The CCPA has fined Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP, a walkie-talkie manufacturing company, ₹1 lakh for its advertisement and online listings that did not mention critical information such as the operating frequency, licensing requirements, and regulatory compliance of the device.

In a press statement released by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, this step has been taken as part of an initiative to stop any mischievous activity through misleading advertising materials and listing walkie-talkies online through non-conformity with the required regulations.

As per the ministry, CCPA has found around 16,970 listings of walkie-talkies on different online platforms that do not conform to the relevant regulations. Notices have been served to 13 e-commerce companies including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Meta, JioMart, IndiaMART, and TradeIndia.

To date, the authority has issued final orders against 12 companies or related entities, imposing a total fine of ₹5.8 million for misleading advertising and unfair trade practices.

During the action, Hogar Technologies stated that it had the necessary regulatory approvals and that the primary purpose of its website was to provide product information, rather than direct online sales. However, the CCPA clarified that having regulatory approval does not absolve consumers of the responsibility to provide complete information before purchasing.

According to the authority, the lack of necessary information could mislead consumers into believing that the walkie-talkies in question can be used legally without the necessary government permission.

According to the ministry, under existing regulations, personal mobile radio devices operating in the designated frequency range of 446.0 to 446.2 MHz are exempt from licensing, subject to applicable conditions. Devices operating at frequencies outside this range are subject to relevant regulatory requirements. Therefore, consumers purchasing walkie-talkies should check their frequencies and the required permissions for use.

The CCPA has fined Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP, a walkie-talkie manufacturing company, ₹1 lakh for its advertisement and online listings that did not mention critical information such as the operating frequency, licensing requirements, and regulatory compliance of the device.

In a press statement released by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, this step has been taken as part of an initiative to stop any mischievous activity through misleading advertising materials and listing walkie-talkies online through non-conformity with the required regulations.

As per the ministry, CCPA has found around 16,970 listings of walkie-talkies on different online platforms that do not conform to the relevant regulations. Notices have been served to 13 e-commerce companies including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Meta, JioMart, IndiaMART, and TradeIndia.

To date, the authority has issued final orders against 12 companies or related entities, imposing a total fine of ₹5.8 million for misleading advertising and unfair trade practices.

During the action, Hogar Technologies stated that it had the necessary regulatory approvals and that the primary purpose of its website was to provide product information, rather than direct online sales. However, the CCPA clarified that having regulatory approval does not absolve consumers of the responsibility to provide complete information before purchasing.

According to the authority, the lack of necessary information could mislead consumers into believing that the walkie-talkies in question can be used legally without the necessary government permission.

According to the ministry, under existing regulations, personal mobile radio devices operating in the designated frequency range of 446.0 to 446.2 MHz are exempt from licensing, subject to applicable conditions. Devices operating at frequencies outside this range are subject to relevant regulatory requirements. Therefore, consumers purchasing walkie-talkies should check their frequencies and the required permissions for use.