The central government has issued guidelines to regulate the illegal sale of radio equipment on e-commerce sites.
The advisory was issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, on Friday.
The Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment, including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, aims to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices that may pose risks to consumer safety.
This crackdown comes in the wake of strengthening security arrangements across the country post-Operation Sindoor.
It was observed that these wireless devices “mislead consumers regarding their legal position and interfere with critical communication networks, including those used by law enforcement and emergency services”, said the Ministry.
E-Commerce Platforms and sellers are strictly required to comply with the advisory that states, “No radio equipment shall be listed or sold on e-commerce platforms if the possession or use of such equipment requires that a frequency assignment from the DOT shall be obtained by the buyer. Such equipment (licensed equipment) shall be purchased only from a dealer duly authorised by DOT (DPA holder) listed on the Saral Sanchar portal of DOT.”
The guidelines were finalised following extensive inter-ministerial consultations with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, where it was observed that walkie-talkies are being sold on e-commerce platform without mandatory and clear disclosures regarding the requirement of wireless operating license or compliance with applicable laws.
Further, the guidelines mandate that only authorised and compliant walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies are listed for sale on online platforms.
It stated that product listings must specify frequency ranges and other technical parameters and include proof of regulatory approval (equipment type approval).
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The new norms also prohibit misleading advertisements or product descriptions that may misinform consumers about the legal usage of such devices.
Notably, the listing or sale of mobile signal boosters and wireless jammers online is considered illegal.
