India May Ban Chinese CCTV Brands Like Hikvision, Dahua From April 1: Here's Why

If you’re planning to buy a CCTV camera in the next few weeks, this is something you should be aware of.

Starting April 1, India is tightening rules around internet-connected surveillance devices. In simple terms, any CCTV camera that connects to the internet will now need government certification before it can be sold.

What’s Actually Changing

The new requirement comes under the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) framework.

From April 1, brands will need approval before selling CCTV products in India. To get that approval, companies must disclose where key components come from and ensure their devices pass security testing. This includes checks for vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorised access.

So this isn’t just paperwork. It directly affects which products can legally be sold going forward.

Why You May See Fewer Options

One immediate impact is on Chinese brands like Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link.

Industry reports suggest that products linked to these companies, or devices using Chinese-origin chipsets, are not being granted certification. Without approval, they can’t be sold in India (via).

These brands previously made up a large chunk of the market. So if you’ve been browsing CCTV options before, you might notice fewer familiar names going forward.

What’s Replacing Them

At the same time, Indian brands are stepping in quickly.

Companies like CP Plus, Qubo, Prama, Matrix, and Sparsh have expanded their presence by shifting to non-Chinese components and localising their software. As a result, domestic players now control a large share of the market.

Global brands like Bosch and Honeywell are still present, mostly in the higher-end segment.

What You Should Do As A Buyer

If you’re planning to buy a CCTV system, timing and choice matter a bit more now.

First, check whether the product you’re considering is compliant with the new rules. Going forward, certified devices will be the safer bet, especially for long-term use.

Second, think about support and updates. Existing devices from affected brands will continue to work, but there’s a possibility that updates or app services could become unreliable if companies reduce their presence in India.

Third, be prepared for some price changes. With supply chains shifting away from Chinese components, production costs are expected to rise. Entry-level products may stay stable, but mid-range and premium options could get more expensive.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a small policy tweak. It’s a broader shift in how connected devices are regulated in India.

For buyers, it mainly means paying a bit more attention before purchasing. The options are changing, and so is the long-term reliability of certain brands.