The numbers
The Indian government is set to enforce a total ban on the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers, effective April 1, 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in the surveillance technology landscape, particularly affecting major players like Hikvision and Dahua, which previously held a substantial share of the Indian market.
Until 2024, Hikvision and Dahua collectively commanded about one-third of the Indian CCTV market. However, under the new Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules, the government has refused to certify products made in China or those utilizing Chinese chipsets. As a result, Indian companies now dominate the market, controlling over 80% as of February 2026.
Notably, CP Plus has emerged as a leader in this new environment, commanding a market share of 45-50%, a significant increase from its previous share of 20-25% before the regulations were introduced. In stark contrast, Dahua’s business has contracted by 80%, limiting its operations to selling obsolete analog cameras. This dramatic decline underscores the impact of the ban on Chinese manufacturers.
The shift away from Chinese suppliers has not been without its challenges. Industry analysts report that the transition has led to a 15-20% rise in the bill of materials (BoM), which could affect pricing for consumers. Despite these increases, existing installations of affected CCTV systems are not expected to face immediate disruption, providing some relief to current users.
Historically, Chinese brands held a significant share of India’s CCTV market, but the current regulatory environment is reshaping the competitive landscape. With the government’s focus on self-reliance and security, the future of surveillance technology in India appears to be leaning towards domestic production.
As the April 2026 deadline approaches, observers are keenly watching how this ban will affect the market dynamics and whether other countries will follow suit in similar regulatory measures. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of the ban on pricing and availability of CCTV technology in India.
