STQC Certification for CCTV in India

 28 May 2025
STQC Certification for CCTV in India

India has made it mandatory for all CCTV cameras to meet strict quality and cybersecurity standards. This is done through the STQC Certification – a government-approved process that ensures CCTV products are safe, secure, and reliable. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about STQC certification simply and clearly, so you can understand what it is, why it’s important, and how to get it.

What Is STQC Certification?

STQC stands for Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification. It is a government initiative managed by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) to ensure that electronic and IT products, like CCTV cameras, meet quality and cybersecurity standards. The certification is enforced with the help of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).

If you are a manufacturer or importer of CCTV cameras in India, getting this certification is mandatory under Indian law. Without it, you won’t be able to sell or distribute your CCTV products legally in the Indian market.

Why Is STQC Certification Important for CCTV Cameras?

STQC certification is crucial because it:

  • Builds consumer trust – Customers know that the product is secure and reliable.
  • Protects sensitive data – It ensures CCTV systems are resistant to cyberattacks.
  • Promotes high-quality surveillance – Certified products must meet safety and performance standards.
  • Supports regulatory compliance – It's required under Indian law.

Key Features of STQC Certification

Let’s look at the main highlights of the STQC certification process for CCTV:

  • Mandatory Compliance : It is compulsory for all CCTV products to be certified. Without STQC certification, your product can’t be sold legally in India.
  • Cybersecurity Requirements : Certification ensures the CCTV cameras are secure from data breaches and cyber threats. This is achieved through Essential Requirements (ER) that focus on privacy, data integrity, and system security.
  • Trusted Supply Chain : By making sure only secure and tested products enter the market, STQC helps create a reliable supply chain for CCTV products.
  • Consumer Assurance : With an STQC label, consumers and businesses are more confident in buying your product. They know it meets national quality standards.

Who Issues the STQC Certificate?

STQC certification is issued by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification Directorate, which is part of MeitY. The testing and inspection are often done in partnership with BIS-approved laboratories.

Which CCTV Products Require Certification?

If you're dealing with CCTV cameras and recorders, your product must comply with:

  • IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 / IEC 60950-1:2005 for general safety.
  • Essential Requirements for Security (ER) for cybersecurity and data protection.

This applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors.

Certification Deadline

The Indian government has set the final compliance deadline as April 9, 2025. After this date:

  • Non-certified products will be banned from the market.
  • Non-compliance may lead to license cancellation, fines, or loss of business.

Step-by-Step Guide to STQC Certification

Here is how businesses can apply for and obtain STQC certification for CCTV:

  1. Application - Fill in the official application form and mention which product models you want to certify.
  2. Submit Documents - Technical specs, Test reports, Quality certifications (like ISO 9001:2015), Manufacturing process documents
  3. Product Testing - Send your CCTV models to a BIS-approved lab for thorough testing.
  4. Factory Inspection - STQC officials may visit your factory to inspect the production process and verify quality control systems.
  5. Report Review - Authorities review the test reports, audit results, and documentation.
  6. Certification Issuance - If everything checks out, you’ll receive the STQC certificate. Your product can now be labeled as certified.

You’ll need to provide:

Documents Required for STQC Certification

Here’s a quick checklist of documents you’ll need:

  • Technical Documents – Full product specifications, schematics, design info.
  • Test Reports – Results from BIS-approved labs.
  • Factory Audit Reports – Evaluation of manufacturing unit’s quality systems.
  • Quality Certificates – Like ISO 9001:2015.
  • Declaration of Conformity – A formal statement that your product follows the rules.
  • Product Samples – If requested, you must send physical units for testing.

Fees for Certification

For Existing License Holders:

  • ₹30,000 + taxes per application (includes one test report).
  • ₹20,000 + taxes for each additional test report.

Non-compliant products after April 9, 2025, will be removed from your license.

For New Applicants:

  • Submit ER:01 test reports and IS 13252 documents.
  • After April 9, 2025, applications without these documents will be rejected.

For License Scope Modifications:

  • Adding new models requires full documentation and ER:01 testing.

After April 9, 2025, no new additions without full compliance will be allowed.

Series Guidelines: What Must Be Consistent?

If you're certifying a series of CCTV products (same brand but different models), these elements must stay the same:

  • System-on-Chip (SoC) – Must be identical across the series.
  • PCBA Layout – Printed circuit board design must be consistent.
  • Communication Standards – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., should not change.
  • Software/Firmware – Versions must be the same. Different firmware = new testing.
  • Bill of Materials (BoM) – Core components must remain the same.

You’ll also need a Differential Analysis Report if there are any slight differences between models.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Skipping certification can lead to serious consequences:

  • Legal Trouble – You could face fines, bans, or legal action.
  • Loss of Business – Many government tenders require STQC certification.
  • Product Recall – Authorities can ask you to pull products from the market.
  • Damage to Reputation – Customers lose trust in uncertified brands.

Labeling Requirements

Certified CCTV products must have a visible label on the packaging that reads:

“This CCTV camera complies with Essential Requirement(s) for Security.”

This label tells buyers the product is approved and follows Indian security regulations.

How EVTL India Can Help

If all this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Companies like EVTL India specialize in handling the STQC certification process from start to finish.

They can help you with:

  • Filing applications
  • Preparing documents
  • Coordinating with labs
  • Scheduling audits
  • Submitting reports

Let the experts manage the complexities while you focus on your business.

Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Delay STQC Certification

STQC certification is not just a government formality—it’s a mark of safety, reliability, and trust. With the deadline of April 9, 2025, fast approaching, manufacturers and importers must act quickly to ensure their products are compliant.

Whether you're an electronics company, a surveillance solutions provider, or an importer, obtaining STQC certification can open doors to:

  • Legal market access
  • Government contract
  • Increased consumer trust
  • Long-term growth

By getting certified, you're not only following the law—you're building a safer, more reliable future in India's digital landscape.

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