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

NEW DELHI: Cracking down on the online sale of “anti-drone” and “GPS jammer” devices, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to six e-commerce platforms and entities. These entities face the risk of punitive action for misleading listings and regulatory non-compliance, officials said.

The CCPA has sought detailed information on import licences, regulatory clearances, and buyer details from Everse, Indiamart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics, and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd.

The authority observed that these devices were being listed online without disclosure of mandatory licensing requirements, without valid Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) certification details, and without clearly stating that civilian possession and use without statutory authorisation is prohibited. It stated that the sale of such products on e-commerce platforms is likely to mislead consumers into believing that these devices are freely purchasable.

The CCPA has directed the entities to furnish detailed information, including the source of procurement and import, along with copies of import licences, invoices, and related documents. They have also been asked to submit copies of regulatory approvals and authorisations obtained from the WPC, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Cabinet Secretariat, and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The authority has further sought the legal basis for offering the restricted equipment for commercial sale; the number of units sold over the past two years along with complete purchaser details; particulars of third-party sellers listing similar equipment; steps taken to discontinue such listings and prevent recurrence; and a complete list of similar radio frequency or wireless transmitting equipment offered on their platforms.

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 control by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing.

The import of such restricted equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and applicable DGFT notifications. Such equipment is ordinarily permitted only for authorised government agencies and law enforcement authorities, subject to statutory approvals.
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