The CCPA Releases Guidelines To Regulate Walkie-Talkie Sales

• 31 May 2025
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The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued detailed guidelines to prevent the illegal sale of radio devices like walkie-talkies that are sold on e-commerce platforms. These new rules are meant to prevent the sale of such devices without clear information on frequency use, required licenses or Equipment Type Approval, which is a violation of the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

The guidelines were created after thorough discussions with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and incorporated both regulatory and security concerns from these departments to ensure a well-rounded approach.

The CCPA noted that many walkie-talkies are being sold online without clear disclosures about whether a wireless license is needed or if the devices comply with existing laws.

Most listings do not mention essential details like the frequency range, licensing requirements under the Indian Telegraph Act (1885), the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933) or the 2018 rules that exempt certain low-power devices from licensing. Because of this lack of transparency, many consumers are misled into thinking that anyone can freely use these devices, the authority said.

Under the new rules, only walkie-talkies that are legally approved and operate on permitted frequencies can be sold online. All listings must clearly state the frequency range, technical details, and show proof of regulatory approval through ETA.

E-commerce platforms must do proper checks to make sure the devices meet legal and licensing requirements. Listings without necessary frequency details or approval certificates must be taken down.

Misleading ads or product descriptions that confuse consumers about whether they can legally use such devices are now banned. Sellers must make sure their devices don’t use frequencies that require permission from the DoT, and all product descriptions must clearly show the frequency bands used.

The guidelines also lay out penalties and enforcement actions for violations under the Consumer Protection Act 2019. The CCPA’s goal is to make sure platforms carry out proper checks before allowing products to be listed, verify seller credentials and certification, use automated tools to find and remove illegal listings, raise consumer awareness through clear information, and hold platforms accountable if they don’t follow the rules.

Previously, the CCPA had issued 13 notices concerning nearly 17,000 listings on major e-commerce sites for selling walkie-talkies without proper frequency details, licenses, or ETA approval. These platforms will continue to be monitored closely alongside the rollout of the new guidelines, the CCPA added.

Source: The Print