Hikvision is not banned for homeowners, but in June 2025 the Government of Canada ordered Hikvision Canada Inc. to cease its operations in Canada after a national security review, and banned the purchase or use of Hikvision products in federal government departments, agencies and crown corporations. The order applies to Hikvision’s Canadian business, not to cameras you already own. The sources do not say private owners must remove their cameras. What can change is local support, firmware and warranty service, so owners should check, harden their systems and plan replacements.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read. This is general information, not legal advice.
- What the order says and does not say
- What it means for owners and businesses
- A six-step hardening checklist
- Replacing cameras without rewiring
- The June 2025 order covers Hikvision’s Canadian business and federal government use.
- We have not seen a rule that forces private owners to remove cameras.
- Support, firmware and warranty from the Canadian entity may change.
- Harden your system now and ask an installer about replacement options.
What did the Canadian government do about Hikvision?
On June 28, 2025, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced that, following a National Security Review under the Investment Canada Act, Hikvision Canada Inc. was ordered to cease all operations in Canada and close its Canadian business. The government said the company’s continued presence would be harmful to national security, based on a review that assessed information from Canada’s security and intelligence community. It also banned the purchase or use of Hikvision products in federal departments, agencies and crown corporations, and encouraged all Canadians to note the decision and make their own choices. Hikvision called the decision based on unfounded allegations.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Hikvision banned for homeowners? | No ban on private owners has been reported |
| What was ordered? | Hikvision Canada Inc. must cease operations in Canada |
| Who is banned from using Hikvision? | Federal government departments, agencies and crown corporations |
| Does the order cover the parent company? | No, it covers the Canadian business |
Facts may have changed since the announcement. Check the Government of Canada’s Investment Canada Act notices and Hikvision’s own Canadian support announcements for updates.
What does it mean if you own Hikvision cameras?
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Your cameras keep recording | Nothing in the order says installed cameras must stop. Local recording continues unless you update them badly |
| Firmware and security updates | Ask where updates will come from and whether they will continue |
| Warranty and repairs | The Canadian business is closing, so check how claims are handled |
| Government or public-sector work | If you supply or work with federal bodies, check procurement rules |
| Insurance and contracts | Ask your insurer or client whether they have a policy on the brand |
How do you harden a camera system you already have?
- Change default passwords on every camera and the recorder to long, unique ones.
- Update firmware to the latest version you can obtain from a trusted source.
- Keep cameras off the open internet. Do not forward ports; use a VPN or the maker’s secure cloud only if you must.
- Put cameras on their own network, separate from computers and phones.
- Turn off features you do not use, such as UPnP and remote access.
- Review accounts and access logs and remove old users.
See also PoE camera systems, cameras without internet and NVR vs DVR.
Can you replace Hikvision cameras without rewiring?
Often yes. On a wired PoE system, the Ethernet cables stay in place and new cameras plug into the same runs, though the recorder may need to be replaced too if it only works with the old brand. Mixed-brand setups depend on open standards the cameras and recorder both support. An installer can check your recorder and cable runs before you buy. Business owners can start with the commercial camera cost guide, and a quote is free for wired CCTV. Pixl installs the cameras you choose and you pay after the job.
Hikvision in Canada: frequently asked questions
Is Hikvision banned in Canada?
Hikvision Canada was ordered to cease operations in June 2025, and federal bodies cannot buy or use its products. Private owners have not been reported as banned from using cameras they own.
Do I have to remove my Hikvision cameras?
We have not seen a rule that requires private owners to remove them. Check for updates and harden your system.
Will my Hikvision cameras stop working?
Installed cameras that record locally are not affected by the order itself. Support, updates and cloud services may change.
Why was Hikvision ordered to close in Canada?
The government cited a national security review. Hikvision disputes the finding.
Can I replace Hikvision cameras on the same cables?
Often yes on a wired PoE system, though the recorder may need replacing. An installer can confirm.
Does Pixl install other brands?
Yes. Send photos of your system to (587) 899-7495. Wired CCTV quotes are free, and you pay after the job.
Want your system checked or upgraded?
Send photos of your recorder and cameras. Wired CCTV quotes are free, and you pay after the job.
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Sources and method. Based on reporting of the June 28, 2025 announcement by the Minister of Industry under the Investment Canada Act, as carried by outlets including SecurityInfoWatch and Security Systems News. Later developments such as appeals or wind-down details may have changed the picture, so check official notices. This is not legal advice.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.