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 a significant shift in a market where Hikvision and Dahua collectively held one-third of the Indian market until 2024.
Under the new Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules, the government has refused to certify products made in China or those using Chinese chipsets. As a result, Indian companies now control over 80% of the market as of February 2026, a substantial increase from previous years.
CP Plus, one of the leading domestic brands, commands a market share of 45–50%, up from 20–25% before the regulations were implemented. Meanwhile, Dahua’s business has contracted by 80%, now limited to selling obsolete analog cameras, highlighting the drastic impact of the ban on Chinese suppliers.
The shift away from Chinese suppliers has not come without challenges. Industry analysts report that this transition has increased costs, with a 15–20% rise in the bill of materials (BoM) for security systems. A senior executive at a domestic electronics firm noted, “The compliance requirements are stringent, particularly around disclosure of components and software integrity.”
Despite the upheaval in the market, existing installations of affected CCTV systems are not expected to face immediate disruption, allowing businesses and consumers some breathing room as they adjust to the new regulations. This policy has accelerated the shift towards indigenous manufacturing, according to industry analysts.
Chinese brands previously held a significant share of India’s CCTV market, but the government’s stringent measures are reshaping the landscape. Observers are keenly watching how domestic manufacturers will adapt to the increased demand and whether they can maintain quality while scaling production.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of this ban on pricing and availability of CCTV systems in India. However, the immediate effects are clear: a substantial shift in market dynamics favoring local manufacturers and a significant reduction in the presence of Chinese brands.
