The numbers
In a significant policy shift, 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 move comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance national security and promote indigenous manufacturing in the surveillance technology sector.
Chinese brands, particularly Hikvision and Dahua Technology, previously dominated the Indian market, collectively holding about one-third of the market share until 2024. However, the new regulations will effectively eliminate their presence, as the government has refused to certify products made in China or those utilizing Chinese chipsets under the new Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules.
As of February 2026, Indian companies now control over 80% of the CCTV market, a dramatic shift from previous years. Notably, CP Plus has seen its market share surge to 45–50%, up from just 20–25% before the regulations were introduced. This rapid growth highlights the increasing reliance on domestic manufacturers and the government’s push for self-reliance in critical technology sectors.
The impact on Chinese manufacturers has been severe. Dahua’s business has contracted by 80%, with the company now limited to selling obsolete analog cameras. Meanwhile, Hikvision, once a leader in the sector, faces similar challenges as it navigates the new regulatory landscape. The shift away from Chinese suppliers has also led to increased costs, with a reported 15–20% rise in the bill of materials (BoM) for new installations.
Despite these changes, existing installations of affected CCTV systems are not expected to face immediate disruption, allowing businesses and consumers to continue using their current setups without concern for compliance in the short term. However, the long-term implications for surveillance technology in India are profound.
Industry analysts suggest that this policy has accelerated the shift towards indigenous manufacturing, with a senior executive at a domestic electronics firm noting, “The compliance requirements are stringent, particularly around disclosure of components and software integrity.” This reflects a growing trend where local firms are not only filling the gap left by Chinese companies but are also enhancing their product offerings to meet new standards.
As the April deadline approaches, observers are keenly watching how the market will adapt to these new regulations. The full impact of the ban on consumer choice, pricing, and the overall landscape of surveillance technology in India remains to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how this policy will affect ongoing contracts and installations that involve Chinese technology.
