Planning to buy a walkie-talkie online for a trek, a wedding or a shop? Check the listing carefully first. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined Hoger Technologies and Innovation LLP Rs 1 lakh for advertising walkie-talkies without telling buyers their operating frequency or licence requirements, the Consumer Affairs Ministry said on Sunday. With this order, the regulator has now passed final orders against 12 companies and imposed penalties totalling Rs 58 lakh in its drive against illegal walkie-talkie sales.
What CCPA found against Hoger
The order was passed by the CCPA bench headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The authority examined listings of several walkie-talkie models on the company's website and found they did not clearly state the device's operating frequency, whether a licence was needed, or the regulatory approvals required. CCPA said hiding such details could lead people to believe the devices can be used legally without any government permission.
Hoger argued that it holds a valid Dealer Possession Licence (DPL), that its devices are covered by Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certification, and that its website is mainly for information and lead generation without direct online payments. CCPA rejected this. It said having approvals does not free an advertiser from giving buyers accurate and complete information before purchase, and that promotions on a website can count as misleading advertisements even if there is no shopping cart or payment gateway.
What the rules say
Under the 2018 rules for low-power and very low-power short-range radio devices, personal mobile radios that work in the 446.0 to 446.2 MHz band are exempt from licensing, subject to conditions. Walkie-talkies that work outside this band fall under other wireless rules and may need a licence and approvals. Using an unlicensed device on the wrong frequency can interfere with police, emergency or aviation communications, which is why regulators take it seriously.
The bigger crackdown in numbers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-compliant listings found | Over 16,970 |
| E-commerce firms sent notices | 13 |
| Final orders passed | 12 entities |
| Total penalty | Rs 58 lakh |
| Rs 10 lakh each | Amazon Seller Services, Flipkart Internet, Meesho, Meta Platforms, TradeIndia (Infocom Network) |
| Rs 1 lakh each | JioMart (Reliance Retail), Chimiya, MaskMan Toys, Talk Pro (Ikonet Services), Sanchar Wireless Communications, Antariksh Technosys, Hoger Technologies |
| Licence-free band | 446.0 to 446.2 MHz (with conditions) |
CCPA had taken suo motu notice of the large-scale listing of walkie-talkies on online platforms earlier this year and sent notices to 13 companies, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Meta's Facebook Marketplace, JioMart, IndiaMART and TradeIndia.
Companies challenge the orders
Some of the penalised companies have gone to court. Amazon Seller Services and Flipkart Internet have challenged the orders in the Karnataka High Court. Meta Platforms and TradeIndia have appealed their Rs 10 lakh penalties before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which has directed TradeIndia to deposit the penalty amount. IndiaMART InterMESH has approached the Delhi High Court against the proceedings, while its case is still pending with the authority.
What it means for buyers
For ordinary shoppers, the message is simple. A walkie-talkie listing should tell you, in plain words, which frequency it uses and whether you need a licence. Before you buy, follow these steps:
- Look for the operating frequency in the product details. Licence-free personal radios should be in the 446.0 to 446.2 MHz band.
- Check if the listing mentions ETA certification or other approvals.
- Avoid sets advertised with very long ranges or high power but no frequency details.
- Keep the invoice and screenshots of the listing in case you need to complain.
- Report misleading listings on the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or the CCPA.
What happens next
CCPA has repeated that advertisements and product listings must clearly mention frequency, licence needs and other key regulatory information, especially for products tied to public safety. The court cases filed by the platforms will decide how far the authority's orders stand, but sellers can expect closer scrutiny of electronics listings in the months ahead. The final orders are available on the CCPA website.
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