In Re Infocom Network Pvt. Ltd. (Tradeindia.com) (CCPA Delhi)
CCPA Imposed ₹10 Lakh Penalty on Infocom Network Pvt. Ltd. (Tradeindia.com) for Misleading Walkie-Talkie Listings Without Mandatory Regulatory Disclosures
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) initiated a suo motu proceeding against Infocom Network Pvt. Ltd. (TradeIndia.com) regarding the listing and sale of walkie-talkies on its platform without necessary regulatory disclosures. Exercising powers under Section 19 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA conducted a preliminary inquiry and examined the regulatory framework governing walkie-talkies under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018, and the role of the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing. It noted that only Personal Mobile Radios operating in the frequency range of 446.0–446.2 MHz are exempt from licensing, while other wireless devices require Equipment Type Approval (ETA). The Authority observed that TradeIndia’s listings did not disclose operating frequency, licensing requirements, or ETA/WPC certification, making it difficult for consumers to determine whether the products required licences and creating a prima facie case of misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and violation of the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020. Accordingly, a Show Cause Notice dated 02.05.2025 was issued seeking seller details, product URLs, frequency specifications, ETA/WPC certification details, and sales information.
