What is STQC Certification?

The Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) is a premier organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, security, and reliability of electronic and IT products and services through rigorous testing, certification, training, and consultancy services.

STQC certification is particularly crucial for products that require regulatory compliance, cybersecurity assurance, and quality benchmarking. It is a key requirement for various industries, including electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, automotive electronics, and digital security solutions. Additionally, STQC certification is mandatory for CCTV cameras to ensure they meet essential security and performance standards under government regulations.

Department & Regulatory Framework

STQC operates under MeitY and contributes significantly to India’s IT governance framework. Its primary objective is to establish national and international standards for electronic products and services, ensuring that they meet stringent quality and security regulations.

As part of India’s commitment to cybersecurity and surveillance security, the government has mandated STQC certification for CCTV cameras under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. These regulations are aligned with BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 to promote safer and more reliable electronic security solutions.

Benefits of STQC Certificate for CCTV

Obtaining STQC certification provides numerous advantages for businesses and government organizations:

• Ensures Quality and Reliability: Certified products and services meet national and international quality benchmarks.
• Enhances Market Credibility: Businesses gain customer trust by demonstrating compliance with recognized standards.
• Supports Regulatory Compliance: STQC-certified products fulfill mandatory government regulations, avoiding legal risks.
• Facilitates Global Trade: Internationally accepted testing and certification promote exports and global business expansion.
• Boosts IT Security: Helps in ensuring the cybersecurity and data integrity of IT systems and applications.
• Encourages Innovation: Promotes research and development of high-quality technology products.
• Improves Business Competitiveness: Helps Indian industries compete effectively in the global market.

 

Key Compliance Requirements for CCTV Security

Mandatory Certification

• All CCTV Cameras and Recorders must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 / IEC 60950-1: 2005, ensuring they meet general safety and security requirements.
• Certification is mandatory under Scheme-II of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Essential Requirements (ER) for Security

• MeitY has mandated the ‘Essential Requirement(s) for Security of CCTV’ through a gazette notification dated April 9, 2024.
• The final deadline for compliance has been extended to April 9, 2025.

Testing Requirements

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has enabled test request generation for Essential Requirements (ER: 01) on its online portal.
• Third-party laboratories must conduct independent CCTV model testing to verify compliance with security standards.
• Test reports must include detailed documentation on hardware and software specifications, highlighting similarities and differences among models.

Certification Procedure

Businesses and manufacturers must follow these steps to obtain STQC certification:

1. Application Submission: Fill out the official STQC certification application form, specifying the scope of certification.
2. Document Verification: Submit the required documents for review (see the documentation section below).
3. Product Testing: Send CCTV models for evaluation by BIS-approved laboratories.
4. Manufacturing Facility Audit: STQC authorities may inspect production units for compliance with security and quality standards.
5. Report Assessment: BIS and STQC officials review test results, manufacturing audit reports, and compliance declarations.
6. Certification Issuance: If all requirements are met, STQC grants certification, and the product can be labeled as compliant.
7. Ongoing Compliance: Regular audits and re-certifications may be required to ensure continued adherence to regulations.

Required Documentation for STQC Certificate for CCTV

To complete the certification process, applicants must provide:

• Technical Documents: Detailed product specifications, design details, and testing protocols.
• Quality Management System (QMS) Documents: Compliance with standards such as ISO 9001:2015.
• Testing Reports: Results from accredited laboratories confirming product compliance.
• Manufacturing Facility Audit Report: Evaluation of the production unit’s adherence to STQC standards.
• Declaration of Conformity: A self-declaration stating adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Product Sample: Physical samples (if applicable) for verification and testing.

Implementation Guidelines

For Existing License Holders

• All existing license holders must comply with Essential Requirements (ER) for CCTV security by April 9, 2025.
• Applications for compliance must be submitted via the BIS portal, along with the ER: 01 test report.
• Compliance fees include:
  • INR 30,000 + applicable taxes per application (inclusive of one test report).
  • INR 20,000 + applicable taxes for each additional test report.
• Non-compliant models will be removed from the license scope post-deadline, and failure to comply may result in license cancellation.

For New Applicants

• New applicants must submit applications with test reports for ER: 01 in addition to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010.
• Applications without ER: 01 test reports will be accepted only until April 9, 2025, provided a declaration ensuring compliance is submitted.
• After the deadline, licenses will not be granted for CCTV cameras that fail to meet security requirements.

For Modification of License Scope

• Inclusion requests for new CCTV models must be accompanied by test reports for ER: 01 and IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010.
• Inclusion requests without ER: 01 compliance will only be processed until April 9, 2025, provided the manufacturer commits to compliance before the deadline.
• Post-April 9, 2025, no inclusion requests will be accepted without compliance.

Series Guidelines for CCTV Products

• System-on-Chip (SoC) Consistency: All models within a product series must have the same SoC to ensure uniform processing capability.
• PCBA Layout Standardization: The printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) layout must remain identical for security-critical elements.
• Communication Protocols: Wireless and wired communication standards such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet must be consistent across the series.
• Software & Firmware Compliance: Identical software and firmware versions must be used across all models. Different firmware versions require separate testing.
• Bill of Materials (BoM) Requirements: The hardware BoM must be consistent, except for variations in passive components such as image sensors and capacitors.
• Certification Requirements: The issued certificate must include model number, chipset details, firmware version, and a hash value.
• Differential Analysis Report: Any deviations in components or software must be documented in an analysis report.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with STQC certification and Essential Requirements (ER) may result in severe consequences, including:

• Legal Consequences: Non-compliant businesses may face fines, legal actions, or product bans.
• Market Restrictions: Products without certification may not be allowed for sale in government or commercial sectors.
• Loss of Reputation: Companies risk losing consumer trust and brand credibility.
• Operational Disruptions: Non-compliant products or services may be subject to recalls or forced modifications.
• Financial Losses: Business contracts and government tenders may require STQC certification, leading to revenue losses if not obtained.

Labeling & Packaging Compliance

All CCTV models meeting Essential Requirements must prominently display the label: “This CCTV camera complies with Essential Requirement(s) for Security” on their packaging.

How Global Solution Can Assist You with STQC Certification

Global Solution & Compliance Pvt. Ltd., a trusted consultancy since 1997, specializes in facilitating STQC Certification Licenses for both Indian and international manufacturers.

Our expertise and industry insights make us your ideal partner in navigating the complexities of STQC certification, helping you achieve compliance smoothly and successfully.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with STQC certification. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on your business.

 

Conclusion

The STQC certification and Essential Requirements for CCTV Security are crucial for enhancing the security, safety, and reliability of surveillance systems in India. With the final deadline set for April 9, 2025, businesses must prioritize testing, certification, and documentation to maintain compliance, avoid penalties, and uphold market credibility.
For organizations looking to achieve excellence in quality assurance, STQC serves as the benchmark for technological reliability and innovation.