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:
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Origin and ownership of CCTV manufacturers
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Risks of firmware vulnerabilities and foreign access
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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.
“We’ve supported several local authorities in transitioning from legacy Chinese-made CCTV systems to a fully UK-made compliant solution. It wasn’t just about hardware; it was about protecting public data, ensuring GDPR compliance, and future-proofing their infrastructure.”
Did You Know? CCTV Risk by the Numbers
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73% of local authorities were using Hikvision or Dahua equipment
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63% of UK schools and 35% of police forces were relying on Chinese technology
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UK government required the removal from sensitive sites by April 2025
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There are over 21 million CCTV cameras across the UK
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64% of local authorities have increased surveillance coverage in recent years
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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 includes Hikvision, Dahua, or other prominent Chinese equipment, your organisation may be at risk of non-compliance, particularly in funded public-sector environments.
Get Our Free Compliance Guide
Our free PDF download walks you through:
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The current UK policy on banned CCTV brands
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How to assess your current systems for compliance risks
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What procurement officers should look for in new installations
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A checklist you can use during tenders or supplier meetings
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Our recommended alternatives, including UK-made Redvision systems
“A local authority we work with had more than 80 legacy cameras from high-risk suppliers. We helped them audit, phase out non-compliant devices, and replace them with a UK-sourced system providing a fully compliant and future-ready set up.”
Download Your Free CCTV Procurement Guide
What’s Inside:
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Risks of using Chinese-made surveillance systems
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Trusted non-Chinese alternatives like Redvision
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A buyer’s checklist to help you specify compliant equipment
Stay ahead of regulation, avoid costly replacements, and make confident procurement decisions. Perfect for local authority teams, housing providers, and procurement officers.
Download the Guide
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How IPS Can Help
IPS Fire & Security works with public-sector organisations across the UK to deliver secure, high-performance, 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:
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CCTV audits of existing systems
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Specification and design advice
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Installation using trusted, non-Chinese equipment
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Full maintenance and support
Check My CCTV Compliance
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