NDAA-compliant security cameras, explained

Compliance · Published July 5, 2026 · 5 min read

“NDAA-compliant” shows up on camera spec sheets a lot, usually without explanation. Here's what it actually refers to and whether it applies to you.

What NDAA Section 889 is

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 889, prohibits the U.S. federal government — and companies that contract with it or use federal funds — from buying or using video surveillance equipment from specific manufacturers deemed national-security risks.

Which brands are affected

The named manufacturers include Hikvision, Dahua, Huawei, Hytera, and ZTE. The catch: many other camera brands are OEM rebrands built on the same banned hardware. A camera can carry an unfamiliar label and still contain a prohibited chipset — which is exactly why “we use a different brand” isn't proof of compliance.

Who actually has to comply

• Federal agencies and their facilities.
• Federal contractors and subcontractors — often across their whole operation, not just the government-facing part.
• Organizations that take federal grants or funding, including many schools, municipalities, healthcare, and nonprofits.
• Businesses that want to keep the option open — increasingly, private companies choose compliant gear so a future contract or grant is never blocked by their cameras.

How to know your system is compliant

You can't tell from the logo. Compliance comes down to the actual manufacturer and chipset, documented by the manufacturer. A qualified installer can specify and verify NDAA-compliant equipment and give you documentation for your records — important if you're ever audited.

How RCR handles it

We offer NDAA-compliant camera options as a standard part of our commercial video surveillance work, and we'll flag compliance requirements during the assessment for government contractors, municipalities, schools, and security-conscious clients. If compliance matters to you, say so up front and we'll spec accordingly.