The numbers
The Indian government has announced a total ban on the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers, effective April 1, 2026. This decision comes as a response to growing security concerns and aims to bolster domestic manufacturing in the surveillance technology sector.
Chinese companies Hikvision and Dahua previously dominated the Indian market, collectively holding one-third of it until 2024. However, the enforcement of new Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules means that products made in China or those using Chinese chipsets will not receive certification, effectively shutting them out of the market.
As of February 2026, Indian companies now control over 80% of the CCTV market. CP Plus, a leading domestic brand, has seen its market share surge to 45-50%, up from just 20-25% before the new regulations were implemented. This dramatic shift underscores the growing preference for indigenous solutions in the face of stringent compliance requirements.
Dahua Technology has experienced a staggering 80% contraction in its business, now limited to selling obsolete analog cameras. The fallout from this ban has not only affected Chinese suppliers but has also led to increased costs for Indian manufacturers, with a reported 15-20% rise in the bill of materials due to the shift away from Chinese components.
Despite the sweeping changes, existing installations of affected CCTV systems are not expected to face immediate disruption, providing some relief to consumers and businesses that have already invested in these technologies. However, the long-term implications for surveillance infrastructure in India remain to be seen.
A senior executive at a domestic electronics firm noted, “The compliance requirements are stringent, particularly around disclosure of components and software integrity,” highlighting the challenges that manufacturers will face in adapting to the new regulations. Industry analysts have pointed out that this policy has accelerated the shift towards indigenous manufacturing, paving the way for a more self-reliant technology ecosystem in India.
As the April deadline approaches, observers are keenly watching how this ban will reshape the landscape of surveillance technology in India. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact on pricing and availability of alternative products, but the momentum towards domestic production is clear.
