Government Declines Deadline Extension for CCTV Cybersecurity Certification, Impacting MSMEs

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has upheld the April 9 deadline for obtaining the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) for CCTV cameras, leaving many Chinese manufacturers and Indian MSMEs dependent on Chinese components in a challenging position. This decision follows a meeting on April 21 where industry representatives requested an extension, which was declined.

The STQC certification, introduced in March 2024, mandates that all CCTV and video surveillance systems meet stringent cybersecurity and trusted supply chain standards. With over 80% of surveillance products in India relying on Chinese components and cloud infrastructure, this move is expected to disrupt the demand-supply chain, particularly affecting low-cost CCTV operators who may struggle to comply with the certification requirements.

The government's decision aligns with its broader strategy to bolster domestic manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign surveillance equipment and enhance national security. However, the immediate impact on MSMEs could be significant, potentially leading to increased costs and supply chain disruptions.

As the deadline approaches, MSMEs in the CCTV sector are urged to expedite their compliance processes or explore alternative supply chain options to mitigate potential business disruptions.

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