Ensuring Digital Trust: The Importance of STQC Certification for Government and Enterprise Applications

In today’s increasingly connected world, ensuring the security, reliability, and compliance of surveillance and electronic products is more critical than ever. STQC Certification (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) is emerging as a new norm mandated by the Indian Government, ensuring products meet stringent regulatory requirements and establish digital trust.

What is STQC?

STQC is a certification scheme governed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It provides assurance of quality, security, and standards compliance for electronic products and IT systems. STQC certification is particularly crucial for deployments in regulated sectors such as smart cities, public surveillance, transportation, and critical infrastructure.

STQC Testing Parameters for Camera Certification

To meet the stringent standards defined by STQC, camera-based surveillance products must undergo comprehensive evaluation across the following key parameters:

1. Software & Security Compliance

• Secure Boot: Ensures the camera boots only with verified firmware.
• Firmware Encryption: Protects software from unauthorized access or tampering.
• Secure Firmware Upgrade: Validates that only authenticated firmware updates can be applied.
• Tamper Detection: Alerts in case of physical or software-based manipulation attempts.

2. Functional Performance Validation

• Video Resolution & Frame Rate: Confirms the camera delivers the required image clarity and frame consistency as per government-mandated specifications.
• IR/Night Vision Testing: Validates low-light and no-light performance using infrared LEDs.
• Video Retention & Playback: Tests the minimum number of days footage must be stored and checks proper retrieval mechanisms.
• Access Control Functions: Verifies authentication, user privilege levels, and secure login requirements.

3. Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Encryption Protocols: Ensures data at rest and in transit is secured using standard cryptographic techniques.
• User Authentication: Confirms support for secure, role-based user access.
• Secure Communication: Validates HTTPS and SSL/TLS protocols for data transmission.
• Audit Logs: Checks for proper logging of user actions and system events for traceability.

4. Protocol Conformance & Interoperability

• ONVIF Compliance: Ensures the camera adheres to ONVIF standards for communication and integration.
• Interoperability Testing: Verifies seamless integration with government-specified Video Management Software (VMS), command-and-control systems, and storage platforms.

5. Environmental & Power Criteria (As applicable by STQC)

• Power Input Range & Failover Support: Verifies support for standardized power inputs (like PoE) and behavior during power fluctuations or outages.
• Operating Conditions: Tested under STQC norms, which may include temperature, humidity, or vibration compliance, depending on the intended use case.

Types of Products and Solutions Covered

STQC certification applies to a range of devices and systems, including:

• CCTV and IP surveillance cameras
• Network Video Recorders (NVR) and Digital Video Recorders (DVR)
• Video Management Systems (VMS)
• Edge AI camera solutions
• Smart City and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployments
• Access Control and Biometric systems

Why is STQC Certification Necessary for the Indian Market?

• Mandatory for Government Projects: Required for participation in many public-sector tenders.
• Builds Trust: Demonstrates product integrity, quality, and compliance.
• Enhances Marketability: Certified products are more likely to be approved for use in sensitive environments.
• Mitigates Risk: Reduces exposure to cybersecurity threats, operational failures, and regulatory penalties.

Why VVDN?

VVDN provides complete support for STQC certification through its in-house camera testing and QA labs aligned with STQC guidelines. Our engineering team helps OEMs validate software, cybersecurity, functional, and interoperability requirements efficiently.

We also support documentation, report generation, and coordination with certification agencies to ensure a smooth approval process. Backed by strong product engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities, VVDN is your trusted partner for delivering STQC-certified camera solutions.

If you’re looking to get your camera STQC Certified, feel free to contact us at info@vvdntech.com.