**Title:** CCPA Fines JioMart ₹100,000 for Regulatory Violations
**Meta Description:** The CCPA has penalized JioMart ₹100,000 for listing walkie-talkies without compliance, raising consumer rights concerns.
**URL Slug:** ccpa-fines-jiomart-regulatory-violations
**Headline:** CCPA Imposes ₹100,000 Penalty on JioMart for Non-Compliance with Regulatory Standards
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹100,000 on JioMart, mandating the online marketplace to ensure that no walkie-talkies or any products requiring statutory approval are listed without full compliance with applicable laws. JioMart is required to submit a compliance report within 15 days. This order, dated November 21, follows a months-long investigation that began in May, when the CCPA issued notices to various e-commerce platforms regarding the illegal sale of wireless devices operating in restricted frequency bands. These frequencies are reserved for critical services such as police, ambulance communication, defense, and aviation, and any interference can disrupt essential services and raise national security concerns.
During the inquiry, the CCPA discovered that JioMart had listed walkie-talkie models without providing essential information, including operating frequency, licensing requirements, or proof of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of the Department of Telecommunications. The ETA certifies that a wireless device operates within legally permissible radio frequencies in India and adheres to government-set technical standards.
The lack of disclosure by JioMart could mislead consumers into believing that these devices were legal for unrestricted use, thereby violating consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, particularly the right to be informed about product standards and regulatory compliance. JioMart, an online marketplace owned by Reliance Retail Ltd, part of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd, offers a wide range of grocery and general goods.
This case originated from a preliminary inquiry in May that scrutinized the listings of walkie-talkie devices across multiple e-commerce platforms. The consumer regulator had previously issued notices to major marketplaces, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, and IndiaMart, for permitting the illegal sale of walkie-talkies operating in licensed frequency bands without the necessary regulatory disclosures.
In response to the findings, JioMart contended that it operates as a marketplace intermediary and that compliance responsibilities rest with the sellers. The company stated that it removed the products after receiving the notice on May 7, asserting that any subsequent links were cached versions still visible on search engines. JioMart also emphasized that its seller agreements mandate adherence to Indian law and confirmed that no units were sold after May 21.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What actions did the CCPA take against JioMart?**
A: The CCPA fined JioMart ₹100,000 and ordered compliance with regulatory standards for listing products requiring statutory approval.