Consumer watchdog seeks import, licensing and buyer details from six ecommerce entities amid regulatory compliance concerns
India’s consumer protection watchdog has initiated enforcement action against the online listing of “anti-drone” and “GPS jammer” devices, issuing notices to six ecommerce platforms and related entities over alleged regulatory violations. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sent notices to Everse, Indiamart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics, and Maveric Drones and Technologies, seeking detailed information on compliance with licensing and regulatory norms. Officials indicated that the entities could face action if deficiencies are established.
According to the authority, the notices call for disclosures relating to import licences, regulatory approvals and buyer information associated with the listed products. The CCPA said its preliminary review found that certain listings did not mention mandatory licensing requirements, nor did they provide valid Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) certification details. It also observed that the listings did not clearly state that the civilian possession and use of such equipment without statutory authorisation is prohibited.
The authority stated that offering these devices for sale on ecommerce platforms may create the impression that they are freely purchasable by the general public.
In its communication, the CCPA has directed the entities to submit documentation on the source of procurement and import of the equipment, including copies of import licences, invoices and related records. They have also been asked to provide copies of regulatory clearances or authorisations obtained from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Additionally, the regulator has sought clarification on the legal basis for offering such restricted equipment for commercial sale. It has requested data on the number of units sold over the past two years, along with complete details of purchasers. The notices also require information on third-party sellers listing similar products, steps taken to remove such listings and prevent recurrence, and a comprehensive list of comparable radio frequency or wireless transmitting devices available on the platforms.
Under Indian law, drone jammers and signal-jamming equipment are subject to stringent controls. They are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, with licensing and oversight administered by the Department of Telecommunications and its WPC Wing. The import of such equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and relevant notifications issued by the DGFT. Typically, these devices are permitted only for authorised government agencies and law enforcement authorities, subject to statutory approvals.
