Why Hikvision Products Are in Short Supply in India: Understanding the STQC Certification Impact

If you’ve been searching for Hikvision CCTV cameras in India recently, you’ve likely heard the familiar refrain: “Sir, Hikvision stock nahi hai” (Hikvision stock is not available). This isn’t just a temporary inventory issue—it’s the result of a fundamental shift in India’s surveillance equipment regulations that has reshaped the entire CCTV market. Here’s what’s really happening and why Hikvision availability has become so limited.

The Game-Changer: STQC Certification Mandate

On April 9, 2025, India implemented one of its most stringent surveillance equipment regulations to date. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) mandated that all internet-connected CCTV cameras sold in India must obtain STQC (Standardization Testing and Quality Certification) certification under the IoT System Certification Scheme (IoTSCS). This wasn’t just another bureaucratic requirement—it fundamentally changed which products could legally be sold in the Indian market.

The certification requires manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with Essential Requirements (ER-01), which include rigorous cybersecurity standards, supply chain transparency, and hardware-level security features. Every camera model must undergo independent testing at STQC-approved laboratories, with detailed scrutiny of firmware, chipsets, and manufacturing processes.

For Hikvision, this meant submitting each camera model individually for certification—a time-consuming and resource-intensive process that has significantly limited the range of products available in the Indian market.

The Numbers Tell the Story

As of the April 2025 deadline, the market consolidation has been dramatic. According to STQC’s official records, only four manufacturers had certified models approved for sale:

• Samriddhi Automation (Sparsh brand): 27 camera models certified
• Matrix Comsec: 23 camera models certified
• Prama Hikvision India: 6 camera models certified
• Aditya Infotech (CP Plus): 5 camera models certified

This is a stark contrast to the pre-regulation market where hundreds of models from dozens of brands were freely available. Hikvision, despite being one of the world’s largest surveillance equipment manufacturers, has managed to get only six models certified through its Indian subsidiary Prama Hikvision—a tiny fraction of its extensive product portfolio.

Why the Certification Bottleneck?

Several factors have contributed to the limited availability of certified Hikvision products:

Testing Capacity Constraints: The STQC currently operates only 15 laboratories capable of processing ER-01 certifications, with capacity to handle just 28 applications concurrently. This limited infrastructure has created a massive backlog as manufacturers rush to certify their products.

Model-Specific Certification: Unlike previous regulations that certified brands broadly, the new rules require certification for each individual camera model. Hikvision’s vast product range—spanning hundreds of models including dome cameras, bullet cameras, PTZ cameras, and specialized variants with different specifications, chipsets, and features—means each variant needs separate testing and approval.

Source Code Submission Requirements: The certification process mandates submission of source code and allows for factory audits. For a Chinese company operating in an environment of heightened geopolitical scrutiny, this represents both a technical and strategic challenge.

Component Origin Verification: Manufacturers must declare the origin of critical components including chipsets, processors, and PCBs. The regulations emphasize locally manufactured components, creating additional hurdles for products heavily dependent on Chinese supply chains.

The Geopolitical Context

India’s stringent certification requirements didn’t emerge in a vacuum. They reflect growing national security concerns about Chinese surveillance technology that have manifested globally:

In August 2020, the Indian government banned Hikvision from participating in government tenders and ordered the removal of Hikvision security cameras from military and high-security areas. The Indian Navy went further in September 2021, ordering the replacement and destruction of existing Hikvision cameras across all its formations.

In March 2024, India banned 17 Chinese companies from participating in government tenders, with Hikvision facing the most extensive restrictions—70 products were specifically barred from the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.

A 2021 parliamentary disclosure revealed that over one million cameras installed in Indian government institutions were from Chinese manufacturers, raising concerns about sensitive video data potentially being routed to foreign servers. As former cybersecurity chief Gulshan Rai noted, there’s always an espionage risk with internet-connected cameras that can be operated remotely from adverse locations.

These security concerns have been amplified by global developments. The United States banned Hikvision equipment sales in November 2022, citing “unacceptable risks to national security.” The UK, Australia, Lithuania, and other nations have implemented similar restrictions. India’s certification regime represents its version of this global trend toward securing surveillance infrastructure.

The Supply Chain Reality

The certification bottleneck has created a ripple effect throughout the distribution chain:

Dealer Hesitation: Distributors and retailers are reluctant to stock non-certified inventory that cannot legally be sold after the April 2025 deadline. Many have been forced to clear out legacy stock at discounted prices while waiting for certified alternatives.

Model Limitations: Even when Hikvision products are available, customers often find they can only purchase from the six certified models—which may not match their specific technical requirements or budget constraints. Popular models like Hikvision Turbo HD DVR systems or advanced AI-powered variants may not yet be certified.

Extended Lead Times: For the certified models that are available, procurement timelines have stretched from days to weeks or even months as demand far exceeds supply.

Price Volatility: Limited availability has led to price fluctuations. Some distributors have implemented allocation systems, prioritizing established customers or larger orders, while prices for available models have increased.

The Make in India Push

The certification requirements align closely with India’s Make in India initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. The regulations include specific provisions favoring locally manufactured products:

Under the Public Procurement Order (PPO), government buyers must give preference to cameras with higher local content. Suppliers are categorized as Class-I, Class-II, or Non-local based on their level of indigenous manufacturing, with Class-I suppliers receiving priority in government tenders.

This policy framework has disproportionately impacted companies like Hikvision that have historically relied on imported components and China-based manufacturing. In contrast, Indian brands like CP Plus and Sparsh, which have invested in domestic production facilities, were better positioned to meet the April 2025 deadline.

CP Plus, through its partnership with Dixon Technologies and distribution relationship with Dahua Technology, has successfully scaled local manufacturing. The company reported revenues of approximately ?3,000 crore in 2024, growing at 25% annually—outpacing the industry’s 15% average growth rate.

The Testing Framework

To understand why certification is taking so long, it’s important to grasp what the ER-01 testing actually entails:

Cybersecurity Assessments: Testing includes verification of secure boot processes, elimination of default passwords, encryption protocols (TLS 1.2+ minimum), access control mechanisms, and firmware integrity.

Hardware Security: Physical security features are evaluated, including tamper resistance and secure component integration.

Network Security: Cameras must demonstrate secure network communication, proper port management, and protection against common cyber attacks.

Penetration Testing: Each model undergoes simulated cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities.

Supply Chain Verification: Manufacturers must provide documented evidence of component sourcing, with particular scrutiny on chipset origin and firmware development.

The certified models use chipsets from approved manufacturers including Ambarella (U.S.), Novatek (Taiwan), and Innofusion (Singapore)—not the Chinese semiconductor manufacturers that Hikvision has traditionally used in many of its products. This affects everything from entry-level models to premium high-resolution cameras with ultra-high definition capabilities.

What This Means for Buyers

For consumers and businesses looking to purchase Hikvision equipment in India, the situation requires a strategic approach:

Verify Model Certification: Before purchasing, confirm that the specific model number is on STQC’s approved list. Generic assurances about “Hikvision certification” aren’t sufficient—it must be that exact model. Whether you’re looking for Hikvision DVR systems, NVR recorders, outdoor cameras, or network video recorders, verify certification first.

Check Warranty and Support: Ensure that certified models come with proper warranty coverage and that the seller can provide firmware updates through official channels.

Consider Alternatives: With limited Hikvision availability, explore certified alternatives from CP Plus, Sparsh, Matrix, or international brands like Hanwha that have adapted to Indian regulations. If you specifically need features like pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, check our PTZ cameras collection to see if required specifications are among the certified models.

Plan for Longer Procurement Cycles: If you need specific Hikvision models, build additional time into your project timeline. Availability is unpredictable and dependent on certification progress. High-demand products like ColorVu cameras with night color vision technology may face particularly long wait times.

Avoid Grey Market Products: Non-certified cameras may be available through unofficial channels, but purchasing them exposes you to legal risks, lack of warranty support, and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Government vs. Private Market Dynamics

There’s an important distinction between government and private sector requirements:

For government projects, the PPO has mandated STQC ER-certified cameras since June 6, 2024. Government agencies have been actively replacing non-compliant systems, with the UK government reporting approximately 50% completion of its Hikvision replacement program as of April 2024.

For private buyers, the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) makes certification mandatory as of April 9, 2025. However, enforcement in the private sector has been more gradual, with a 21-day compliance window initially provided.

Both segments now face the same fundamental reality: only certified models can legally be sold, installed, or maintained in India.

The Industry Transformation

India’s CCTV market, valued at $4.22 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $20.33 billion by 2033—representing a 19.1% compound annual growth rate. This growth is driven by urbanization (nearly 600 million Indians projected to live in urban areas by 2031), smart city initiatives, and increasing security consciousness.

The certification requirements are reshaping how this massive market develops. Companies that invested early in local manufacturing, established relationships with approved component suppliers, and prioritized certification have gained significant competitive advantages.

The consolidation visible in the certification numbers—just four manufacturers with approved products—has created what some industry observers call a “monopolistic” situation. However, proponents argue this is a necessary transitional phase that will ultimately result in a more secure, standardized, and trustworthy surveillance infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

For Hikvision, the path forward in India requires significant adaptation:

Expanded Certification Efforts: The company needs to accelerate testing and certification for more models to expand its available product range.

Supply Chain Localization: Increasing use of India-approved components and potentially expanding local manufacturing through Prama Hikvision.

Enhanced Transparency: Meeting the stringent documentation and audit requirements that Indian regulations demand.

Model Portfolio Optimization: Potentially redesigning products specifically for the Indian market with compliant components and security features built in from the design stage.

Industry sources expect certification approvals to gradually increase as testing laboratories expand capacity and manufacturers refine their compliance processes. However, this will be a multi-year transition, and Hikvision’s product availability in India will likely remain constrained in the near term.

The Bigger Picture

The Hikvision shortage in India is ultimately about more than one company’s supply challenges. It represents a fundamental shift in how India approaches technology security, particularly for products from geopolitically sensitive sources. The certification framework prioritizes:

• Cybersecurity: Ensuring surveillance systems cannot be easily compromised or exploited
• Supply Chain Transparency: Knowing where components come from and who controls the technology
• Indigenous Capability: Building India’s domestic surveillance manufacturing ecosystem
• Data Sovereignty: Keeping control of sensitive video surveillance data within India

For consumers and businesses, this means adjusting to a new reality where product availability is determined not just by market demand and pricing, but by rigorous government certification that prioritizes security and domestic manufacturing. The “stock nahi hai” response you’re hearing isn’t just about inventory—it’s about a market fundamentally restructuring itself around these new priorities.

As India’s surveillance market continues its rapid growth, expect the product landscape to evolve significantly. Companies that adapt to these certification requirements will thrive, while those that don’t will find their market access increasingly restricted. For Hikvision, success in India now depends less on its global market leadership and more on its ability to navigate this new regulatory environment effectively.

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This article reflects the regulatory environment as of February 2026. For the latest STQC certification updates and approved product lists, visit the official STQC website or consult with certified surveillance equipment distributors.

Related Products & Resources

Explore our complete range of certified security solutions:

Hikvision Cameras:

• Network IP Cameras – Smart surveillance solutions
• PTZ Cameras – Pan-Tilt-Zoom security cameras
• Dome Camera DS-2CD1323G2-LIU – 2MP Indoor Smart Camera
• Bullet Camera DS-2CD1047G2-L – 4MP ColorVu Outdoor Camera
• AcuSense Outdoor Bullet DS-2CD2043G2-Li2U – 4MP with AI Analytics

Recording Systems:

• Network Video Recorders (NVR) – 4K & AcuSense NVR systems
• Digital Video Recorders (DVR) – Turbo HD DVR systems
• Hikvision Turbo HD 8CH DVR – 5MP Support Metal DVR

Accessories:

• Network Switches (PoE) – Power over Ethernet
• Camera Parts & Accessories – Cables, connectors & more

Need help choosing the right STQC-certified security camera system? Contact our experts for personalized recommendations based on compliance requirements, or visit our store at Nehru Place, New Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Hikvision cameras in short supply in India?

Hikvision cameras are currently in limited supply due to mandatory STQC certification requirements implemented in April 2025. Only a few models certified through Prama Hikvision India are legally approved for sale, significantly reducing market availability compared to previous years.

What is STQC certification for CCTV cameras?

STQC (Standardization Testing and Quality Certification) is a mandatory compliance requirement under India’s IoT System Certification Scheme. It ensures internet-connected CCTV cameras meet cybersecurity standards, hardware security controls, and supply chain transparency requirements defined by MeitY.

Which Hikvision models are STQC certified in India?

As of early 2026, only a limited number of Hikvision models have received STQC approval through Prama Hikvision India. Buyers should verify the latest certified model list through authorized dealers before purchasing.

What are certified alternatives to Hikvision cameras in India?

Several brands have received STQC certification, including CP Plus, Matrix Comsec, and Sparsh by Samriddhi Automation. These companies invested early in local manufacturing and regulatory compliance to meet India’s certification standards.

Can I still buy non-certified Hikvision cameras in India?

No. Under the Compulsory Registration Order effective April 9, 2025, STQC certification is mandatory for all internet-connected CCTV cameras. Purchasing non-certified devices may result in legal risks, lack of warranty, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.