India is set to prohibit Chinese video surveillance giants like Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link from selling internet-connected CCTV cameras and related hardware starting April 1. This action aligns with the implementation of new certification regulations under the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rule next month, mandating approval before the sale of CCTV products in India. It’s important to note that these regulations apply to all brands offering CCTV cameras and video surveillance products in the country.
As per a report by The Economic Times, industry executives revealed that this move is part of a wider government initiative to enhance security standards for connected devices. Authorities are reportedly withholding certification for products from these companies and any devices utilizing Chinese-origin chipsets. Products lacking STQC clearance will effectively be restricted from the Indian market.
The prohibition will have a significant impact on Chinese brands, which previously held a substantial market share in the sector. Indian brands such as CP Plus, Qubo, Prama, Matrix, and Sparsh have notably expanded their presence by adapting their supply chains to non-Chinese components, favoring Taiwanese chipsets, and localizing their firmware. According to Counterpoint Research, Indian players now command over 80% of the market as of February, with multinational companies like Bosch and Honeywell dominating the premium segment.
Indian CCTV manufacturers are likely to welcome the government’s decision for both strategic and commercial reasons. Qubo, a part of the Hero Group, commended the government for tightening regulations around non-compliant internet-connected CCTV systems, emphasizing the move’s positive impact on national security and support for Indian brands and manufacturing.
The changes in CCTV camera regulations stem from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Essential Requirements (ER) norms introduced in April 2024. These rules necessitate manufacturers to disclose the country of origin of crucial components like the System-on-Chip (SoC) and ensure devices are tested for vulnerabilities that could permit unauthorized remote access. Companies were given a two-year transition period to comply, resulting in over 500 CCTV models being certified under the new regime.