The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sent notices to six e-commerce platforms for selling restricted wireless transmitting devices, including drones. The entities involved are Everse, IndiaMart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics, and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd. These platforms allegedly offered “Anti-Drone Systems,” “Drone Jammers,” and “GPS Jammers,” violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and other relevant laws.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, drone jammers and signal jamming equipment fall under the regulation of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. These devices require strict licensing and regulatory control by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC). The CCPA has instructed the entities to provide detailed information, including procurement sources, import licenses, regulatory approvals, legal basis for commercial sale, and sales data from the past two years.
The statement highlighted that the import of such restricted equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and related DGFT notifications. These items are typically allowed only for authorized government agencies and law enforcement bodies, subject to necessary approvals. The CCPA had previously cautioned e-commerce platforms against the illegal sale and promotion of wireless jammers.
Under Rule 4 of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, marketplace entities must conduct due diligence to ensure compliance with laws. Failure to verify statutory authorization before hosting or facilitating the sale of restricted jamming equipment could lead to penalties under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.
