CCPA Takes Action Against Illegal Sale of Walkie-Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken significant action against the illegal sale of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms, imposing penalties on major retailers like Amazon and Flipkart. This initiative follows the discovery of thousands of non-compliant listings that violate consumer protection laws and telecom regulations. The CCPA's investigation revealed that many devices operated on restricted frequencies without proper approvals, misleading consumers about their legality. To prevent future violations, the CCPA has introduced new guidelines in collaboration with relevant government departments. This crackdown aims to ensure consumer safety and compliance in the telecommunications sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 16:23 IST

CCPA's Initiative Against Non-Compliant Walkie-Talkies

On January 16, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) initiated action regarding the widespread illegal sale of walkie-talkies on various e-commerce platforms. This move has led to financial penalties imposed on major online retailers, including Amazon and Flipkart, for breaching consumer protection and telecom regulations, as stated in an official announcement.

The investigation revealed that numerous walkie-talkies operated within the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, a spectrum that is regulated and utilized by police, emergency services, and other essential communication networks.

The CCPA identified over 16,970 listings of non-compliant walkie-talkies across different platforms. Notices were sent to 13 e-commerce companies, including Meesho, JioMart, and Meta, among others.

The Authority discovered that several platforms were enabling the sale of walkie-talkies that functioned on restricted radio frequency bands without the necessary approvals or disclosures. Consumers were not informed about the frequency range of these devices, whether a government license was required, or if they had received Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This approval is crucial to ensure that wireless devices are safe and compliant for use in India.

Some products were misleadingly marketed as 'license-free' or 'completely legal,' despite requiring government authorization for use. In certain instances, walkie-talkies were marketed as toys but had communication ranges extending up to 30 kilometers. Additionally, many listings failed to provide essential information regarding the operating frequency or ETA status, leaving consumers unaware of the legality of their purchases.

The sale, import, and usage of walkie-talkies in India are governed by the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the 2018 Rules concerning Low Power and Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices. According to these regulations, only walkie-talkies operating strictly within the 446.0–446.2 MHz frequency band are exempt from licensing, and even these must obtain ETA certification before being sold or imported.

Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes misleading advertising, unfair trade practices, and service deficiencies under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, violating the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules.

To mitigate future violations, the CCPA has established Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment, including Walkie-Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, has finalized orders in eight cases involving companies such as Meesho, Talk Pro, and Meta Platforms Inc. Investigations against other entities like Antriksh Technologies and India Mart are ongoing.