Hikvision Ordered to Close in Canada
Hikvision Banned in Canada?
In a surprise move, and advised on X by Mélanie Joly, the Government of Canada has ordered Hikvision Canada to cease operations in Canada and close it's Canadian business, citing national security concerns. The notice also advises that the Canadian government can no longer use or purchase Hikvision products. This ban does not impact Hikvision's entities outside of Canada and does not ban the import of Hikvision products into Canada, or the sale of Hikvision products in general.
Oddly, at time of writing, no official declaration could be found on the government of Canada web site and Joly did not yet provide further details other than to say the order was a result of a national security review. Hikvision Canada opened in 2014 and employed around 50 people in Canada, with offices in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Hikvision is one of the largest manufacturers of security cameras. Hikvision Canada has confirmed that they received notice.
This isn't the first time Hikvision has faced adversity in North America. The Quebec government banned the purchase and use of HIkvision cameras in this decree back in February 2024. The U.S. government banned the use of Hikvision and Dahua cameras in Section 889 of the NDAA back in 2019.
Interestingly, in 2023 the Government of Canada released an RFQ under solicitation number Q8347, specifying Hikvision camera supply and delivery.
What Happens Now and What Does This Mean to the Security Industry?
Hikvision has been one of the most popular brands of security cameras in Canada and worldwide, particularly with small to mid size business and residential installations. These cameras are available as branded, and non-branded OEM models. Hikvision immediately transitioned support to their USA division to ensure continuity of support. Due to its popularity and ongoing projects, most likely Hikvision will continue being sold through distributors and resellers who import from outside of Canada. While OEM products, otherwise known as "white label" are often available at a discounted price, they don't use the same support channels and from a security standpoint, firmware and security patches tend to be made available after branded updates have been released. In many cases it's difficult to determine where to find compatible firmware updates when dealing with non-branded product.
Hikvision Alternatives
DIY and end users will likely continue using Hikvision. They also tend to migrate to lower cost brands like Foscam, Blink, Reolink, Amcrest, Ring, Eufy and Lorex.
Government and large business will likely lean into higher end, higher priced brands like Axis and Avigilon.
Security installers looking for alternatives have quite a few options available. Many will likely continue using Hikvision for residential and SMB installations. Many will take this opportunity to consider other pro series brands. There are many to choose from. Some favourites at Aartech Canada include Uniview (UNV), Speco Technologies and Luminys.
Final Thoughts
The timing of this announcement is interesting, just days after American president Donald Trump declared that he had ceased trade negotiations with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Marc Carney also revoked the Digital Services Tax (DST) at the last minute. Was this announcement meant to appease our southern neighbours? We may learn more if and when the Government of Canada posts an official announcement. In the meantime installers, distributors, businesses and end users have some decisions to make
