, leading to the issuance of 13 notices for non-compliance. These listings involved walkie-talkies being sold without required disclosures about licensing needs, frequency bands, or regulatory approvals — a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Many such products did not specify if they required a wireless operating license, nor did they include crucial details like frequency range or Equipment Type Approval (ETA), misleading consumers into believing that such devices were freely usable without legal consequences.

Key Features of the New Guidelines

The newly notified guidelines include the following key mandates:

• Only authorized and compliant devices operating within permitted frequency bands may be listed for sale.

• Product listings must clearly mention frequency ranges, technical specifications, and carry proof of regulatory approval (ETA).

• E-commerce platforms must verify seller compliance with licensing laws and remove listings that lack mandatory information or approvals.

• Misleading advertisements and descriptions that may confuse consumers about the legality of device usage are strictly prohibited.

• Sellers must ensure that listed equipment does not operate on restricted frequencies, and the product descriptions must accurately reflect assigned bands.

• Clear penalties and enforcement mechanisms under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, will be applied for violations.

Enforcement & Platform Accountability

With these guidelines, the Department of Consumer Affairs seeks to:

• Ensure e-commerce platforms exercise due diligence before allowing listings.

• Verify seller credentials and certifications.

• Introduce automated monitoring systems for detecting and removing illegal listings.

• Promote consumer awareness through mandatory disclosures.

• Hold platforms accountable for non-compliance, enforcing legal consequences where necessary.

The full guidelines are available on the Department’s website and can be accessed via this link.

This regulatory move is part of a broader strategy to protect consumers from the unauthorized sale of communication equipment and safeguard national communication channels, particularly those used by law enforcement and emergency services.