Texas CCTV Ban List 2026 And Approved Alternatives For Commercial Security Systems
The State of Texas has updated its prohibited technologies list, adding additional restrictions on hardware, artificial intelligence systems, and software affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As of January 26, 2026, Governor Abbott expanded the electronic ban list in coordination with Texas Cyber Command.
This update directly impacts CCTV systems, surveillance hardware, and related security technologies used by government agencies and state employees.
The official source of the update is published by the Office of the Governor:
For commercial property owners and contractors in Houston, this raises an important question:
Which CCTV brands are restricted, and what alternatives are compliant?
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Overview Of The Texas CCTV Ban List Technologies Update
The updated directive includes additional restrictions on:
Physical hardware
Artificial intelligence systems
Software affiliated with the PRC
Companies tied to the CCP
The wording is important:
“Includes additional restrictions on physical hardware, artificial intelligence (AI), and software affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”
The list specifically names manufacturers and developers, including subsidiaries and affiliates.
This means compliance is not limited to brand names alone. Affiliations and ownership structures also matter.
CCTV And Security Hardware On The Texas Ban List
As of February 4, 2026, prohibited hardware manufacturers include:
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
Dahua Technology Company
Uniview / Zhejiang Uniview Technologies Co. Ltd.
Huawei Technologies Company
Hytera Communications Corporation
ZTE Corporation
TP-Link
Autel Robotics
DJI
Hisense
Xiaomi
And additional listed entities
Importantly, the directive states:
“Any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity listed above.”
This expands the compliance requirement significantly.
What This Means For Houston Commercial Security Projects
For:
Government buildings
Municipal projects
School districts
Law enforcement facilities
Public infrastructure
State-funded facilities
The use of banned hardware is not permitted.
Even for private commercial properties, many clients now request non-restricted brands to avoid future compliance risk.
Businesses seeking Security Camera Installation Houston services should verify equipment sourcing before installation.
For government-specific installations, review our Government Security Systems page.
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Is All China-Manufactured Hardware A Compliance Risk?
The wording of the directive focuses on affiliation with the PRC and CCP.
However, because the directive states restrictions on technology “affiliated” with listed entities, some commercial buyers now treat China-manufactured hardware as a grey area.
This does not automatically mean all China-produced equipment is banned. However, risk-averse clients often prefer:
U.S.-based manufacturers
Korean manufacturers
Japanese manufacturers
European manufacturers
Risk assessment depends on:
Project type
Funding source
Regulatory requirements
Client policies
For compliance-focused installations, consult experienced Security Camera Installers before specifying hardware.
Alternative Brands At Similar Price Points (Non-Listed)
If UNV, Hikvision, and Dahua are restricted, contractors must identify replacements.
Below are general alternative categories.
Comparable Price Tier Options
These brands often compete in similar cost ranges:
Uniview alternatives manufactured outside restricted affiliations
Certain OEM brands assembled outside China
NDAA-compliant mid-tier brands
Next Tier Above (Premium Commercial Grade)
Higher-tier commercial brands include:
Axis Communications
See: https://houstonsecuritysolutions.com/axis-security-camera/
Hanwha Vision
See: https://houstonsecuritysolutions.com/hanwha-security-camera/
Digital Watchdog
See: https://houstonsecuritysolutions.com/digital-watchdog/
These brands typically offer:
NDAA compliance
Strong cybersecurity standards
Advanced analytics
Enterprise-level support
Premium equipment is common in Houston Commercial Security Systems projects:
NDAA Compliance And Texas Ban Alignment
The federal NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) already restricted certain surveillance manufacturers for federal use.
The Texas update extends state-level restrictions.
Commercial property owners should verify:
Manufacturer ownership
Parent company affiliations
Supply chain origin
Firmware and AI software origin
For high-security projects, compliance review should occur before procurement.
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How This Affects Access Control And Integrated Systems
The update does not only apply to cameras. It references:
Artificial intelligence
Software
Hardware
Access control systems and integrated security platforms may also be affected.
If evaluating access control, consult: Access Control installers.
Integrated systems must be reviewed for compliance alignment.
Steps For Contractors And Property Owners
If you are planning a project in Texas:
Review the official Texas CCTV ban list
Identify manufacturer origin
Confirm no listed parent affiliation
Verify NDAA compliance
Consult a qualified commercial installer
The official state source is available here: Texas CCTV ban List
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uniview Now On The Texas Ban List?
Yes. Uniview / Zhejiang Uniview Technologies Co. Ltd. is listed under prohibited hardware.
Are Hikvision And Dahua Restricted?
Yes. Both manufacturers are listed.
Does This Apply To Private Businesses?
The directive applies directly to state employees and devices. However, many commercial clients adopt similar restrictions voluntarily.
Is All Chinese-Made Hardware Banned?
The directive targets affiliation with specific entities and the PRC/CCP. Some buyers treat broader Chinese manufacturing as a grey area.
What Brands Are Safer Alternatives?
Premium brands such as Axis, Hanwha, and Digital Watchdog are commonly selected for compliance-focused installations.
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Conclusion
The Texas CCTV Ban List update significantly impacts surveillance hardware selection for government and compliance-sensitive projects.
For Houston businesses, contractors, and public-sector agencies, equipment selection must now consider:
Manufacturer affiliation
NDAA compliance
State-level restrictions
Long-term regulatory exposure
Before proceeding with Security Camera Installation Houston projects, confirm that your equipment aligns with current Texas guidance.
For compliant commercial security systems, consult professional installers who understand both technical requirements and regulatory considerations.
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