Six e-commerce firms face action as CCPA targets unauthorised sale of anti-drone & signal jammers | India News

New Delhi: Cracking 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 companies. These firms face the risk of misleading listings and punitive action for regulatory non-compliance, officials said.The CCPA sought import licences, regulatory clearances and buyer details of Everse, Indiamart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics, and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd.Authorities observed that these devices were listed online without disclosing mandatory licensing requirements, without valid Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) certification details, and clearly stating that civilian possession and use without statutory authorization is prohibited. It said that the sale of such products on e-commerce platforms may mislead consumers into believing that these devices are freely purchasable.The CCPA mandates companies to provide detailed information including source of procurement and import along with copies of import licences, invoices and related documents. They are asked to submit copies of regulatory approvals and approvals obtained from WPC, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).Authorities seek legal basis for restricted equipment supply for commercial sale; Number of units sold in last two years with full details of buyer; Details of third-party vendors listing similar equipment; steps taken to stop such listing and prevent recurrence; and a complete list of similar radio frequency or wireless transmitting equipment offered on their platform.Drone jammers and signal jamming equipment are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act and the Wireless Telegraphy Act and are subject to strict licensing and regulatory controls by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing. Import of such restricted equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Promotion and Control) Act, 1992 and applicable DGFT Notification. Such equipment is generally authorized for authorized government agencies and law enforcement authorities, subject to statutory approval.