Dear Valued Partner

I wanted to update you on a very important development concerning Hikvision’s operations in the UK & Ireland.

Following extensive engagement with the UK Government, and with the relevant legislation in the Procurement Bill having been debated and approved by all sides across the two Houses of Parliament, Hikvision can confirm that the UK Government has now clarified its position concerning Hikvision CCTV cameras in relation to sensitive areas of the government estate. As a result of this important regulatory confirmation, we are pleased to renew our commitment to the UK market and move forward with our mission.

The UK’s Government letter to Hikvision confirms that Hikvision’s equipment is not banned from wider public sector settings. This decision recognises the integral role Hikvision products play in protecting property and promoting public safety.

The statement provided to us from His Majesty’s Government is as follows:

Hikvision UK wishes to understand the policy in order to explain the position of the Government to its customers. I am able to confirm the position accordingly.

I can confirm that:

1. The policy responds to an internal assessment of emerging threats, arising from the increased sophistication and connectivity of visual surveillance equipment.
2. This policy applies to sensitive sites on the central government estate where security considerations are always paramount – for example, defence and intelligence facilities.
3. The rationale for this policy is set out in the attached WMS.
4. The term ‘sensitive sites’ is defined within Government and well-understood by those working within the relevant parts of the Government. The definition is not public.
5. The policy represents instruction and advice to central Government departments. It does not apply to private individuals or businesses or other public authorities (outside the central government estate) and was not intended to be relied upon by such persons in relation to their own use of visual surveillance equipment. The policy did not respond to any specific request for a “ban” on the use of Hikvision products.

The Government’s decision endorses the security credentials of Hikvision’s products and adds to a growing consensus around the safety and integrity of Hikvision technology across the UK and Ireland, as well as internationally. Further evidence of this came recently in the Republic of Ireland, where the cross-party Houses of Oireachtas Committee overseeing the Irish parliamentary estate at Leinster House ruled that it was satisfied Hikvision cameras installed in the parliamentary precinct did not present a security risk, with our products remaining installed.

Hikvision has always been clear that the company and its products present no threat to UK national security. No respected technical institution or assessment has concluded otherwise. Each of Hikvision’s products is subject to strict security requirements and is compliant with the applicable laws and regulations in the UK, as well as any other country and regions in which we operate.

We are also proud to have worked with the UK Government on the ‘Secure By Default’ initiative in 2019, which complements existing qualifications and certifications in the security space.

As a global leader in video security, Hikvision takes cybersecurity seriously and is committed to upholding the highest industry standards. Hikvision’s products, source code and cybersecurity practices are in keeping with industry best practices. Moreover, Hikvision’s business model in the UK & Ireland, as in most international markets, is predicated on customers being distributors and security integrators/installers, not the “end-user”. Based on this industry-wide business model, Hikvision does not respond directly to public tenders.

We are confident that this regulatory clarity and the completion of the Procurement Bill will remove any confusion regarding our viability in the UK & Ireland. Indeed, we are open for business. Thank you for your continued support of our brand and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding the above.

Yours faithfully,

Justin Hollis