China CCTV Ban Hits Hyderabad: What It Means for Buyers and Traders
HYDERABAD: The Centre’s ban on the import and sale of internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers has begun reshaping Hyderabad’s surveillance equipment market. Traders and installers report immediate disruptions in pricing, supply, and customer behaviour.
At Gujarati Galli in Koti and Chenoy Trade Centre (CTC) in Secunderabad, wholesale hubs previously dominated by Chinese brands, the effect is evident in lower sales volumes, unsold stock, and rising prices for alternatives. The ban came into effect on April 1.
Om Singh, who has operated Kimpex Security Solutions in Gujarati Galli for 14 years, said the change was abrupt. “Before the ban, we had 20 to 25 brands. Now we are left with only one. Customers have reduced because rates have increased and they are not satisfied with the quality,” he said.
He quantified the drop in business. “Earlier, for brands like Hikvision, TP-Link, and Dahua Technology, we sold around 2,000 to 3,000 cameras monthly. Overall, I sold stock worth ₹30-40 lakh a month. Now, I have stock worth ₹15-20 lakh lying with me,” Singh added, noting that even large buyers are stepping back.
Prices of Indian brands have increased by 10-30% since April 1. Cameras previously priced at ₹25,000 are now selling for ₹27,000-₹32,000 or more, traders said.
Bhavesh, owner of Jeevraj CCTV, said demand for Indian brands, particularly CP Plus, has risen significantly. “But companies have hiked rates not just for IT cameras but also related equipment. Footfall and sales have declined due to the price rise,” he said, noting the shortage had been building for months.
System integrators and installers face operational challenges. A systems expert in Ameerpet said the surge in demand for Indian brands has led to supply bottlenecks. “More clients are asking for ‘Make in India’ products,” he said, adding that enquiries for replacements are also increasing. “Many old clients who had installed cameras from affected brands are now approaching us to replace them with Indian brands,” he said.
The timing of the ban is significant, as surveillance expansion had accelerated in recent years under initiatives like Nenu Saitam, which installed over one lakh cameras across Hyderabad through community participation.
