Withdrawal of Extension for Compliance with Essential Requirements (ERs) for CCTV Cameras

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has now removed the extension that allowed retailers to sell non-compliant CCTV models in India. An Office Memorandum issued by the Secretary of MeitY outlines this change, which takes effect on 1 April 2026. As a result, everyone involved in the supply chain, from manufacturers and importers/distributors to retailers, will only be able to sell CCTVs that meet the Essential Requirements for security after that date.

Previously, under an Office Memorandum dated May 21, 2025, the government had provided a grace period during which NCS-approved imported and manufactured CCTV products made up until April 9, 2025, could be sold without any restrictions to assist in clearing stock.

Overview of Office Memorandum for CCTV?

MeitY previously published an Office Memorandum on 21 May 2025, providing temporary relief to companies that could sell CCTV cameras imported or manufactured in India before 9 April 2025. The rationale for this relief was as follows:

• To allow businesses to clear their existing inventory.

• To allow companies to obtain additional time to comply with new security standards.

• To allow for a more seamless transition to the revised compliance programme.

The Essential Requirements (ERs) for CCTV Cameras were initially issued by MeitY in a Gazette notification on 9 April 2024 under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) Requirements.

Important Updates Under the Recent Withdrawal Order?

As per the most recent memorandum issued, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has informed that sufficient time has already been allowed since notifying the security standards for Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).

• The Extension has been revoked.

• The Relaxation will cease after 31 March 2026.

• On and from 01 April 2026, CCTV cameras that do not meet specifications shall not be sold in India.

Key Points: Withdrawal of the  Extension Order of CCTV Cameras

The key points of the order are as follows:

• No new models of CCTV Cameras will be able to enter India after April 1st, 2026, unless they meet MeitY's 3rd Edition Essential Requirements (ER) for obtaining CRS Registration of CCTV Cameras. 

• Any CCTV camera sold in India after this date must conform to the 9th April 2024 ERs as listed in MeitY's 3rd Edition Essential Requirements publication. 

• Products imported or manufactured before April 1st, 2026, can still be sold after April 1st, 2026; however, they must meet ERs.

What are the essential requirements for a CCTV camera?

The rule affects Indian manufacturers and importers of CCTV Cameras. BIS Registration Guidelines for CCTV camera's intended to ensure that only secure and reliable CCTV Cameras are available for sale in India. The Essential Requirements focus on the provision of security and safety of CCTV Camera Systems. This is achieved through the following:

• Promote Cybersecurity

• Prevent Unauthorized Access and Breach of Data

• Protect Sensitive Information Associated with CCTV Surveillance

• Support for National Security and Consumer Privacy.

Who Will Be Affected by This Change?

Businesses holding old or non-compliant stock must take immediate steps to avoid violations after 1st April 2026. This update is crucial for:

• CCTV camera manufacturers

• Importers and exporters

• Distributors and retailers

• Electronics industry associations

• Compliance and certification consultants

What Should Manufacturers and Importers Do Next?

If you want your business to be compliant, you must:

• Use CCTV cameras that meet all of the requirements set forth by MeitY as essential

• Do all necessary testing/certification/documentation of your CCTV cameras before they may be sold

• Cease to sell any CCTV cameras that do not meet compliance standards before 31 March 2026

• Keep abreast of developments from MeitY and BIS concerning CCTV camera compliance

• If companies act sooner rather than later, they can avoid incurring penalties or product bans or initiating litigation against them.

Conclusion

The removal of the extension for complying with the compliance requirements of CCTV cameras signifies a significant opportunity for India’s establishment of its electronic and cyber security framework. Such compliance will become mandatory beginning 1 April 2026, and there will be no further allowance for non-compliant CCTV cameras to be sold or used in India.

From manufacturers to importers to sellers of CCTV cameras, the responsibility of ensuring compliance with the MeitY has become paramount, and compliance will be strictly enforced by law and by regulatory authority.