India bans Chinese CCTV cameras starting April 1, 2026

The numbers

The Indian government will enforce a total ban on the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers starting April 1, 2026. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to enhance national security and promote domestic manufacturing in the surveillance technology sector.

Chinese brands, particularly Hikvision and Dahua, previously held a significant share of India’s CCTV market, collectively accounting for one-third of the market until 2024. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with Indian companies now controlling over 80% of the market as of February 2026. CP Plus, a domestic manufacturer, has seen its market share surge to 45–50%, a significant increase from 20–25% prior to the new regulations.

The government has refused to certify products made in China or those using Chinese chipsets under the new Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules. This has led to a substantial contraction in Dahua’s business, which has reportedly shrunk by 80%, limiting its operations to selling obsolete analog cameras.

The shift away from Chinese suppliers has not come without challenges. Industry experts note that the transition has resulted in a 15–20% rise in the bill of materials (BoM), increasing costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. A senior executive at a domestic electronics firm remarked, “The compliance requirements are stringent, particularly around disclosure of components and software integrity.”

Despite these challenges, the policy is seen as a catalyst for accelerating the shift towards indigenous manufacturing. An industry analyst stated, “This policy has accelerated the shift towards indigenous manufacturing,” highlighting the potential long-term benefits for local companies.

Existing installations of affected CCTV systems are not expected to face immediate disruption, allowing businesses and consumers to continue using their current equipment without concern for sudden obsolescence. However, the long-term implications of this ban could reshape the surveillance market in India.

As the enforcement date approaches, observers are closely monitoring the impact of these regulations on both the market and consumer behavior. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the ban will affect ongoing contracts and the future landscape of surveillance technology in India.