The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued guidelines aimed at preventing the unauthorized sale, distribution, and use of radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, on e-commerce platforms. These “Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025” were issued in exercise of the powers conferred by section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The primary objective of these guidelines is to ensure compliance with national telecommunications and security regulations by addressing the illegal online trade of wireless telegraphy apparatuses.
Key Provisions of the Guidelines
These guidelines, titled as above, will come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
The guidelines are applicable to:
- All e-commerce platforms operating within and outside India but catering to consumers in India.
- Manufacturers, importers, and sellers offering Radio Equipment, including walkie-talkies, and service providers related to their use.
What are walkie-talkies?
Walkie-Talkies are defined as portable handheld two-way radio transceivers capable of transmitting and receiving while in motion or at rest.
Unauthorized Devices encompasses radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, that:
- Are intended to operate solely in de-licensed frequency bands but lack Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth devices).
- Have ETA certification but whose frequency range or transmission power has been altered.
These initial sections of the guidelines lay the groundwork for further regulations aimed at ensuring that radio equipment sold online complies with necessary approvals and standards, thereby safeguarding national telecommunications infrastructure and preventing the misuse of such devices. The CCPA’s proactive step underscores the growing importance of regulating the online sale of potentially sensitive electronic equipment.
