The Complete Guide to NDAA Compliant Surveillance Cameras
In the world of security and surveillance, compliance is not just a buzzword; it is a critical requirement for any organization involved with government contracts or critical infrastructure. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), specifically Section 889, has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of the video surveillance industry by prohibiting the use of equipment from certain Chinese manufacturers in federal systems. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what it means to be NDAA compliant in 2026, why it matters, and how to ensure your organization is protected.
What is NDAA Section 889?
Enacted as part of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, Section 889 is a U.S. federal law that prohibits federal agencies, their contractors, and recipients of federal grants from procuring or using specific telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. The primary goal is to mitigate national security risks posed by technology from certain companies with close ties to the Chinese government [1].
Section 889 has two key parts:
- Part A prohibits the U.S. Government from procuring or obtaining any equipment or services that use the covered telecommunications equipment as a substantial or essential component.
- Part B goes a step further, prohibiting the government from entering into contracts with any entity that uses such equipment, regardless of whether it is part of a government contract.
This has far-reaching implications, extending compliance requirements to any organization that does business with the U.S. government.
The List of Banned Manufacturers
Section 889 explicitly names several companies whose products are banned from federal use. For video surveillance, the most significant names are:
- Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
- Dahua Technology Company
- Hytera Communications Corporation
- Huawei Technologies Company
- ZTE Corporation
It is crucial to note that this ban extends to any subsidiaries or affiliates of these companies, as well as any OEM products that are manufactured by them but sold under a different brand name. This makes supply chain transparency a cornerstone of NDAA compliance.
"Identifying the blacklisted cameras could be a tricky endeavor because Hikvision and Dahua are the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many other big-name security brands." - i2c Technologies [2]
Why NDAA Compliance is Critical for Your Business
While the law directly targets U.S. federal agencies, its impact is felt across the private sector. Here’s why your business must prioritize NDAA compliance:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Government Contracts | If you are a contractor or subcontractor for any U.S. federal agency, you are legally required to be compliant. Non-compliance can lead to contract termination and blacklisting. |
| Enterprise & Critical Infrastructure | Many large enterprises, especially in sectors like finance, energy, and healthcare, have adopted NDAA compliance as a best practice to mitigate cybersecurity risks. |
| Future-Proofing | The list of restricted entities and the scope of the ban could expand. Adopting compliant technology now protects your investment for the future. |
| Supply Chain Security | NDAA-compliant manufacturers offer greater transparency into their component sourcing and manufacturing processes, reducing the risk of hidden backdoors or vulnerabilities. |
How to Choose an NDAA-Compliant Manufacturer
Selecting a manufacturing partner that guarantees NDAA compliance is essential. Simply stating a product is "NDAA compliant" is not enough. You need a partner who can provide verifiable proof and complete transparency. Adiance is a leading NDAA-compliant CCTV camera manufacturer that provides a complete, secure ecosystem.
Here are the key factors to consider:
- System on a Chip (SoC) Origin: The core processor of a camera is the most critical component. Ensure your manufacturer uses SoCs from non-restricted companies like Ambarella, Novatek, or Qualcomm. Adiance exclusively uses these trusted SoCs.
- Supply Chain Transparency: The manufacturer must be able to provide a complete bill of materials and origin for every component. Adiance offers full supply chain transparency, with all manufacturing based in our state-of-the-art facility in India.
- Formal Compliance Documentation: A reputable manufacturer will provide a formal letter of NDAA compliance, component origin declarations, and other documentation required for government procurement.
- Complete Ecosystem: True compliance extends beyond just the camera. Ensure the entire solution — including NVRs, Cloud VMS, and mobile applications — is free from restricted components. Adiance is unique in offering a complete, end-to-end NDAA-compliant ecosystem under your brand.
Conclusion: Security Beyond the Spec Sheet
NDAA Section 889 is more than a regulation; it is a fundamental shift towards a more secure and transparent global supply chain. For system integrators, enterprise buyers, and government contractors, choosing an NDAA-compliant partner is no longer optional. It is a critical business decision that protects your organization, your clients, and your future.
By partnering with a manufacturer like Adiance, you gain access to a complete, secure, and compliant surveillance ecosystem, allowing you to build your brand with confidence.
Ready to learn more about our NDAA-compliant OEM and private label solutions? Contact our engineering team today.
References
[1] Pelco. (2026). NDAA Compliant Security Cameras: 2026 Guide and List. https://www.pelco.com/blog/ndaa-compliant-cameras
[2] i2c Technologies. (n.d.). US Ban on Chinese-Made Security Cameras. https://i2ctech.com/blog/blacklisting-and-white-labeling-the-u-s-government-ban-on-chinese-made-security-cameras/