In Re Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd. (CCPA Delhi)
CCPA Imposed ₹10 Lakh Penalty on Amazon for Misleading Walkie-Talkie Listings Without Mandatory Regulatory Disclosures
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) initiated a suo motu proceeding against Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd. under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 regarding the listing, hosting, advertising and sale of walkie-talkies (Personal Mobile Radios) on its e-commerce platform without mandatory regulatory disclosures. During a preliminary inquiry under Section 19 of the Act, the CCPA examined the regulatory framework governing such devices under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications, the Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018, and the Ministry of Communications Office Memorandum dated 09.09.2024. It observed that PMRs operating within the frequency range of 446.0-446.2 MHz are exempt from licensing subject to prescribed conditions, while other devices require Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the WPC Wing. The Authority noted that product listings on Amazon did not disclose operating frequency, ETA status, licensing requirements or other material regulatory information, and considered such omissions to be prima facie misleading and contrary to consumer rights under Section 2(9) and the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020. A Show Cause Notice dated 02.05.2025 was issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
