Is Hikvision Still Allowed in the US in 2026? (Updated FCC Rules)

If you manage a business, oversee local municipal properties, or monitor your home using modern surveillance, you have likely heard rumors about major security camera brands being banned. Specifically, one question dominates industry forums and local business boardrooms alike: Is Hikvision Still Allowed in the US in 2026? (Updated FCC Rules)

Navigating the landscape of federal regulatory compliance can feel like decoding a complex legal text. At Cleveland Security Cameras, we handle commercial security upgrades, municipal systems, and private residential installations across Northeast Ohio. We closely track these federal developments to keep our clients protected and compliant.

Let’s separate rumor from reality and break down exactly what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) rules say in 2026.

1. The Core Regulations: NDAA vs. FCC Covered List

To understand where Hikvision stands, we must look at the two distinct federal regulations that impact how these cameras can be purchased, installed, and operated in the United States.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 889

Passed originally for Fiscal Year 2019, Section 889 of the NDAA prohibits federal agencies, federal contractors, and recipients of federal grants or loans from installing or utilizing telecommunications and video surveillance equipment manufactured by specific Chinese entities.

• Who is restricted? Hikvision, Dahua, Hytera, Huawei, and ZTE (along with their subsidiaries and OEM brands).

• What is the impact? Federal buildings, military installations, national infrastructure, and any private business seeking federal contracts cannot use this equipment.

The FCC "Covered List" & The Secure Equipment Act

The regulatory framework tightened significantly when the FCC placed Hikvision, Dahua, and others on its "Covered List" of equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.

Under these rules:

• No New Approvals: The FCC officially stopped authorizing new equipment from these blacklisted manufacturers.

• Scope of the Ban: This restriction applies specifically to equipment designed for public safety, government security, critical infrastructure, and national security purposes.

2. Is Hikvision "Illegal" to Own or Buy in 2026?

Let's clarify the legal limits. It is not illegal for a private homeowner or a non-federally-affiliated private business in Cleveland to purchase, install, or use existing Hikvision cameras.

No federal agency is going to come to your home or private retail store to tear down your cameras. However, the legal and operational landscape for these devices has shifted dramatically:

User Type / Sector	Can You Legally Install Hikvision?	Recommended Action for 2026
Federal Buildings & Military	NO (Strictly Prohibited under NDAA)	Immediate replacement with fully NDAA-compliant brands (e.g., Axis, Hanwha Vision, Bosch).
Federal Contractors & Banks	NO (Prohibited due to compliance risks)	Transition existing networks to compliant manufacturers to protect federal funding and contract eligibility.
Local Cleveland Businesses	YES, BUT... (Increases liability and insurance hurdles)	Avoid installing new non-compliant hardware; plan a gradual migration to compliant platforms during next cycle.
Private Homeowners	YES (100% Legal for private residential use)	Ensure proper network security practices (such as firewall isolation) are active to protect your privacy.

3. Recommended Compliance Action Plan for 2026

If you are managing a commercial security camera installation in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio, we recommend adopting a proactive compliance strategy:

1.Conduct an On-Site Hardware Audit:Audit Phase.

Identify every camera, NVR, and decoder on your network. Check the MAC addresses and model numbers to see if they are manufactured by Hikvision, Dahua, or their OEM white-label brands (such as LTS, Nelly's Security, or older Lorex models).

2.Isolate Existing Non-Compliant Devices:Security Phase.

If you cannot afford an immediate hardware replacement, configure your network to isolate these cameras. Place them on a dedicated, firewalled VLAN with no direct access to the public internet to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

3.Transition to NDAA-Compliant Brands:Procurement Phase.

For all new installations and camera replacements, specify that the hardware must be fully NDAA-compliant. Look to trusted manufacturers like Axis Communications, Hanwha Vision (formerly Samsung Wisenet), or Digital Watchdog.

Pro Tip on OEM Brands: Many business owners are surprised to learn they own Hikvision hardware even if the logo on the camera case says something else. Hikvision acts as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for dozens of popular brands. Working with an experienced local integration partner like Cleveland Security Cameras is the easiest way to accurately identify white-labeled hardware.

Protect Your Business with Compliant Security Solutions

Navigating FCC regulations and maintaining federal compliance shouldn't have to distract you from running your business. If you need to upgrade an outdated network, swap out blacklisted cameras, or design an NDAA-compliant commercial surveillance system, our local team is ready to help.

At Cleveland Security Cameras, we help Northeast Ohio businesses install safe, legal, and highly secure security networks that protect both their properties and their federal compliance status.

Need Expert Help with Your Security Cameras in Cleveland?

Whether you’re locked out of your system, need a professional installation, want to upgrade to NDAA-compliant cameras, or require remote troubleshooting support — the team at Cleveland Security Cameras is here to help.

Our local experts can:

• Install new security camera systems

• Reset and recover access to existing cameras and NVRs

• Upgrade or replace restricted/outdated equipment

• Provide remote support and ongoing maintenance

Call us today at 2163338245

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio with reliable, professional security solutions.

Suggested Follow-Up Reading

• How to Identify OEM Brands Manufactured by Hikvision and Dahua

• The Best NDAA-Compliant Security Camera Brands for Commercial Businesses

• How to Set Up a Secure, Isolated VLAN for Legacy IP Cameras

• A Guide to Upgrading Your Business Security System for Federal Contract Eligibility