Syllabus:

GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), has notified Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment, including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025.

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• The purpose of the Guidelines is to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices, particularly walkie-talkies. 
• This comes in the wake of strengthening security arrangements across the country post-Operation Sindoor.
• Guidelines aim to protect consumer safety, prevent misinformation about legal requirements, and avoid interference with critical communication networks, including those used by law enforcement and emergency services.
• It was observed that Walkie-talkies are being sold on e-commerce platforms without mandatory disclosures regarding:
  Licensing requirements under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
  Compliance with Low Power/Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices Rules, 2018.

Key highlights of the guidelines are as under:

• Mandates that only authorized and compliant walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies are listed for sale on online platforms.
• Product listings to specify frequency ranges and other technical parameters and include proof of regulatory approval (Equipment Type Approval).
• Requires e-commerce entities to undertake due diligence and verify regulatory compliance, including licensing where applicable and listings lacking frequency information or necessary certification should be taken down.
• Prohibits misleading advertisements or product descriptions that may misinform consumers about the legal usage of such devices.
• Sellers should ensure that equipment listed for sale do not operate on frequencies which are not exempted from requirement of frequency assignment and authorization by DOT and ensure that the frequency bands on product description are clearly labelled
• Outlines penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violations in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) 

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is a statutory body established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• CCPA functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution