Network-connected (non-analog) CCTV cameras sold in India need BIS registration and compliance with MeitY's Essential Requirements for Security, known as ER-01. MeitY notified the Essential Requirements by gazette notification dated 9 April 2024 under the Compulsory Registration Order. The effective date was extended from 9 October 2024 to 9 April 2025. MeitY's Office Memorandum dated 16 January 2026 then withdrew the stock-clearance relaxation, so from 1 April 2026 CCTV cameras that do not conform to the Essential Requirements cannot be sold. Non-analog cameras need a safety report under IS 13252 (Part 1) and an ER security test report from STQC. Analog cameras are exempt from the ER under MeitY's 12 March 2025 clarification but still need IS 13252 (Part 1) registration. Compliant models may carry the label statement: This CCTV camera complies with Essential Requirement(s) for Security.
A CCTV camera that connects to a network can be hacked, hijacked or used to spy on the people it watches. India's Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV were written to reduce that risk. They test the camera's cybersecurity, not its picture quality.
This guide explains how the rules fit together, who tests what, which documents you need, and how long the process usually takes. It also corrects a common mix-up: STQC tests the security requirements, but BIS registration is what lets you sell.
📑 Quick Navigation
- Is STQC Certification Mandatory for CCTV Cameras?
- Applicable Standards and Scope
- Key Dates: 2024 to 2026
- What ER-01 Testing Looks At
- Certification Process and Timeline
- STQC vs BIS ER-01, and Foreign Manufacturers
- Documents Required
- CCTV Compliance Checklist
- Common Mistakes
- Benefits of Compliance
- Official Regulatory References
- How Rego Services Supports You
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is STQC Certification Mandatory for CCTV Cameras?
What Is STQC Certification for CCTV?
STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) is a directorate under MeitY. For CCTV, STQC tests cameras against the Essential Requirements for Security. Its test report is what BIS accepts as proof of ER compliance.
Yes, for network-connected cameras. A CCTV camera must be registered with BIS under the Compulsory Registration Order. Non-analog models must also meet the Essential Requirements for Security. From 1 April 2026, cameras that do not conform cannot be sold. Selling, importing or manufacturing them is no longer allowed.
The wording matters. The legal route to market is BIS registration. STQC testing is a step inside that route. A separate STQC scheme, described below, is mainly relevant to government tenders.
You can check the notifications on the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology website. Registration is handled by the Bureau of Indian Standards, and testing by STQC.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulation | Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (MeitY) |
| Security Requirements | Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV (ER-01), notified by gazette notification dated 9 April 2024 |
| Covered Products | Non-analog CCTV cameras, including IP cameras and speed domes |
| Exempt From ER | Analog CCTV cameras (MeitY notification dated 12 March 2025) |
| Safety Standard | IS 13252 (Part 1), aligned with IEC 60950-1 |
| ER Testing | STQC |
| Registration | BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) |
| Sale Restriction | Non-conforming cameras cannot be sold from 1 April 2026 |
Applicable Standards and Scope
Two layers apply. One covers electrical safety. The other covers cybersecurity. Non-analog cameras need both.
Applications for analog and non-analog cameras are filed separately. Industry sources also note that the IP and analog test reports cannot be submitted together. Some sources say recorders (NVR and DVR) are covered as well. Confirm the scope for your product with BIS.
Products Typically Affected
Network cameras that stream over an IP network. These need safety and ER testing.
Pan-tilt-zoom domes on a network. Treated with IP cameras for ER purposes.
Exempt from the ER, but still registered under IS 13252 (Part 1).
NVRs and DVRs that connect to a network. Sources differ on coverage, so confirm with BIS.
Key Dates: 2024 to 2026
Two other dates matter. MeitY clarified on 12 March 2025 that analog cameras are exempt from the ER. On 16 January 2026, an Office Memorandum withdrew the stock-clearance relaxation. Industry reports also say a request for a further extension was declined.
What ER-01 Testing Looks At
The notified Essential Requirements are the authority. Industry sources describe the testing as security-focused, covering the areas below. Read the ER document for the exact tests.
Certification Process and Timeline
The steps below follow the route industry sources describe. Safety testing and ER testing are done separately, and both reports go into the BIS application.
Decide whether the model is a non-analog (IP) camera, a speed dome, an analog camera, or a recorder. Non-analog cameras need both safety and ER testing. Analog cameras need safety testing only.
Compile the application form, factory ISO certificate, firmware and SoC details or declarations, product brochures, series-model declaration, authorised-person declaration and the TCF form.
Test the camera against IS 13252 (Part 1) at a BIS-recognised laboratory.
Submit samples to STQC for testing against the Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV.
Prepare the manufacturing and quality systems for audit, where required for your registration route.
File the registration application with both reports and the declarations on the BIS Compulsory Registration portal.
BIS reviews the file and may raise queries. On approval, the model is registered and receives its registration number.
Apply the compliance label statement, keep records of any firmware changes, and renew the registration before it lapses.
Indicative Timeline
| Stage | Indicative Duration |
|---|---|
| Documentation | 3–5 days |
| Product testing | 20–25 days |
| Factory audit | 2–4 days |
| Submission on the BIS portal | 2–3 days |
| BIS review | 25–30 days |
| Certificate issuance | 2–3 days |
| Indicative total | About 8–10 weeks |
These ranges come from an industry consultancy and are indicative only. Laboratory availability, the number of models and BIS queries can lengthen the process.
STQC vs BIS ER-01, and Foreign Manufacturers
People often say "STQC certification" for the whole process. In practice, two routes exist, and they serve different buyers.
- Run by BIS under the Compulsory Registration Scheme
- Needed to sell a camera in India
- Uses the STQC ER security test report
- Enough for most private and enterprise buyers
- Run by STQC as a separate scheme
- Tests the same Essential Requirements
- Industry sources say some government tenders ask for it
- Check each tender's eligibility criteria
Who Is Responsible?
| Business | Typical Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Indian manufacturer | Register each model with BIS, with safety and ER reports for non-analog cameras |
| Foreign manufacturer | Register through an Authorised Indian Representative under the BIS scheme |
| Importer | Confirm that every imported model is BIS-registered and, if non-analog, ER-compliant |
| Reseller or installer | Sell and install only registered, ER-compliant non-analog models |
Documents Required
Industry sources list the documents below for ER-01 testing and registration. Your test laboratory will confirm the exact set.
- Application form — the registration or test application.
- Factory ISO certificate — evidence of the manufacturer's quality system.
- Firmware details or declarations — what firmware the camera runs and who supplies it.
- SoC details or declarations — the system-on-chip used in the model.
- Product brochures — technical descriptions of each model.
- Series-model declaration — how related models are grouped, as per MeitY guidelines.
- Authorised-person declaration — who signs for the organisation.
- Declaration about the product developed — a statement about how the product was developed.
- TCF form — the technical construction file form required by the laboratory.
CCTV Compliance Checklist
- Product type — each model classified as non-analog camera, analog camera or recorder.
- Safety report — IS 13252 (Part 1) report from a BIS-recognised laboratory.
- ER report — STQC security report for every non-analog model.
- Firmware control — firmware versions, signing and update process documented.
- Component records — SoC and firmware sources documented for each series.
- Separate filings — analog and non-analog applications prepared separately.
- Label — compliance statement added to packaging for compliant models.
- Stock check — any pre-April 2025 stock reviewed against the 1 April 2026 rule.
Common Mistakes
Assuming cameras made or imported before 9 April 2025 can still be sold. That relaxation ended on 1 April 2026.
Submitting analog and non-analog reports together. They must be filed separately.
Bidding on a government tender with only BIS ER-01 when the tender asks for STQC IoTSCS.
Switching components between models without updating declarations and test coverage.
Benefits of Compliance
Official Regulatory References
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) — issuing authority for the Compulsory Registration Order and the Essential Requirements. meity.gov.in
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — operator of the Compulsory Registration Scheme. bis.gov.in
- STQC Directorate — security testing against the Essential Requirements. stqc.gov.in
- MeitY gazette notification dated 9 April 2024 — Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV.
- MeitY notification dated 12 March 2025 — analog cameras exempt from the Essential Requirements.
- MeitY Office Memorandum dated 16 January 2026 — relaxation withdrawn from 1 April 2026.
BIS Certification Services in India
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How Rego Services Supports You
Rego Services Private Limited helps CCTV manufacturers and importers move from product classification to registered models.
- Applicability check — We classify each model and confirm whether ER testing applies.
- Documentation — We prepare the declarations, series-model details and application file.
- Testing coordination — We arrange safety testing and STQC security testing.
- BIS submission — We file and follow up on the registration application and BIS queries.
- Foreign manufacturers — We support registration through an Authorised Indian Representative.
- Ongoing compliance — We help track firmware changes, renewals and regulatory updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is STQC certification mandatory for CCTV cameras in India?
Yes, for network-connected (non-analog) CCTV cameras. They must be registered with BIS under the Compulsory Registration Order and comply with MeitY's Essential Requirements (ER) for Security of CCTV, which are tested by STQC. From 1 April 2026, CCTV cameras that do not conform to the ERs cannot be sold in India.
What is ER-01 for CCTV cameras?
ER-01 is the common name for the Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV, notified by MeitY by gazette notification dated 9 April 2024. These are cybersecurity requirements. Industry sources describe them as covering areas such as secure firmware, encrypted communication and tamper resistance. The notified text is the authoritative source.
Do analog CCTV cameras need ER-01 compliance?
No. MeitY clarified in a notification dated 12 March 2025 that analog CCTV cameras are not required to comply with the Essential Requirements for Security. They still need BIS registration for safety under IS 13252 (Part 1). Applications for analog and non-analog cameras are submitted separately.
Which standards apply to CCTV cameras?
IP and other non-analog cameras need a safety test report under IS 13252 (Part 1), aligned with IEC 60950-1, plus compliance with the Essential Requirements for Security. Analog cameras need IS 13252 (Part 1) only.
What is the difference between BIS ER-01 and STQC IoTSCS?
Industry sources describe them as two separate routes that test against the same MeitY Essential Requirements. BIS ER-01 registration is the legal route to sell a camera in India. STQC's IoT System Certification Scheme is a separate certificate that some government tenders ask for. Check which one your buyers require.
What changed on 1 April 2026?
MeitY's Office Memorandum dated 16 January 2026 withdrew the relaxation that had allowed sale of non-conforming cameras made or imported before 9 April 2025. From 1 April 2026, only CCTV cameras that meet the Essential Requirements may be sold.
Do recorders (NVR and DVR) also need ER-01?
Some industry sources say network-connected recorders are covered alongside cameras. Others describe the requirement mainly for cameras. Confirm the scope for your specific product with BIS before relying on either view.
What must the CCTV camera label say?
Models that comply may carry the statement: This CCTV camera complies with Essential Requirement(s) for Security. Confirm the exact wording and placement with BIS.
How long does ER-01 certification take?
Industry consultancies indicate roughly 8 to 10 weeks end to end, made up of documentation, STQC testing, a factory audit, BIS portal submission and BIS review. Actual time depends on laboratory slots, model count and BIS queries.
Can foreign manufacturers register CCTV cameras with BIS?
Yes. Under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme, foreign manufacturers register through an Authorised Indian Representative. The product still needs the applicable test reports, including the ER report for non-analog cameras.
How long is the registration valid?
Industry sources report an initial validity of at least two years, with renewal for further terms. Confirm the current validity and renewal rules on the BIS portal.
✓ Key Takeaways
- Non-analog CCTV cameras need BIS registration and compliance with MeitY's Essential Requirements for Security (ER-01)
- The ER were notified on 9 April 2024 and took effect on 9 April 2025
- From 1 April 2026, CCTV cameras that do not conform to the ER cannot be sold
- STQC tests the ER; BIS registration is the legal route to sell
- Non-analog cameras need IS 13252 (Part 1) plus the ER; analog cameras need IS 13252 (Part 1) only
- STQC IoTSCS is a separate certificate, mainly relevant to government tenders
- Indicative timeline is about 8 to 10 weeks, depending on lab slots and BIS queries
- Verify scope, notification details and recorder coverage with MeitY or BIS
Reviewed by the Rego Services Compliance Team | Last Updated: October 2026 | Key Instruments: MeitY ER notification (9 Apr 2024), MeitY Office Memorandum (16 Jan 2026) | Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1)
Your Next Step
The 1 April 2026 deadline has passed, so any non-analog camera model without ER compliance should be treated as off the market. Rego Services' regulatory team can classify your range, coordinate testing and manage your BIS registration from filing to approval.
Contact Rego Services today for guidance on STQC testing and ER-01 compliance for CCTV cameras.