The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated enforcement action against six e-commerce platforms for allegedly listing and facilitating the sale of restricted wireless transmitting devices, including anti-drone systems, drone jammers and GPS jammers, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and other telecom and trade control laws.
The watchdog found that these devices were being offered online without mandatory disclosures regarding licensing requirements and regulatory approvals, raising serious concerns over consumer safety, legal compliance and national security implications.
Platforms Under Scrutiny
The platforms named in the action 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
According to officials, the listings failed to clearly inform consumers that civilian possession and usage of such signal-jamming equipment is prohibited without statutory authorization.
Violations of Consumer Protection Act
The CCPA’s preliminary findings indicate multiple compliance failures, including:
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Absence of information regarding mandatory licensing requirements
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Lack of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) and Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) certification details
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Failure to disclose that the devices are restricted for civilian use
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Potentially misleading consumers into believing such products can be freely purchased
These omissions may amount to misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices under Sections 2(47), 18, and 19 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Strict Regulatory Framework for Wireless Jammers
Drone jammers and GPS jamming equipment are highly regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Such devices require licensing from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and clearance from the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing.
Additionally, their import is controlled under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Typically, authorization for these products is granted only to government agencies, defence establishments or law enforcement authorities.
Any unauthorized sale or facilitation of these devices can attract serious legal consequences for both sellers and online marketplace operators.
CCPA Directives to E-Commerce Entities
The CCPA has directed the concerned platforms to furnish detailed information, including:
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Copies of import licenses, procurement documents and invoices
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Evidence of approvals from WPC, DoT, DGFT, MHA and other authorities
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Legal justification for offering restricted equipment for sale
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Data on units sold over the past two years and buyer details
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Information about third-party sellers listing similar equipment
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Steps taken to remove such listings and prevent recurrence
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A comprehensive list of other wireless transmitting devices currently available on their platforms
Compliance Under E-Commerce Rules
Under the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, marketplace entities are required to exercise due diligence and ensure that products listed comply with applicable laws. Platforms are expected to verify statutory authorization for restricted goods before allowing them to be sold.
The latest action follows an earlier advisory issued by the CCPA warning online platforms against the sale of illegal wireless jammers. Authorities have reiterated that digital marketplaces cannot evade responsibility by shifting liability solely to third-party sellers.
With regulatory scrutiny intensifying, the CCPA has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer interests, ensuring transparency in online transactions, and preventing the unlawful sale of products that pose safety and security risks.
