Government enforces strict security standards for internet-connected surveillance devices

India will officially restrict the sale of internet-connected CCTV cameras from prominent Chinese manufacturers starting April 1, 2026. This regulatory shift follows the expiration of a two-year transition window provided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to align with rigorous security protocols.

Authorities are now mandating that every surveillance device pass the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC). Under these requirements, manufacturers must provide full disclosure regarding the origin of critical components, specifically the System-on-Chip (SoC). Products utilising Chinese-made chipsets or those linked to firms like Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link are being denied the necessary clearance due to concerns over unauthorised remote access and data espionage.

Domestic players have moved aggressively to capture the void left by these restrictions. Companies such as CP Plus, Qubo, and Sparsh have realigned their supply chains to incorporate Taiwanese chipsets and localised firmware. Recent data indicates that Indian brands now control over 80% of the domestic market, a significant jump from 2024 when Chinese firms held nearly a third of all sales.

This policy mirrors India's broader "Trusted Source" strategy previously applied to the telecommunications sector to shield critical infrastructure from foreign vulnerabilities. While the move strengthens national cyber-resilience, analysts suggest consumers may face a 15-20% price increase for mid-range and premium models as manufacturers shift toward more expensive non-Chinese components.​​​​​