December 25, 2024
The debate over whether ER Certification by STQC on Cyber Security is mandatory for CCTV cameras has created a significant buzz across the industry. This blog clears the confusion by examining the relevant gazette notifications and compliance timelines, while also highlighting the importance of adopting secured cameras that meet national standards.
Gazette Notification and the Public Procurement Order (PPO)
On March 6, 2024, the government amended the Public Procurement Order (PPO), mandating Essential Requirements (ER) certifications issued by the Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate for CCTV camera brands in India.
A three-month compliance window was set, making June 6, 2024, the effective date. From this point forward, any Made in India CCTV products procured for government projects must comply with the STQC-certified ER standards.
Amendment to the BIS CRO Scheme
A second gazette notification issued on April 9, 2024, extended compliance under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) scheme. This update included:
- Safety Requirements (IS 13252) for all CCTV models, including IP Bullet Cameras, IP Dome Cameras, and PTZ Cameras.
- Essential Requirements (ER) for cybersecurity compliance.
The initial compliance deadline of October 9, 2024, was extended to April 9, 2025, giving CCTV camera brands in India additional preparation time to align their products with both safety and cybersecurity requirements.
Current Status and Key Dates
Here’s a summary of the key timelines:
- For Government Procurement:
- Since June 6, 2024, ER Certification by STQC is mandatory for all government-related procurements.
- For General Sales in India: Starting April 9, 2025, compliance with BIS Safety and ER standards will be mandatory for all CCTV cameras, including IP Bullet Cameras, IP Dome Cameras, and PTZ Cameras, sold in India.
Clearing the Confusion
The confusion stems from the dual timelines under the PPO and BIS schemes. Here’s the simplified explanation:
- Government Projects:
- Compliance with STQC certification for cybersecurity is already mandatory under the PPO.
- General Market Sales:
- By April 9, 2025, all CCTV products sold in India, including Made in India CCTV options, must comply with both BIS safety and STQC cybersecurity standards.
Why This Matters for the CCTV Industry
The regulatory landscape highlights the government's commitment to cybersecurity and reducing reliance on Chinese alternatives. For manufacturers and sellers, here are the actionable steps:
- For Government Procurement:
- Ensure all your CCTV cameras, including advanced models must be ER Certified by STQC for immediate compliance.
- For General Sales in India:
- Begin aligning your products with the BIS CRO standards for both safety and Essential Requirements (ER) to meet the April 2025 deadline.
Adopting Made in India CCTV solutions that meet these standards is not only about compliance but also about offering secure and reliable products to your customers.
Conclusion
As ER-certified STQC cameras become the benchmark for government and general market use, the CCTV camera industry in India must adapt to these evolving regulations. While government projects already require compliance, the BIS timeline provides some breathing room for broader market readiness.
For stakeholders in the CCTV camera industry, the path forward is clear:
- For government projects, compliance is non-negotiable today.
- For the general market, align with the April 2025 deadline for a competitive edge.
By ensuring your products meet these requirements, you’re not just avoiding non-compliance; you’re also contributing to a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem in India.
