India is preparing to block multiple Chinese CCTV manufacturers from the domestic market beginning April 1, 2026, with the rollout of stricter certification and cybersecurity compliance norms for internet-enabled surveillance systems. The move reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen digital resilience while limiting reliance on foreign-made surveillance equipment in key infrastructure sectors. 

This decision is expected to reshape the landscape of India’s surveillance industry, with Chinese companies stepping out of the internet-enabled CCTV space, allowing local manufacturers to capture a larger portion of the market. 

New Certification Norms Set to Roll Out from April 1  

India’s updated regulatory framework mandates that internet-enabled CCTV cameras and surveillance systems comply with strict certification requirements prior to market entry. Set to take effect on April 1, 2026, the move is likely to prevent Chinese companies from selling connected surveillance equipment in the Indian market. 

Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link are among the firms expected to face restrictions under the new rules, which bar the sale of internet-connected CCTV products in India without proper certification. This development marks a major regulatory shift focused on tightening control over surveillance systems and enforcing robust security compliance standards. 

Rising Security Concerns Driving the Decision  

Rising apprehensions about weaknesses in surveillance systems and the security risks posed by foreign-made equipment have influenced the government’s decision. As part of this approach, authorities are tightening digital security standards across telecom and CCTV networks, introducing requirements such as disclosure of hardware origins and comprehensive vulnerability assessments. 

Aimed at preventing unauthorized access, espionage threats, and misuse of surveillance infrastructure, these measures reflect a stronger focus on security. The certification framework is part of wider efforts to safeguard critical digital and surveillance ecosystems nationwide. Authorities have highlighted the need for reliable, certified equipment, particularly for use in government facilities and public infrastructure. 

Indian Manufacturers Poised for Market Expansion  

As Chinese firms face regulatory barriers, Indian CCTV brands are gaining increased market share. Companies like CP Plus and Qubo are likely to emerge as key beneficiaries, driven by a growing preference for domestically compliant surveillance solutions. 

According to industry estimates, local manufacturers have significantly expanded their market share since certification norms were introduced, with the latest rules likely to speed up this trend. At the same time, the shift is expected to push up CCTV camera prices due to lower competition and the added burden of compliance expenses.