Hikvision and Dahua Replacement: NDAA Compliant Alternatives
If your organization uses Hikvision or Dahua security cameras, you may be required - or wise - to replace them. Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibits U.S. federal agencies, federal contractors, and grant recipients from using surveillance equipment from these manufacturers. And even if you have no federal obligations today, the cybersecurity risks associated with state-linked vendors are driving private-sector organizations to switch proactively.
Silarius makes this transition straightforward. Our NDAA-compliant Silarius Pro Series cameras, NVRs, and PTZ systems are designed to drop into existing installations with minimal disruption - many using the same cable runs, mounting hardware, and NVR infrastructure you already have in place.
Why Replace Hikvision and Dahua Equipment?
Legal Requirements
Section 889 of the 2019 NDAA (expanded in 2020 and enforced since August 2020) prohibits the use of surveillance and telecommunications equipment from Hikvision, Dahua, Huawei, ZTE, and Hytera by:
- Federal government agencies and their components
- Any company holding a U.S. government contract, at any tier
- Recipients of federal grants or financial assistance
Violations can result in contract termination, debarment from future government business, and civil liability. If your organization falls into any of these categories, replacement is not optional.
Cybersecurity Risks
Beyond legal compliance, security researchers and U.S. intelligence agencies have identified persistent concerns about backdoors, undisclosed remote access capabilities, and data exfiltration in equipment manufactured by state-linked companies. The risks apply regardless of whether your facility handles classified information.
Supply Chain Continuity
With Hikvision and Dahua products increasingly restricted from distribution channels serving U.S. government-adjacent markets, obtaining replacement parts, firmware updates, and technical support for these products is becoming more difficult. Transitioning now avoids a forced emergency replacement in the future.
What You Can Replace Without Replacing Everything
One of the most common concerns we hear from customers is: do I have to replace my entire system - cables, conduit, NVR, everything - to become NDAA compliant?
In most cases, the answer is no. Here is what typically stays and what gets replaced:
- Cat5e/Cat6 cable runs - typically stay (standard cable is reused)
- Conduit and junction boxes - typically stay
- PoE switches (if not Hikvision/Dahua branded) - typically stay
- Mounting brackets (standard) - often stay
- IP cameras - replaced (core of the Section 889 concern)
- Hikvision/Dahua branded NVRs - replaced (also covered by Section 889)
- VMS software from banned vendors - replaced
NDAA Compliant Replacements: Silarius Pro Series
The Silarius Pro Series is designed and distributed in the United States and is fully NDAA Section 889 compliant. Our cameras use the ONVIF protocol standard, which means they integrate with most existing third-party NVRs and VMS platforms - including many systems originally installed with Hikvision or Dahua equipment.
Replacement Cameras
- Bullet cameras: Silarius SIL-B4MPNC6 4MP Night Color Bullet - direct replacement for outdoor fixed cameras
- Dome cameras: Silarius SIL-D8MPAU36 4K Dome with 2-Way Audio - indoor/outdoor dome replacement
- PTZ cameras: Silarius SIL-B5MPPTZ10 5MP PTZ with x10 Optical Zoom - replaces Hikvision/Dahua PTZ units
- Fisheye/360: Silarius SIL-F12MP 12MP 360-Degree Fisheye - panoramic coverage without blind spots
Replacement NVRs
- 16-channel 4K NVR: Silarius SIL-NVR4K16 - replace a Hikvision DS-7600 or Dahua NVR4116 with a fully compliant alternative
- 36-channel AI NVR: Silarius SIL-NVRAI162 - advanced face recognition and AI analytics, NDAA compliant
- WiFi NVR kit: Silarius 4CH WiFi 4K NVR Kit - wireless system for sites without structured cabling
Browse all NDAA Compliant Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Are my existing IP cameras compatible with a new Silarius NVR?
If your existing cameras support ONVIF (which most IP cameras manufactured after 2015 do), they will connect to a Silarius NVR. However, if your existing cameras are Hikvision or Dahua branded, they are also covered by Section 889 and should be replaced as well.
Will Silarius cameras work with our existing Milestone or Genetec VMS?
Yes. Silarius Pro Series cameras support ONVIF profile S and are compatible with all major VMS platforms including Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, and Avigilon Control Center.
How long does a typical Hikvision replacement project take?
For a small facility (8-24 cameras), a replacement project typically takes 1-2 days of installation time once equipment is on hand. Larger facilities can be phased - replacing one building or zone at a time - to minimize operational disruption.
Does NDAA compliance apply to NVRs and VMS software too, or just cameras?
Section 889 covers all telecommunications and video surveillance equipment - which includes NVRs, DVRs, VMS software, and access control systems from banned manufacturers. Replacing cameras while keeping a Hikvision NVR or Dahua VMS does not achieve full compliance.
Start Your Replacement Project
Ready to move to NDAA-compliant surveillance? Browse our full selection of compliant equipment or contact the Silarius team for a consultation on your replacement project.
