NDAA Section 889 Compliant Security Cameras: What You Need to Know
NDAA Section 889 Compliant Security Cameras: What You Need to Know
If you supply security cameras to a federal agency, work as a government contractor, or receive federal funding, NDAA Section 889 compliance is not optional. Non-compliant cameras can disqualify you from contracts, trigger audits, and expose your organization to serious legal liability.
This guide covers exactly what NDAA Section 889 is, which brands and equipment are banned, how to verify compliance, and where to source cameras that meet the standard.
What Is NDAA Section 889?
Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a federal law that prohibits U.S. government agencies and their contractors from purchasing or using telecommunications and video surveillance equipment made by specific Chinese companies.
The law was enacted in 2018 (FY2019 NDAA) and has been strengthened in subsequent years. It applies to:
- All federal executive agencies
- Government contractors and subcontractors
- Recipients of federal grants and loans
- State and local governments that receive federal funding
Section 889 has two operative parts:
- Part A (effective August 2019): Federal agencies cannot purchase covered equipment
- Part B (effective August 2020): Federal agencies cannot do business with any company that uses covered equipment in its operations
Which Brands Are Banned Under NDAA Section 889?
The law specifically names five companies and their subsidiaries and affiliates:
- Huawei Technologies (and affiliates including HiSilicon)
- ZTE Corporation
- Hytera Communications
- Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Hikvision)
- Dahua Technology Co., Ltd. (Dahua)
Critically, this ban extends to any subsidiary or affiliate of these companies. This means rebranded or OEM versions of Hikvision or Dahua cameras are also prohibited if the underlying hardware originates from those manufacturers.
Which Security Camera Brands Are NDAA Section 889 Compliant?
The following brands manufacture NDAA-compliant security cameras generally accepted for government and federal contractor use:
| Brand | Country of Origin | Compliance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Axis Communications | Sweden | Full NDAA compliance, FIPS 140-2 support |
| Hanwha Vision (Samsung) | South Korea | NDAA compliant, cybersecurity hardened |
| Vivotek | Taiwan | NDAA compliant, TAA eligible models available |
| Avigilon (Motorola Solutions) | USA/Canada | NDAA compliant, TAA eligible |
| Bosch Security | Germany | NDAA compliant, cybersecurity certified |
| Pelco | USA | NDAA compliant, domestic manufacturing |
| Silarius Pro Series | USA / TAA | NDAA Section 889 compliant, TAA eligible |
TAA Compliance vs. NDAA Compliance: What Is the Difference?
| Requirement | Law | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| NDAA Section 889 | FY2019 NDAA | Prohibits equipment from specific Chinese companies |
| TAA (Trade Agreements Act) | 19 U.S.C. 2501 | Requires products manufactured in TAA-designated countries |
A product can be TAA compliant but not NDAA compliant. The safest approach for federal procurement is to source products that are both NDAA-compliant and TAA-eligible.
How to Verify NDAA Section 889 Compliance
- Request a Certificate of NDAA Compliance from the vendor or manufacturer
- Check the NDAA compliance representation in the GSA Schedule contract line item
- Review the bill of materials for components originating from banned entities
- Check the firmware origin
- Consult your contracting officer for documentation requirements
Common NDAA Compliance Mistakes
- Assuming a domestic brand name means domestic hardware
- Ignoring Part B of Section 889
- Failing to document compliance in writing
- Overlooking NVR and DVR recorders (the ban covers the full surveillance system)
- Using legacy non-compliant equipment on federally funded projects
NDAA-Compliant Security Camera Systems from Silarius
Silarius specializes in NDAA Section 889 compliant security cameras, NVRs, and complete surveillance systems for government agencies, defense contractors, and federally-funded organizations. Our NDAA-compliant product lines include Silarius Pro Series, Axis Communications, Hanwha Vision, and Vivotek.
Every qualifying purchase from Silarius includes a Certificate of NDAA Section 889 Compliance. Our team can assist with GSA procurement documentation, sole source justifications, and compliance attestations.
Contact Silarius for a compliance consultation or to build a specification for your next government security camera project.
