Hikvision & Dahua Banned in India from April 2026 - Best CCTV Camera Alternatives for Delhi Homes & Offices

India's government has officially enforced a ban on Chinese CCTV camera brands - including Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link - effective April 1, 2026. If you're a homeowner, shop owner, or business in Delhi, here's everything you need to know - and the best certified alternatives to install right now.

What Exactly Happened? The Indian Government's CCTV Ban Explained

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced Essential Requirements (ER) norms for CCTV cameras back in April 2024, giving manufacturers a two-year window to comply. That deadline expired on April 1, 2026 - and brands that failed to get certified under the government's STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) regime are now effectively banned from selling internet-connected cameras in India.

The rules require manufacturers to declare the country of origin of critical components like the System-on-Chip (SoC) and pass rigorous lab testing for vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorized remote access. The government has explicitly refused to certify products using Chinese-origin chipsets - directly targeting Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link.

Why the ban?

Security agencies had flagged concerns about hidden "backdoor" access in Chinese cameras, potential data transmission to foreign servers, and risks of Chinese-made cameras being deployed near sensitive locations like defence facilities, railway stations, and government buildings.

Which Chinese CCTV Brands Are Banned in Delhi & India?

Hikvision - Largest Chinese surveillance brand globally; most models blocked (some certified models still legal - verify STQC certificate)

Dahua Technology - Fully blocked; no certified products under new rules

TP-Link - Internet-connected camera products banned

Xiaomi & Realme smart cameras - Withdrawn from market due to compliance challenges

Best CCTV Camera Alternatives for Delhi - Government Certified Brands

The good news for Delhi buyers: Indian brands have rapidly scaled up. As of February 2026, domestic manufacturers control over 80% of the market. Here are the top certified alternatives:

CP Plus : India's #1 CCTV brand. Fully STQC certified, Taiwanese chipsets, wide service network across Delhi. Best for homes, shops, offices of all sizes.

Best for Homes

Qubo : Indian brand by Hero Group. Fully certified, AI-powered, ₹2,000–₹4,000 per camera, mobile-first app. Ideal for apartments and small homes.

Best for Offices

Prama : Indian-manufactured, enterprise-grade. Excellent for commercial surveillance in Delhi offices, warehouses, and institutions.

Advanced AI

Matrix : Indian brand with advanced analytics - face detection, intrusion alerts, vehicle detection. Great for large business setups.

Premium

Bosch / Honeywell: Multinational brands dominating the premium enterprise segment. Fully compliant. Best for large commercial and institutional installations.

How Does This Affect CCTV Camera Prices in Delhi?

The removal of heavily subsidized Chinese brands from the market has had a pricing impact. Expect a 15%–20% price increase in mid-range and high-end camera segments, driven by the shift to Taiwanese components and compliance testing costs. However, Indian brands like CP Plus and Qubo have managed to stabilize prices at the budget end of the market.

Delhi Buyer's Tip: For a standard 4-camera home setup in Delhi, a certified CP Plus or Qubo system now ranges from ₹8,000–₹18,000 fully installed. This is a small premium for a government-approved, data-secure system that protects your home without compromising national security.

What Should Delhi Residents Do Right Now?

● If buying new - only choose brands with valid STQC certification. Ask your dealer for the certificate number.

● If you have existing Chinese cameras- your system still works, but plan for replacement over the next 12-18 months as parts availability declines.

● Avoid buying uncertified stock being sold at discounted prices - these cannot legally be supported or replaced.

● For offices and businesses in Delhi - consider this an opportunity to upgrade to an AI-powered, India-certified system.

Conclusion

India's ban on Chinese CCTV cameras is one of the most significant shifts in the country's surveillance market in a decade. For Delhi homeowners and businesses, it marks the end of cheap, Chinese-branded cameras - and the beginning of a more secure, India-first surveillance ecosystem.

The good news: Indian alternatives like CP Plus, Qubo, Prama, and Matrix are now mature, feature-rich, and government-certified. You're not trading down in quality -you're trading up in security and data sovereignty. Whether you run a shop in Karol Bagh, an office in Connaught Place, or a home in Dwarka, there is a certified CCTV solution available for your budget and needs.

At cctvcameradelhi.in, we supply and install only STQC-certified CCTV systems across Delhi NCR. Contact us today for a free site survey and quote.

FAQs

Is Hikvision banned in India in 2026?

Most Hikvision models are effectively banned because they use Chinese-origin chipsets that the government refuses to certify. However, some Hikvision models using non-Chinese (Taiwanese) chipsets have received STQC certification and remain legal. Always ask your dealer to show the STQC certificate for the specific model before purchasing.

Is Dahua CCTV banned in India?

Yes. Dahua Technology has been blocked under the new STQC certification rules. Note: Modern CP Plus cameras have shifted to Taiwanese chipsets and are fully certified - they are no longer OEM Dahua products and are completely legal to buy.

What is STQC certification for CCTV cameras?

STQC stands for Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification - a government regime under MeitY. All internet-connected CCTV cameras sold in India must now be tested at accredited labs for cybersecurity vulnerabilities, declare the origin of key components (especially the System-on-Chip), and be proven free from backdoor access or unauthorized data transmission. Over 507 camera models have been certified so far.

Will my existing Chinese CCTV camera stop working after the ban?

No - your existing cameras will continue to function normally. The ban applies to new sales, not installed systems. However, getting replacement parts, spare DVRs, or add-on cameras will become increasingly difficult. It is advisable to plan a gradual upgrade to certified Indian brands.

Which is the best CCTV camera brand in Delhi after the ban?

CP Plus is the most recommended brand for most Delhi customers - it has the widest service network, fully certified models, Taiwanese chipsets, and products for every budget. Qubo is excellent for home users wanting a simple Wi-Fi camera setup. For offices and commercial spaces, Prama and Matrix offer strong certified options with AI analytics.

Will CCTV camera prices increase in Delhi after the Chinese ban?

Yes - industry experts estimate a 15%–20% rise in mid-range and high-end segments due to compliance costs. Budget-end cameras from CP Plus and Qubo have remained relatively stable. It is a worthwhile investment given the security and compliance benefits.

Can I still buy Hikvision cameras in Delhi?

Only STQC-certified Hikvision models can be legally sold. Before purchasing any Hikvision product in Delhi, ask the dealer to provide the STQC certificate issued by the government. If they cannot show a valid certificate, do not buy.

Why did India ban Chinese CCTV cameras?

National security is the primary reason. Intelligence agencies raised concerns about hidden backdoor access, potential data transmission to foreign servers, and the risk of Chinese cameras near defence facilities and government buildings. The Ghaziabad espionage case in March 2026 further accelerated the crackdown, prompting a pan-India audit of all CCTV installations.