Amendment to Essential Requirements for CCTV Cameras Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme

Introduction to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021

The BIS introduced a notification that relates to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. The Order mandates that specified electronic and IT goods must conform to the relevant Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) as per the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, in order to be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India. The requirements had to come into effect six months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, while goods that were meant exclusively for export and products with valid exemptions were excluded from the provisions of this order. 

However, there have been recent amendments made to this Order, where certain essential requirements for CCTV cameras have been specified. 

Key Changes About the Essential Requirements for CCTV Cameras 

A recent amendment has been established for Essential Requirements for CCTV Cameras under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. As outlined in the "Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021," these provisions will now apply to CCTV cameras. 

1. This notification specifies that six months after its publication in the Official Gazette, CCTV cameras must conform to the corresponding Essential Requirement(s) outlined in the Order.
2. According to Scheme II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, the submission of test reports from BIS-recognized labs is mandated as a requirement for obtaining a license to use the Standard Mark.
3. This amendment provides the required testing parameters that CCTV cameras must undergo and document submission to comply with the regulations set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Essential Requirements Outlined for CCTV Cameras

1. Physical Security: Use tamper-proof camera housings and secure locks in order to prevent physical damage or interference.
2. Access Control: Allow system access only to authorized users using authentication as well as role-based permissions, and review access in a regular manner.
3. Network Security: Encrypt data transmission in order to protect video feeds from interception.
4. Software Security: Keep software updated, disable unnecessary features, and always enforce strong password policies.
5. Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security testing in order to identify and fix system vulnerabilities.

Impact of this Notification on Businesses

• Since it is a mandatory compliance with the newly defined essential security requirements for CCTV cameras, it is essential to follow the same.
• Additional testing and documentation from BIS-recognized laboratories is required.
• Increased compliance cost and preparation time are granted for manufacturers and importers.
• There is a need for product redesign as well as software upgrades in order to meet security norms.
• Improved product credibility, as well as consumer trust in the Indian market, has been established.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The date of implementation for this notification remains the same, six months from the date of publication of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, in the official gazette. 

Now What to Do? 

With the amendment to the Order, which now introduces mandatory essential security requirements for CCTV cameras under the BIS CRS framework, businesses should take proactive steps in order to ensure timely as well as absolutely smooth compliance. In order to remain market-ready and avoid regulatory disruptions, manufacturers and importers are advised to:

• Initiate or align existing BIS CRS registration for CCTV cameras in line with the updated essential requirements.
• Assess product design, firmware, as well as the software architecture to ensure compliance with physical, network, and software security norms.
• Coordinate testing with BIS-recognized laboratories and prepare the required test reports.
• Maintain complete technical documentation, including security features, access controls, as well as penetration testing reports.
• Closely monitor notifications and clarifications that are issued by MeitY and BIS regarding enforcement timelines as well as implementation guidelines.

Brand Liaison offers expert support in BIS CRS registration, security testing coordination, technical documentation, and complete regulatory advisory. With over a decade of compliance experience, we help businesses achieve timely, cost-effective, as well as absolutely hassle-free BIS compliance for CCTV cameras and other electronic products in India.