From 1 April 2026, Which CCTV Cameras Are Allowed in India — and Which Ones Are Risky?
India has not “banned all CCTV cameras.” The real issue is simple: if a CCTV product is not properly certified under the required framework, it is risky for sale/procurement.
⚠️ Do not rely on dealer talk like “same model family hai, chalega” — that’s where people get cooked.
✅ What is generally allowed?
- CCTV products that are properly covered under the required Indian compliance framework.
- Products backed by valid STQC Essential Requirements (ER) certification where applicable.
- Products falling under the required BIS compulsory registration framework for CCTV Cameras / CCTV Recorders.
- Exact models that can be matched and verified from official certification sources.
🚫 What is risky / not advisable?
- Unverified CCTV cameras with no clear compliance trail.
- Products where the seller cannot show proper certificate details.
- “Imported piece, same as certified model” type stock without exact model proof.
- Any camera bought only on brand name, without checking the exact certified product entry.
🧾 How to check whether a CCTV is allowed or not
- Ask for the exact model number — not just brand name.
- Ask for the STQC certificate number related to that exact product/model.
- Ask for the BIS registration details wherever applicable for CCTV Cameras / CCTV Recorders.
- Check the official STQC certified products list and match:
- Company name
- Certificate number
- Product type / camera type
- Do not assume all models of one company are allowed. One company may have some certified models and some models that are not the same entry.
- Take screenshot/PDF proof from the official source before purchase.
- For government, institutional, tender, or large office buying: insist on written compliance documents, not WhatsApp promises and not salesman confidence.
🏢 Certified companies visible on the official STQC list
Based on the official STQC certified products list, examples of companies appearing there include:
Important: Presence of a company on the list does not mean every product sold by that company is automatically safe to buy. Always match the exact product entry.
📢 Most-reported affected brands
Recent news reports have repeatedly named the following brands as the most visibly affected in India’s latest CCTV compliance crackdown:
- Hikvision
- Dahua
This is a reported market-impact list, not an official government “banned brands” page.
🛡️ Safe buying checklist for businesses, homes, schools, and offices
- 📌 Buy by exact model number, not by brochure photo.
- 📌 Ask for certificate number in writing.
- 📌 Match it on the official STQC/BIS source.
- 📌 Keep invoice, compliance proof, and model photo together.
- 📌 Avoid “old stock” without documentary proof.
- 📌 For bulk purchases, ask for official declaration from the seller/OEM.
Final word
The CCTV market in India has changed. This is no longer just about price, lens size, night vision, or app support. Compliance is now part of the purchase decision. If the seller cannot prove the exact product is compliant, walk away. Simple.
