At the beginning of April, India introduced a strict state certification regime for CCTV equipment, effectively closing the market to most Chinese video surveillance manufacturers. Instead of a direct ban, authorities implemented mandatory STQC certification as a condition for sales, without approving devices that fail to meet stringent security criteria. The new rules, which came into force on April 1, 2026, after a two-year transition period, require all CCTV systems to comply with the so-called Essential Requirements (ER) standards in the field of cybersecurity.
In practice, this means that manufacturers must prove the security of their devices through vulnerability testing, encrypted communications, and transparent sourcing of key components such as chipsets. However, the key shift lies in the fact that Indian authorities are not issuing certifications for equipment that relies on Chinese components or technologies that do not meet defined security requirements, effectively eliminating companies such as Hikvision and Dahua from the IP camera market. This regulatory move has already caused significant disruption, as Chinese brands previously held a notable market share, while domestic manufacturers are now taking a dominant position. At the same time, global vendors outside China continue to maintain a presence in the premium segment, while supply chains are rapidly shifting toward “new sources.”
Experts warn that the short term may bring price increases and supply disruptions, but that the market is likely to become more stable and secure in the long run. The decision comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity and the risk of unauthorized access to data collected through surveillance systems. The Indian model demonstrates how regulatory mechanisms, rather than outright bans, can be used to reshape markets and technological standards. In this context, the move is not just a local measure, but a signal to the global market that video surveillance is increasingly becoming a matter of digital sovereignty and data control.
































