India Effectively Bars Chinese CCTV Giants Hikvision and Dahua from Selling Internet-Connected Cameras
India bars Chinese CCTV giants Hikvision and Dahua from selling internet-connected cameras under new STQC rules, boosting domestic brands’ dominance while increasing costs in the premium segment and reshaping the surveillance market landscape.
Industry executives state that the move will shut Chinese brands out of the fast-growing Indian CCTV market, where they previously accounted for nearly one-third of total sales. The vacuum created by their exit has been rapidly filled by domestic players such as CP Plus, Qubo, Prama, Matrix, and Sparsh. These companies have shifted supply chains to Taiwanese chipsets and adopted localized firmware to comply with regulatory requirements.
As of February, Indian companies control over 80% of the market, according to Counterpoint Research. CP Plus alone commands 45–50% market share, a significant increase from its earlier 20–25% share prior to the implementation of the regulations.
Amid increasing global competition, multinational corporations such as Bosch and Honeywell have secured dominance in the high-end segment of the market. Meanwhile, smaller traders and smartphone brands like Xiaomi and Realme have exited the category after failing to obtain certification.
To sustain operations, Hikvision has begun exploring joint ventures with I
ndian partners. Dahua, however, has witnessed an 80% contraction in its business and is now limited to selling analog cameras, a segment that is rapidly becoming obsolete.
The transition away from Chinese suppliers has introduced significant price pressure. Analysts estimate a 15–20% increase in bill of materials (BOM), particularly in mid- and high-end models where Taiwanese and U.S. chipsets are considerably more expensive than their Chinese counterparts. While prices in the lower segment have remained stable due to localized production, the premium segment has experienced sharp increases.
The ban represents a strategic gain for Indian manufacturers, consolidating their dominance in a market once controlled by Chinese brands. It also aligns with India’s broader push for digital security and supply chain independence. However, rising costs may challenge affordability, particularly for businesses and institutions seeking to upgrade to certified systems.

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