The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has recently taken action against some of India’s popular online shopping platforms. The authority has imposed fines because these platforms sold walkie-talkies without following important legal rules.
In January 2026, two major platforms, Flipkart and Meta Platforms Inc., each faced a fine of ₹10 lakh. A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system, and ₹10 lakh is a significant amount of money. The reason for this penalty was that both platforms allowed the sale of walkie-talkies without providing necessary legal information to consumers.
Walkie-talkies are small electronic devices that let people talk to each other over short distances. These devices are subject to specific laws in India because they operate on certain radio frequencies and need proper certification before being sold legally.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority found that Flipkart and Meta Platforms did not inform buyers about these rules. Specifically, they did not tell customers about licensing requirements under the Indian Telegraph Act. This act regulates radio communication devices in India.
Many people may not realize that walkie-talkies need special licenses and permissions to be sold legally. These permissions include details about spectrum and frequency restrictions. Spectrum refers to the radio wave bands used for communication, and these are carefully assigned and regulated by authorities.
Another important requirement is the Equipment Type Approval (ETA). ETA is a certificate that shows the device meets all safety and technical standards of India. This certificate is issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications. Without ETA, devices like walkie-talkies may not be safe or legal to use.
The absence of this information on online platforms makes it easier for consumers to buy devices that might not be authorized or could cause problems. Laws are made to ensure devices are safe and do not interfere with other communications. When these rules are ignored, it can lead to technical issues and potential legal consequences for consumers.
Before the fines against Flipkart and Meta, the regulator had already fined another online platform called Meesho. In December 2025, Meesho was fined ₹10 lakh for selling walkie-talkies without proper authorization. This shows a pattern where the authorities are trying to make sure all sellers follow the rules.
The CCPA has made it clear that online marketplaces cannot just blame third-party sellers for legal violations. These platforms are responsible for ensuring that all products sold on their site meet the law. They must check that the products are approved and certified before allowing them to be sold to consumers.
Right now, there is no official news about whether Amazon, another large online platform, has faced similar fines for unauthorized walkie-talkie sales. The authorities are probably examining the situation and may take action if necessary.
This situation highlights an important point: online sellers need to obey electronic device laws carefully. It is crucial to follow licensing, certification, and notification rules to protect consumers. Proper certification ensures that devices are safe to use and that they will not cause technical problems or legal issues in the future.
Following the law also helps build trust with consumers. People feel more confident when they buy devices that are certified and approved. The authorities hope that these actions will remind online platforms and sellers to be responsible and to follow all legal requirements related to electronic devices.
In summary, the fines issued by the CCPA serve as a reminder that selling electronic devices like walkie-talkies requires proper legal procedures. Online platforms have a duty to ensure the products they sell are certified and compliant with Indian laws. By doing so, they help protect consumers and keep the market safe and fair for everyone.
