CCPA cracks down on unauthorized sale of counter-drone and signal jammers, six e-commerce companies face lawsuits India News

NEW DELHI: In a bid to crack down on online sales of “anti-drone” and “GPS jammer” devices, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to six e-commerce platforms and entities. Officials said the entities risk penalties for misleading listings and non-compliance with regulations.The CCPA has sought details regarding import licenses, regulatory clearances and buyer details from Everse, Indiamart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd.The authority observed that the devices were listed online without disclosing compulsory licensing requirements, without valid Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) certification details, and without a clear prohibition on civilian possession and use without statutory authorization. It said that selling such products on e-commerce platforms is likely to mislead consumers into believing that these devices can be purchased freely.The CCPA has directed entities to provide detailed information, including sources of procurement and imports, as well as copies of import licenses, invoices and relevant documents. They have also been asked to submit copies of regulatory approvals and authorizations obtained from the WPC, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).The authority further seeks the legal basis for restricting the commercial sale of the device; the number of units sold in the past two years with complete details of purchasers; details of third-party sellers who have listed similar devices; steps taken to stop such listings and prevent recurrence; and a complete list of similar radio frequency or wireless transmission devices available on its platform.Drone jammers and signal jamming devices are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act and the Wireless Telegraph Act and are subject to strict licensing and regulatory controls by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) department. The import of such restricted equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and applicable DGFT notifications. Such devices are generally permitted only for use by authorized government agencies and law enforcement agencies, subject to statutory approval.