On 20-2-2026, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (‘CCPA’) issued a notice to six e-commerce platforms for listing and selling restricted wireless transmitting devices in violation of consumer protection and telecom laws.
Key Highlights:
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This notification states that six e-commerce platforms unlawfully listed and sold restricted wireless jamming and drone-interference devices without mandatory licences, approvals, or consumer disclosures.
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These devices, including anti-drone systems, drone jammers, and GPS jammers, were being offered for sale without disclosing necessary requirements.
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The action was initiated due to violations of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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The platforms that received notices include:
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M/s Everse
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IndiaMart
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Xboom
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Javiat Aerospace
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M/s AirONE Robotics
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M/s Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
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According to the CCPA, these listings:
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Failed to mention mandatory licensing requirements
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Lacked ETA/WPC certification details
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Did not disclose that civilian purchase/use of such equipment is prohibited without statutory authorisation
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Such omissions mislead consumers into assuming these devices are freely purchasable.
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The manner of listing created the impression that they were freely available for public purchase, potentially misleading consumers and violating the due-diligence obligations imposed on marketplace entities under Rule 4 of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
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CCPA noted that the listed equipment falls under restricted wireless transmitting devices, whose sale, purchase, and use are regulated by:
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DGFT Notifications and DoT/WPC authorisations
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Use of such devices are ordinarily permitted only to authorised government bodies and law enforcement agencies.
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To use it privately, prior statutory approval is required, which was neither disclosed nor verified by the platforms that received the notice.
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The notification by CCPA directs the entities to furnish detailed information on:
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Source of procurement/import, including import licences, invoices, and supporting documents
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Regulatory approvals from bodies such as WPC, DoT, DGFT, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the Ministry of Home Affairs
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Legal grounds for offering these restricted products for commercial sale
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Sales data for the past two years, including complete purchaser details
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Information on third party sellers listing similar equipment on their platforms
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Corrective measures undertaken to remove unlawful listings and prevent recurrence
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A full catalogue of other radio frequency or wireless transmitting devices offered.
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Under Sections 2(28) and 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, failure to disclose the details will constitute as misleading advertisement and an unfair trade practice.
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Sections 18 and 19 grants CCPA the power to act and investigate such violations.
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Facilitating the sale of restricted jamming devices without verifying necessary authorisations could lead to penalties under the Telegraph and Wireless Telegraphy Acts and the Foreign Trade Act.
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Earlier, the authority had issued an advisory to e-commerce companies warning them against the illegal sale or facilitation of wireless jammers.
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Through this action, the CCPA has reiterated its commitment towards protecting consumer interests and preventing unlawful online availability of regulated or restricted products.
