India Tightens Surveillance Rules: Hikvision, Dahua CCTV Sales Hit by New Certification Norms from April 1

New Delhi, March 31, 2026:
In a major regulatory move driven by national security concerns, the Government of India has effectively restricted the sale of CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers such as and starting April 1, 2026.

The development comes as part of stricter enforcement of certification requirements under India’s Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) frameworks. Under the revised norms, all internet-connected CCTV cameras must obtain mandatory certification to be legally sold in the country.
However, industry sources indicate that several Chinese-origin products—particularly those using foreign chipsets and firmware—are facing difficulties in obtaining the required approvals. As a result, companies like Hikvision and Dahua are expected to be effectively excluded from the Indian market for new sales.

Security Concerns Drive Policy Shift

Government officials have cited national security and data privacy risks as key reasons behind the move. Authorities have expressed concerns that surveillance devices with foreign-controlled components could be vulnerable to cyber threats or unauthorized data access.

The decision also aligns with India’s broader push to reduce reliance on imported technology and promote domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

Impact on Existing Users

Current users of Hikvision and Dahua CCTV systems need not panic, as there is no directive requiring immediate removal of installed devices. Existing systems are expected to continue functioning normally. However, experts warn that long-term software updates, support, and replacement availability could become limited.

Market Repercussions

The move is likely to reshape India’s surveillance equipment market. Chinese brands previously held a significant share, particularly in the affordable segment. With their reduced presence, domestic manufacturers are expected to gain ground, along with certified international players.

Industry analysts predict a short-term price fluctuation due to supply adjustments, but also see long-term benefits for local innovation and cybersecurity standards.

What Lies Ahead

While the government has not issued a direct “ban” notification, the enforcement of certification norms effectively acts as a regulatory barrier for non-compliant products. Going forward, only CCTV systems meeting Indian security and quality standards will be allowed for sale and deployment.

The development marks a significant step in India’s effort to secure its digital and surveillance infrastructure amid evolving geopolitical and cybersecurity challenges.