Companies have to clearly disclose where the key parts — especially chipsets and firmware — come from. (Representative image/ Source: Unsplash) From April 1, 2026, India will effectively stop the sale of internet-connected CCTV cameras that use Chinese components. The government is implementing new certifications that will improve national safety and reduce reliance on outside sources for technology. Under the new guidelines, all CCTV cameras sold in India must get certification from the government’s Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) department. Companies have to clearly disclose where the key parts — especially chipsets and firmware — come from. The devices must also pass strict cybersecurity tests and prove they cannot be remotely accessed by unauthorised parties. In practice, this means most Chinese-made cameras will not get approval. Without STQC certification, they cannot be legally sold in the Indian market. Major Chinese surveillance brands such as Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link are expected to be the hardest hit. Until recently, these companies together held nearly one-third of the Indian CCTV market. Now, they will be largely shut out of the internet-connected segment. According to the government, this ban is required in order to provide more national security and decrease risks associated with cyber-attacks. For various reasons (hackable), connected cams would be considered vulnerable as these devices can expose users to unauthorized observation; therefore, provide the potential to be misused. Additionally, there is an effort to greatly reduce India's dependence upon Chinese technology in some critical industries. These rules are not sudden. They were first announced in 2024 as “Essential Requirements” and gave companies two years to switch to non-Chinese components or meet the new standards. That transition period is now over, and strict enforcement begins from April 1. The policy has already changed the Indian surveillance industry. Now, over 80% of the market is held by Indian brands, with many businesses producing parts from outside their own country. Some Chinese companies operate less than before or have completely left the industry. The problem will be an increase in price for mid-and premium equipment because substitute parts will generally cost more. You have no immediate restrictions with any existing Chinese made CCTV systems already in place, and they will continue to function normally, however, eventually, you may experience issues with software updates, technical support for your existing cameras, or any patches for bugs or to improve security, etc. The government has been very clear with their message: India wants more control over the nation's surveillance infrastructure. To obtain that control, the government is willing to bear short-term costs (e.g., spending money to upgrade infrastructure) in the expectation of achieving long-term security and self-reliance through the development of new technologies. Working as Copy Editor at the Business Desk of Times Now Digital. Dedicated towards crafting interesting financial stories. Previously covered financi... View More