India is reportedly preparing to bar Chinese video surveillance giants such as Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link from selling internet-connected CCTV cameras and related hardware starting April 1.
According to media reports, the move comes as new certification rules under the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) framework take effect, making government approval mandatory before CCTV products can be sold in the country.
According to a report by The Economic Times, citing industry executives, the decision is part of a broader government effort to tighten security standards for connected devices.
Authorities are reportedly refusing to grant certification to products from these firms, as well as any devices using Chinese-origin chipsets. Without STQC clearance, such products are effectively barred from the Indian market.
The ban represents a significant setback for Chinese brands, which previously held a dominant position in India’s CCTV sector. As recently as last year, Chinese manufacturers accounted for roughly a third of all CCTV sales in the country. However, the landscape has shifted rapidly with domestic players stepping in to capture market share.
Indian Brands Gain Majority Market Share
Indian companies such as CP Plus, Qubo, Prama, Matrix, and Sparsh have expanded aggressively, capitalising on the reduced presence of Chinese brands. These firms have restructured their supply chains to rely on non-Chinese components, favouring Taiwanese chipsets, and have localised firmware to meet government security standards.
According to Counterpoint Research, Indian players now control over 80 per cent of the market as of February, while the premium segment continues to be dominated by multinationals like Bosch and Honeywell.
Analysts say this shift not only strengthens local manufacturers but also aligns with India’s broader push for technological self-reliance and supply chain security.
What the New Rules Entail
The changes in regulations for CCTV cameras stem from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) Essential Requirements (ER) norms introduced in April 2024.
The rules require manufacturers to disclose the country of origin of key components, such as the System-on-Chip (SoC), and ensure devices are tested for vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorised remote access.
Companies were given a two-year transition window to comply with the new requirements. So far, more than 500 CCTV models have been certified under the STQC regime, signalling compliance by firms that have adapted their products to meet India’s security and operational standards.
This move underscores India’s growing focus on cybersecurity and domestic manufacturing, particularly in sectors linked to critical infrastructure and connected devices, and signals a major reshaping of the country’s surveillance technology landscape.
