Consumer Affairs, MHA & DoT Notify Guidelines on Sale of Illegal Radio Equipment, Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has formally notified the ‘Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025.’

The guidelines have come following recent issuance of notices to major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and OLX, after authorities discovered that walkie-talkies and similar wireless devices were being listed and sold without the required disclosures or compliance with Indian regulatory norms.

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Most listings failed to specify the frequency range, omitted vital information on licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, as well as details on the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018.

Consumers were also not informed about the potential legal consequences of unauthorized use, creating the misleading impression that such devices could be freely operated by the general public

Product listings must now specify frequency ranges, technical parameters, and include proof of regulatory approval (Equipment Type Approval). E-commerce entities are required to undertake due diligence, verifying regulatory compliance, and promptly take down non-compliant listings lacking proper certification or frequency details.

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Sellers must ensure their devices do not operate on non-exempted frequencies and that all frequency bands are clearly labeled in product descriptions.

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Additionally, the fast-tracking of the guidelines drew attention towards the recent terror attacks that happened in Kashmir’s Pahalgam which claimed 26 innocent civilian lives. The CCPA has reiterated that the use and ownership of such wireless communication devices have to be in accordance with certain laws and regulations so as to not interfere with governmental frequencies and communication protocol and machinery.

Failing to comply with the stipulations enforced by the guidelines would attract strict penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Violation of the norms could attract blacklisting and penal liability, shared by sellers and the platforms alike.

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E-Commerce platforms have also been advised to deploy automated monitoring systems and user-friendly mechanisms for reporting illegal listings, ensuring real-time cooperation with regulatory authorities.

The guidelines are representative of a broader regulatory push to enhance consumer awareness, ensure legal compliance, and protect national security interests in India’s dynamic e-commerce ecosystem.

To Read the full text of the Order CLICK HERE

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