India will implement a major regulatory change in its surveillance sector starting April 1, 2026, under which the sale of uncertified internet-connected CCTV cameras will be banned

India will implement a major regulatory change in its surveillance sector starting April 1, 2026, under which the sale of uncertified internet-connected CCTV cameras will be banned

¨    India will implement a major regulatory change in its surveillance sector starting April 1, 2026, under which the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras—particularly those linked to Chinese manufacturers—will be prohibited.

¨    This move marks the conclusion of a two-year transition period initiated with the objective of bolstering national security and reducing dependence on foreign technology within critical infrastructure.

Scope and Nature of the Ban

¨    Under the new regulations, the sale of internet-based CCTV cameras that fail to meet the certification standards prescribed by the government has been prohibited.

¨    A key requirement is the disclosure of the country of origin for critical components, such as the System-on-Chip (SoC) and firmware. Devices must also undergo rigorous cybersecurity testing to eliminate the risks associated with unauthorized remote access.

¨   Authorities are refusing to grant certification to products containing components of Chinese origin, thereby effectively barring many global companies from the market.