India is set to enforce a certification mandate for internet-connected CCTV cameras, effective April 1, which could impact companies such as Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link.
The certification rules will be part of the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification guidelines, where all CCTV and video surveillance systems will be certified before they are sold in India. While the rules will be applicable to all, companies that fail to comply with certification will not be able to sell connected CCTV cameras.
Certification mandate targets security risks:
The rules on certification mandates will be part of a broader move to enhance surveillance infrastructure, addressing risks associated with imported products. There have been specific concerns raised on risks such as vulnerability to unauthorized access, considering connected devices.
In the new scheme, the manufacturer will be required to reveal the origin of the hardware. Products will also be tested to ensure security compliance. These steps will be important for government projects and public infrastructure systems.
Industry players say the earlier compliance rules had already started impacting the market. As the deadline is approaching, it is believed that the purchasing pattern will be in favor of products that have been certified to comply with the local rules.
Market scenario for domestic manufacturers:
The introduction of the new rule is believed to change the CCTV market scenario. It is believed to help domestic players like CP Plus and Qubo. As the non-certified products will be less likely to penetrate the market, domestic players can gain from the situation.
In the wake of the introduction of the new rule, the prices of CCTV equipment may rise. But the change is believed to be positive for the domestic players and can propel the growth of the security equipment sector in the country.
This change is part of the larger shift towards cybersecurity and data protection, and the adoption of certified technology in the country.
