The government has cracked down on the free sale of sensitive and banned security equipment, including some drone systems and signal jammers banned for civilian use. A senior consumer affairs official said that companies have been directed to strictly adhere to the rules governing their manufacture, import and sale.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), after conducting a survey, issued notices to six entities – including e-commerce platforms – for listing and selling prohibited drones and GPS jammers. The official said some equipment is only permitted for government use, and its unrestricted sale poses security risks.
The human rights body cited the illegal listing and sale of anti-drone systems and robotic equipment on online platforms in violation of consumer protection laws and security regulations.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nidhi Khare said drone signaling systems and other jamming equipment are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. This equipment is subject to “strict licensing and regulatory oversight” by the Ministry of Communications and the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing.
Notices have been issued to M/s Everse, Indiamart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd for alleged violations, including listing and sale of restricted drone systems and GPS jammers.
Another official said that the import of such equipment is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and related notifications. This equipment is normally permitted for use only by licensed government and law enforcement agencies, subject to legal approvals.
In accordance with the CCPA, the procedure for listing and selling the devices was initiated without disclosing mandatory licensing requirements, valid equipment type approvals, or clearly indicating that civilian possession and use without lawful authorization is prohibited under Indian law.
