India is increasingly concerned about the security and quality of surveillance devices, such as CCTV cameras, to ensure that they meet the highest standards. In this regard, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced new guidelines that require manufacturers of CCTV equipment to furnish certification of conformity to certain security norms. These regulations will come into full effect by April 9, 2025, and manufacturers, importers, and distributors must immediately comply with these regulations.
Comprehending the Essential Requirements for CCTV Security
The Essential Requirement (ER: 01) for CCTV security ensures the overall security of the devices, making certain that the devices do not become vulnerable to weaknesses that could compromise the system's integrity. International standards such as IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 and IEC 60950-1: 2005, which specifically address electrical safety and security features, are referenced in these requirements.
A key aspect of this new regulation is mandatory security testing. All CCTV devices will undergo rigorous security testing to confirm their resistance to cyberattacks, misuse, and abuse. This testing will be carried out in STQC-approved labs. The STQC ER01 Certification will ensure that CCTV models meet the specified levels of security. Only products that pass this test will be eligible for BIS registration.
Compliance Timeline
The deadline for compliance is April 9, 2025. All existing licensees need to ensure that their CCTV models are tested for compliance by this date, including submitting mandatory test reports. The reports must be submitted by March 31, 2025, in order to bring the models into compliance before the deadline. Any model failing to meet the required standards will be removed from the BIS license and will not be legally sold or used in India.
For new entrants, compliance reports must be submitted at the time of registration, ensuring that their CCTV products meet the security test standards. This process will guarantee that only secure, certified products are available in the Indian market, thereby protecting both the system and the user from potential vulnerabilities.
BIS Registration for Manufacturers of CCTV
BIS registration is a mandatory procedure for manufacturers planning to sell CCTV products in India. This process now includes an additional security verification step. Each CCTV system must be verified against the specified security standards before BIS registration can be granted.
For STQC ER01 Consultants assisting manufacturers, importers, and distributors, helping clients through the compliance process is crucial. Models that fail to comply by April 9, 2025, will be ineligible for BIS certification, severely impacting the company’s ability to sell and distribute CCTV devices in India.
Significance of Testing and Compliance
Compulsory security testing and compliance are essential to safeguarding businesses and consumers from cyberattacks. CCTV systems are critical components of public and private security, and they are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. The security testing mandated by the Indian government aims to secure sensitive information, ensure public safety, and make surveillance systems tamper-proof.
For manufacturers, adhering to these standards not only simplifies the BIS registration process but also enhances brand reputation as a secure and reliable player in the industry. It provides an opportunity to improve product quality, foster customer trust, and expand market presence.
Steps to Ensure Compliance
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File Test Reports: Existing BIS licensees must submit test reports proving compliance with the security standards within the given deadline.
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STQC Testing: CCTV products must be tested in an STQC-certified laboratory to confirm they meet the required security and safety standards.
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Pre-Assessment Services: Manufacturers can utilize pre-assessment services from certified organizations to identify potential weaknesses in their CCTV products before official testing.
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Update Models: Any models that fail security testing must be updated or redesigned to meet compliance requirements.
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BIS Certification: Once compliance is ensured, the models will be certified by BIS and can be legally marketed and sold in India.
Conclusion
With the growing emphasis on public safety and cybersecurity, the updated guidelines for security testing of CCTV systems are a welcome development to ensure that surveillance devices in India are secure, reliable, and tamper-proof. The deadline of April 2025 is fast approaching, and manufacturers must act now to conform to the Essential Requirements (ER: 01). This is not just a legal obligation but also an opportunity for companies to position themselves as leaders in quality and security in India.
If you are a manufacturer, importer, or distributor of CCTV, your models are now subject to compliance under the new regulations. Don’t wait until the deadline—ensure your models are compliant by submitting them to the right tests. Securing your products will protect your brand and your customers, building credibility and trust in a competitive marketplace.
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