BIS Certification
CDSCO
CPCB
LMPC
WPC Approval
Global Approvals
TEC
ARAI
BEE
ISO Certification
Drone Registration
NOC For Steel
Business Registration
Legal Services
- STQC Certification for CCTV Cameras is mandatory under Indian surveillance standards.
- It ensures CCTV systems comply with government quality benchmarks and cybersecurity protocols.
- Understand deadlines, process, ER Certification, and practical steps to achieve STQC compliance for CCTV systems.
Introduction
Late last year, a prominent smart-city integrator in Pune faced a massive delay in project execution. The reason? 3,000 imported CCTV cameras were stalled at customs due to lack of STQC certification. The integrator, unaware of the deadline issued by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, not only lost weeks of productivity but also suffered financial penalties from the municipal authority.
This is not an isolated case. Across India, vendors, importers, and government contractors are now required to meet strict certification standards, especially STQC and ER Certifications, before deploying surveillance equipment in sensitive areas.
What Is STQC Certification for CCTV Cameras?
The STQC certification for CCTV cameras is an obligatory certification issued by the government to qualify for quality and cybersecurity in CCTV products within the scope of the Essential Requirements for CCTV under Indian standards. The changed compliance is based on IS 13252 Part 1, which brings it into line with global cybersecurity protocols.
The extension deadline for STQC certification allows manufacturers to complete testing, documentation, and certification without fear of penalties or delisting from product registration.
Key Compliance Highlights
- Applications for standard revision must be submitted by existing license holders along with updated ER-compliant test reports before April 9, 2025.
- The product models are liable to removal from STQC approval for CCTV or license cancellation on account of non-compliance.
- Newcomers can apply under the current standards, however, they need to state that they comply with the Essential Requirements for CCTV before the deadline.
Delays in applications would not help, and as we will always say at Diligence Certification for STQC, STQC testing for CCTV typically takes weeks, depending on lab capacity.
Coverages under Mandatory Certification
CCTV Camera and Recorder fall under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 / IEC 60950-1:2005 for safety compliance and are to be mandatorily registered under Scheme-II of BIS Regulations 2018.
Vide Gazette Notification dated 09 April 2024, MeitY notified formally the Essential Requirement(s) for Security of CCTV Cameras – ER: 01, with mandatory implementation from being postponed till 09 April 2025.
A test request module for submitting applications under ER: 01 has been enabled now on the BIS portal. Testing and certification will be carried forward under Series Guidelines prescribed by BIS for acceptance through third party laboratories.
ER-01 Certification Test Requests
A Test Request for ER:01 can now be generated by manufacturers in the BIS portal. The test is set to be conducted by third-party laboratories, following the stringent Series Guidelines issued by BIS to label the model-wise product as compliant or otherwise.
- Test Report Requirements:
Lead model & series details - Model similarities and differences
- Hardware and software B.O.M.
- Firmware versions with hash values
- SoC and PCBA Layout insights
Implementation Guidelines for ER:01 Certification
A. For All Existing BIS License Holders:
Apply from the Standards Revision/Amendment/Essential Requirement module on the BIS portal.
- Test reports must be submitted by April 9, 2025.
- Issue of compliance letter from the BIS shall be done after the approval listing all models approved.
- Non-compliance after the date of April 9, 2025, shall lead to delisting of models and cancellation of licenses.
B. For All New Applicants:
Applications shall be accompanied with test reports for ER:01 along with test compliance for IS 13252.
- Till April 9, 2025: declaration for future ER compliance is acceptable.
- After April 9, 2025: No CCTV license shall be granted without ER certification.
C. For All Requests for Expanding the Scope through Model Inclusion:
Test report for ER:01.
Existing licensees shall not utilize the Inclusion module; they must apply through the Amendment module.
Series Guidelines for ER:01 Compliance
A streamlined compliance, MeitY and BIS have evolved a set of generic guidelines for series certification of CCTV models:
The SoC remains the same throughout the series
The PCBA layout must be different for security relevant parts (usually, solder side of PCB)
Use of the same wired/wireless communication protocol (Wi-Fi/Ethernet)
Same versions of firmware/software having the same hash value
Hardware BoM may vary slightly for non-security parts
Full software BoM including OS, libraries, network protocols, and security modules
The certificate must bear images of models and information about the chipset (make, origin), firmware version, and its hash.
Why STQC & ER Certification Matters
The Indian government began fortification of national surveillance systems at the hardware-software level through enforcing STQC certification for CCTV cameras and ER compliance. This initiative:
Implements cybersecure infrastructure for video surveillance
Builds confidence in the consumer through tested and certified devices
Meets international security standards
Establishes legitimacy for Indian CCTV brands and importers internationally
STQC Certification Deadline for CCTV Cameras
As per government notifications, the STQC certification became mandatory for all CCTV cameras procured by government departments or used in public surveillance projects from 1st January 2024.
Failure to comply can:
- Delay public project commissioning
- Result in non-acceptance of supply tenders
- Lead to customs clearance delays
Key Differences: STQC Certification vs ER Certification
| Criteria | STQC Certification | ER Certification |
| Issuing Body | STQC Directorate (MeitY) | TEC (DoT) |
| Applies to | All CCTV cameras | IP/Network-enabled cameras |
| Focus | Product Quality + Cybersecurity | Network Compliance + Security |
| Mandatory for Tenders? | Yes | Yes (for IP-based) |
| Validity | 1-3 years | 2 years |
Real-World Analogy:
Just like ISI mark is vital for electrical products like wires and fans in India, STQC is the electronic counterpart for surveillance technology. Without this, it’s like trying to sell a water purifier without BIS.
Impact on Government Procurement
Starting June 6, 2024, any CCTV cameras procured by government departments must have STQC Certification for CCTV Cameras and meet all the Essential Requirements . This aligns with India’s effort in promoting the Make in India CCTV initiative to minimize the cybersecurity threats posed by foreign surveillance equipment.
CCTV that does not meet STQC approval would become a disqualification for suppliers under government tenders, which is a very lucrative segment.
Why Choose Diligence Certification for STQC Compliance?
Diligence Certification will also bring:
- Expert guidance on documentation
- Seamless coordination with STQC testing for CCTV labs
- Technical advisory for product modifications
- Qualification assistance for
- the certification of CCTV cameras under the Series.
With STQC certification deadlines for CCTV cameras approaching, delay is not an option for the enterprises. Get expert help for filing the STQC certification application and ensure uninterrupted sales in the public and private sectors.
Contact Diligence Certification today to get your CCTV certified before April 9, 2025!
Conclusion
Both an opportunity and a challenge for manufacturers and importers, the extension of the STQC certification till April 9, 2025, is the opportunity of a lifetime. As there is an increasing demand for safe equipment for surveillance and even stricter government procurement norms, there is no choice but to obtain STQC certification for CCTV cameras ; it is now a necessary for market access and regulatory compliance.
Diligence Certification realizes the challenges in complying with the requirements of STQC certification for CCTV and thus will help you right from documentation, STQC testing, and finally certification. As the deadline approaches, being proactive is the key to avoiding penalties, product delisting, and loss of business opportunities.
If you want to have a smooth certification process for CCTV cameras or seek expertise in applying for STQC certification, our team of compliance specialists is here for you. Don’t leave everything for the last minute. Ensure your products meet the Essential Requirements for CCTV, and stake your claim in the government and private sectors.
STQC certification for CCTV installation to be ensured by all the manufacturers, importers, distributors of CCTV Cameras. They should submit their ER:01 test reports before the deadline of 09 April 2025 to avoid license cancellations and market restrictions.
Diligence Certification aids for the entire STQC & BIS ER certification procedure in CCTV cameras-from documentation, coordinating with laboratories, to submitting on portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all CCTV cameras in India required to be STQC certified?
Yes, if you are utilizing surveillance cameras for government or public installations after January 2024.
What does STQC certification cost?
Varies by product complexity but typical range due to volume is typically ₹1.5 – 2.5 lakh per model.
How long does it take to get certified?
The process takes 6–10 weeks including testing and audits.
Can imported CCTV brands apply?
Yes, but they must submit factory audit documentation and Indian representation.
What is ER Certification in this context?
It’s mandatory for IP-based cameras to prove telecom compliance under TEC.
Can I get STQC without ER certification?
Only for non-IP (analog) cameras. IP cameras must first clear ER.
Who can help with STQC documentation and testing?
Compliance consultants or Diligence certifications can guide you through the process
What’s the validity period of the certification?
Typically 1–3 years, depending on risk classification.
What happens if the certification expires?
You cannot supply for government tenders until it’s renewed.
Is Diligence Certification different from STQC?
Yes. Diligence Certification checks company background for public tenders, while STQC validates the technical product.
