With Chinese CCTV Under Scrutiny, Is Your System Compliant?

Why This Matters

In 2022, the UK government banned the use of Chinese-made surveillance equipment (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua) in sensitive sites. A full removal deadline was set for April 2025.

While this doesn’t yet apply to all public sector organisations, guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) makes it clear:

Public bodies are expected to take supply chain security, data handling and cyber assurance seriously, including:

• Origin and ownership of CCTV manufacturers
• Risks of firmware vulnerabilities and foreign access
• Ethical procurement concerns and reputational exposure

The UK Government’s Explicit Instructions

Under Cabinet Office rules, Chinese-made CCTV had to be removed from sensitive sites by April 2025. While not yet law for local authorities or schools, the National Protective Security Authority advises all public bodies to avoid surveillance systems from high-risk manufacturers.

Did You Know? CCTV Risk by the Numbers

• 73% of local authorities were using Hikvision or Dahua equipment
• 63% of UK schools and 35% of police forces were relying on Chinese technology
• UK government required the removal from sensitive sites by April 2025
• There are over 21 million CCTV cameras across the UK
• 64% of local authorities have increased surveillance coverage in recent years
• 22 Scottish councils were reliant upon Chinese equipment, serving over 1.5 million people

How to Tell if Your CCTV System Is Non-Compliant?

Are you unsure if your system is affected? If your system features Hikvision, Dahua, or other prominent Chinese equipment, your organisation may be at risk of non-compliance, especially in funded public sector environments.

Get Our Free Compliance Guide

Our free PDF download walks you through:

• The current UK policy on banned CCTV brands
• How to assess your current systems for compliance risks
• What procurement officers should look for in new installations
• A checklist you can use during tenders or supplier meetings
• Our recommended alternatives, including UK-made Redvision systems

How IPS Can Help

IPS Fire & Security works with public sector organisations across the UK to deliver secure, high-performance, and fully compliant CCTV systems. We’ve helped councils, schools, and housing providers phase out high-risk CCTV and transition to safe, UK-based alternatives, such as Redvision. Our team offers:

• CCTV audits of existing systems
• Specification and design advice
• Installation using trusted, non-Chinese equipment
• Full maintenance and support

Sources

Big Brother Watch | Reuters | Pelco