Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho And Others Delist Walkie-Talkie Products After Centre's Guidelines
The Department also aims to implement automated monitoring systems, mandate seller verification, and increase consumer awareness through clear disclosures.
Online marketplaces like OAmazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, Meta, and Chimiya have removed flagged walkie-talkie listings after the Central Consumer Protection Authority issued Guidelines for the prevention and regulation of illegal listing and sale of radio equipment including on e-commerce platforms, according to NDTV report.
These guidelines aim to curb the unauthorised sale of radio communication devices online, particularly walkie-talkies, which can pose safety risks, mislead consumers, and interfere with critical communication systems used by law enforcement and emergency services.
According to the statement on PIB, the guidelines were formulated in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Home Affairs. They incorporate key regulatory and security recommendations to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive framework.
It was observed that many walkie-talkies were being sold online without the required disclosures about licensing or compliance with Indian laws such as the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the exemption rules under the 2018 notification, the Central Consumer Protection Authority said in the statement. Often, listings did not include frequency ranges or indicate if the device required a wireless operating licence, misleading consumers into believing these devices could be freely used.
Platforms like Talk Pro and MakMan Toys, however, have not delisted the products as of the latest update, raising concerns over non-compliance, NDTV reported, adding that platforms like IndiaMart continue to host such listings, and no public response has been issued by OLX, Krishna Mart, VardaanMart, or TradeIndia, despite being served notices.
Key Provisions of the Guidelines:
Authorised Devices Only: Only compliant walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands can be listed for sale.
Mandatory Disclosures: Listings must clearly mention frequency ranges, technical details, and provide proof of regulatory approval (e.g., Equipment Type Approval).
Platform Due Diligence: E-commerce platforms must verify that products and sellers comply with relevant licensing rules and remove non-compliant listings.
No Misleading Information: Advertisements or descriptions must not falsely imply legal use of unauthorised devices.
Clear Labelling: Devices must not operate on restricted frequencies and frequency information must be visibly included in product listings.
Penalties for Violations: Non-compliance will attract penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with defined enforcement mechanisms.
These measures are intended to promote responsible selling, ensure compliance, and protect consumers. The Department also aims to implement automated monitoring systems, mandate seller verification, and increase consumer awareness through clear disclosures.
Previously, the CCPA had issued 13 notices covering 16,970 product listings across major online platforms for non-compliance, including lack of frequency details and necessary licensing. These platforms are under continuous monitoring.
