The government has introduced stricter security rules for CCTV systems in India, aiming to prevent unauthorised remote access and strengthen surveillance integrity.
The new framework mandates essential requirements (ERs) for CCTV devices, including documentation of critical component origins such as chipsets, vulnerability assessments, and mandatory testing at accredited labs within India. Minister of State for Electronics & IT Jitin Prasada informed the Lok Sabha that 507 CCTV models have already been certified under these norms.
The government has also directed departments to avoid procuring CCTV equipment that does not meet these requirements. “Additionally, an advisory was issued to all ministries for taking appropriate measures to address the security threats of the CCTV network vulnerability and to ensure the overall security and integrity of CCTV/video surveillance systems,” Prasada said.
As part of the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) had earlier notified on March 6, 2024, that all government procurement should prioritise locally manufactured surveillance systems.
The Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) under MeitY is responsible for testing and validating these standards. Manufacturers must get their products tested through STQC or accredited labs and obtain registration from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Industry players have welcomed the move. Aditya Khemka, MD of CP Plus, said, “At CP Plus, we see this as a pivotal move. By enforcing hardware transparency, vulnerability testing, and independent government validation, the framework ensures CCTV systems are secure by design to build trust for both public and private users.”
He added that a unified national policy will create a standardised ecosystem, ensuring all CCTV systems meet consistent security benchmarks and reducing cyber risks. The availability of hundreds of certified models reflects industry readiness to comply.
According to Counterpoint Research, the impact of these norms could be significant, especially for players that fail to comply. Domestic brands such as CP Plus and Matrix currently lead the market alongside Chinese vendors including Hikvision, Tapo, and Xiaomi.
Government procurement accounts for around 30%–35% of total CCTV demand in India, making compliance critical. Existing procurement rules also encourage the use of locally manufactured components and require software to be hosted within India, reducing dependence on foreign technology.
Experts believe these regulations could strengthen domestic manufacturers like Sparsh and Matrix while setting the stage for broader IoT security standards in the country.
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