Consumer Protection Authority Cracks Down on IndiaMart, AirONE Robotics, Xboom for Listing Restricted Drone and GPS Jammers

Moneylife Digital Team 20 February 2026

Investor Interest

The central consumer protection authority (CCPA) has issued notices to six e-commerce platforms for allegedly listing and offering for sale restricted wireless transmitting devices such as anti-drone systems, drone jammers and GPS jammers, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and other applicable telecom and trade control laws.

The entities that have received notices are Everse, IndiaMart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd.

CCPA says it observed that these devices were being listed online without disclosure of mandatory licensing requirements and without valid equipment type approval (ETA) or wireless planning & coordination (WPC) certification details. The authority also noted that the listings did not clearly state that civilian possession and use of such equipment without statutory authorisation is prohibited, and were presented in a manner likely to mislead consumers into believing that the devices were freely purchasable.

Drone jammers and signal jamming equipment are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and are subject to strict licensing and regulatory control by the department of telecommunications (DoT) and the WPC wing. The import of such restricted equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and relevant notifications issued by the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT). Such equipment is ordinarily permitted only to authorised government agencies and law enforcement authorities, subject to statutory approvals.

CCPA has directed the e-commerce platforms to furnish detailed information, including the source of procurement or import, along with copies of import licences, invoices and related documents. The platforms have also been asked to provide copies of regulatory approvals or authorisations obtained from WPC, DoT, DGFT, the cabinet secretariat and the ministry of home affairs (MHA).

In addition, the authority has sought the legal basis for offering the restricted equipment for commercial sale, the number of units sold during the preceding two years, along with complete purchaser details, particulars of third-party sellers listing similar equipment, and the steps taken to discontinue such listings and prevent recurrence. The entities have also been asked to provide a complete list of similar radio-frequency or wireless-transmitting equipment offered on their platforms.

The omission of material information regarding statutory restrictions and legal consequences prima facie amounts to misleading advertisement and unfair trade practice under Sections 2(47), 18 and 19 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the release said.

Under Rule 4 of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, marketplace entities are required to exercise due diligence and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Hosting or facilitating the sale of restricted jamming equipment without verifying statutory authorisation may also attract penal consequences under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

CCPA had earlier issued an advisory to e-commerce entities against the illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers. The authority says it remains committed to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring that regulated or restricted products are not unlawfully offered for commercial sale through digital marketplaces.

Comments