The NDAA, specifically Section 889 of the 2019 act, includes provisions that prohibit U.S. federal agencies, federal contractors, and recipients of federal grants from:
1. Procuring (buying) certain "covered telecommunications equipment or services.
2. Entering into a contract with an entity that uses such equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology.
In the context of security and networking, "covered equipment" primarily refers to:
● Video surveillance equipment and components manufactured by specific companies.
● Telecommunications equipment and services (including networking gear) from specific companies.
The intent of the law is to safeguard national security by preventing the use of technology that could pose a risk of espionage, cyber vulnerability, or unauthorized data access by foreign governments.
Why is NDAA Compliance So Important?
NDAA compliance is critical for several reasons:
● National Security: It reduces the risk of foreign interference, unauthorized access, or espionage through backdoors or vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and government systems.
● Access to Government Contracts/Funding: For any company or organization that is a federal agency, a federal contractor, or receives federal funding (which often includes schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure providers), using non-compliant equipment can lead to:
○ Disqualification from contracts.
○ Termination of existing contracts.
○ Potential legal liabilities and significant fines.
● Cybersecurity & Trust:
Choosing NDAA-compliant products is often viewed as a best practice for strong cybersecurity, as it demonstrates a commitment to using trusted equipment with a secure supply chain.
Which Brands Are Prohibited for CCTV & Networking?
The NDAA specifically prohibits equipment manufactured by, or containing essential components from, the following companies and their subsidiaries or affiliates:
| Category | Prohibited Companies (Section 889) | Primary Equipment Focus |
| Video Surveillance & Telecom | Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company | CCTV/Surveillance |
| Dahua Technology Company | CCTV/Surveillance | |
| Hytera Communications Corporation | Telecommunications (and some surveillance) | |
| Telecommunications | Huawei Technologies Company | Networking/Telecom, includes HiSilicon chips |
| ZTE Corporation | Networking/Telecom |
This ban also extends to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or rebranded products that contain the prohibited companies' core components (e.g., using a banned company's System on a Chip/chipset).
Uniview, Omada & Vigi by TP-Link NDAA Compliance
Based on publicly available information and manufacturer statements:
- Uniview (UNV): Uniview has publicly stated that they are committed to providing NDAA-compliant products, and they maintain a list of compliant cameras and recorders.16 Many third-party distributors also highlight Uniview as an NDAA-compliant alternative to banned brands.
- Omada & Vigi by TP-Link: TP-Link is generally considered a non-prohibited company under the NDAA.17 Suppliers and distributors often market their VIGI surveillance line and Omada networking line as NDAA-compliant solutions, confirming that they adhere to the requirements of Section 889 and do not use the specifically banned components.
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