New Delhi, 30 May (IANS). The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Friday issued new criteria to curb illegal listing and sale of radio equipment at e-commerce sites on Friday.
On the e-commerce platform, the guidelines for the prevention and regulation of illegal listing and sales of radio equipment, including walkie-talkie, are aimed at stopping unauthorized sales of wireless equipment, which can pose a risk to consumer safety.
The ministry said that these equipment can mislead consumers about their legal status. Also law enforcement and important communication networks used by emergency services can intervene.
These guidelines were finalized after extensive inter-ministerial consultation with the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Investigations found that wireless operating licenses need to be sold on e-commerce platforms without necessary and clear revelations about the applied laws.
The product listing for Wockey-Talki has not clarified whether a license is needed from the concerned authority to use the device.
Under the guidelines, it has been made mandatory that only authorized and compliant walkie-talkie equipment should be introduced to customers on online platforms.
In addition, it will be necessary to give information about frequency and other technical parameters in the product list. The ongoing guidelines ban such misleading advertisements or product details that can give consumers incorrect information about the legal use of equipment.
The new guidelines also decide punishment and enforcement system for violations as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
It has been informed by the Ministry that the goal of the department with these guidelines is to promote consumer awareness through appropriate information. Also, the credibility and verification of the seller is compulsory, automatic monitoring for unauthorized listing and implementing the expulsion mechanism.
In addition, the implementation of punishment and platform obligations in the event of non -compliance issued guidelines also ensure.
-IANS
SKT/ABM
