Brief
India cracks down on unapproved Wi‑Fi cameras sold online
Reuters found most online camera listings missing mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards certification, prompting platform reviews and enforcement that began in April 2026.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Hundreds of Wi‑Fi security cameras sold on Indian e‑commerce platforms do not have the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approval, a Reuters analysis revealed, leading Amazon and Flipkart to start reviewing the listings.
What happened
Reuters examined roughly 770 internet security‑camera listings and identified more than 700 models that were not present in the BIS public database of approved brands or devices. The investigation, published in early October 2026, noted that the enforcement rule, announced in 2024, came into effect on 1 April 2026. Since then, any internet‑connected CCTV camera must meet cybersecurity standards, be tested and registered before sale.
What the reports add
The report highlighted that at least eight unlicensed models from Chinese manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua were found on Amazon. One seller told Reuters that the regulations did not apply to many of its cameras and that products requiring clearance had been removed while approvals were pending.
What was said
Reuters quoted the seller, who said, “the regulations do not apply to many of its cameras and products requiring clearance had been removed while approvals were pending.”
How it came about
The rules were introduced in 2024 amid concerns that sensitive footage from connected cameras could be transmitted abroad. The government’s aim is to make it harder for unauthorized parties to access video feeds, focusing on security rather than image quality.
Key facts
- More than 700 of about 770 online camera listings lacked BIS approval. (news18.com)
- Enforcement of the BIS approval rule began on 1 April 2026. (news18.com)
- Amazon and Flipkart have started reviewing security‑camera listings after the Reuters analysis. (news18.com)
- At least eight unlicensed models from Hikvision and Dahua were found on Amazon. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Is Your WiFi Camera Government-Approved? Here Is How To Check”
