NDAA Compliant Security Cameras Perth: What WA Businesses & Government Need to Know
If your organisation works with government, defence contractors, or critical infrastructure — or if you're planning to — the brand of security camera on your walls may matter more than you think. NDAA Section 889 has fundamentally changed how government-adjacent organisations in Australia approach security camera procurement.
This guide explains what the NDAA is, which brands it restricts, what Australia's own security agencies have said, and who in Perth and WA genuinely needs to care about it.
What Is NDAA Section 889?
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the annual US federal legislation that sets the budget and policy for the US Department of Defense. Section 889 of the FY2019 NDAA — signed into law in 2018 — added a sweeping procurement restriction: US federal agencies and their contractors are prohibited from purchasing or using telecommunications and video surveillance equipment produced by certain named manufacturers.
The legislation was driven by national security concerns about the potential for Chinese-government-linked manufacturers to embed backdoors, transmit data to foreign entities, or be compelled to provide access under Chinese national security laws.
The Five Restricted Manufacturers Under Section 889
- ✗ Hikvision (Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.) — world's largest CCTV manufacturer, majority-owned by Chinese state enterprise
- ✗ Dahua (Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd.) — second largest CCTV manufacturer globally, on the US Entity List
- ✗ Huawei Technologies — telecommunications equipment and networking infrastructure
- ✗ ZTE Corporation — telecommunications and networking equipment
- ✗ Hytera Communications — two-way radio and communications equipment
The restriction extends to subsidiaries, affiliates, and products that use substantial or essential components from these manufacturers.
The restriction is broad. It doesn't just cover cameras — it covers the recorders, servers, and any substantial components sourced from these entities. OEM products (cameras sold under a different brand name but manufactured by a restricted company) also fall under the prohibition.
What Has Australia Done?
The NDAA is US legislation — it doesn't automatically bind Australian organisations. However, Australia's response has been significant and increasingly formal.
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Guidance
The ASD — Australia's national cybersecurity authority — has raised concerns about the use of internet-connected surveillance devices from manufacturers subject to extrajudicial foreign government directives. While ASD has not published a blanket ban list, its guidance strongly encourages organisations in sensitive sectors to consider the ownership structure and legal obligations of manufacturers before purchasing surveillance equipment.
Commonwealth Government Actions (2023)
In early 2023, the Australian government ordered the removal of cameras and surveillance equipment from affected manufacturers from Commonwealth government sites following a security audit. The audit was prompted by revelations that thousands of devices from restricted manufacturers were installed across Australian federal government buildings, including the Department of Defence.
The then-defence industry minister described the situation as unacceptable and ordered a whole-of-government review. Multiple Commonwealth departments — including Defence, Finance, and Home Affairs — subsequently removed or began the process of removing affected devices.
Key Distinction: Commercial Use vs. Government/Sensitive Use
Cameras from restricted manufacturers remain entirely legal for general commercial and residential use in Australia. A café, retail shop, or private home is not subject to NDAA restrictions. The concern is specifically about deployments in or around sensitive government, defence, or critical infrastructure sites — or organisations that must meet these procurement standards through their contractual obligations.
AUKUS and Five Eyes Implications
Australia's membership of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (with the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand) and the AUKUS security pact with the US and UK creates significant alignment pressure on procurement standards. Defence contractors and their supply chains working on AUKUS submarine, cyber, or technology projects are expected to meet US procurement standards — which include NDAA compliance.
The UK has gone further, with the NCSC advising government departments not to connect cameras from affected manufacturers to their networks. Canada has taken similar steps for federal sites.
Who in Perth & WA Needs to Think About This?
Most Perth businesses don't need to worry about NDAA. But for a specific group of organisations, it's an increasingly real procurement constraint. Here's a practical breakdown:
🏛️ Government & Councils
Commonwealth departments are already subject to the removal directive. State government agencies and WA councils are not formally bound, but many are voluntarily reviewing their procurement policies following federal government actions and ASD guidance. Councils that receive federal grants for community safety or infrastructure projects may face Commonwealth procurement conditions.
Risk level: Medium-High for Commonwealth sites; Medium for state agencies and councils seeking federal funding
⚓ Defence Industry Contractors
Western Australia has a significant and growing defence industry sector, particularly in naval shipbuilding, submarine infrastructure (AUKUS), and military logistics. Companies holding defence contracts or seeking to enter the defence supply chain are expected to meet US and Australian procurement standards. A camera brand on the prohibited list on your premises could create issues during facility security audits.
Risk level: High — NDAA compliance is typically a contractual requirement
⚡ Critical Infrastructure Operators
Ports, utilities, water authorities, telecommunications providers, and data centres are classified as critical infrastructure under Australian law. The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) requires critical infrastructure operators to manage the security risks of their assets, including supply chain risk. Using surveillance equipment from entities subject to foreign government direction is a supply chain risk that SOCI Act obligations require consideration of.
Risk level: High — SOCI Act obligations apply
🎓 Schools & Universities
Educational institutions that receive federal funding for capital works, or that partner with defence or government programs, may find their procurement conditions include NDAA alignment. Universities with research partnerships with the ADF or US institutions are particularly exposed. Schools operated by councils (and therefore subject to council procurement policies) may also be affected as councils tighten their own standards.
Risk level: Medium — depends on funding sources and partnerships
🏥 Healthcare & Aged Care
Commonwealth-funded aged care facilities and hospitals receiving federal funding may find their procurement conditions increasingly include technology supply chain requirements. Additionally, healthcare organisations subject to the SOCI Act (large hospitals are classified as critical infrastructure) face the same supply chain risk obligations as other critical infrastructure operators.
Risk level: Medium and rising
✅ Private Commercial & Residential
Retail businesses, offices, industrial facilities, and homes that have no government or defence exposure are not affected by NDAA restrictions. For these users, the choice of camera brand should be based on performance, cost, features, and installer expertise — not compliance requirements that don't apply to their situation.
Risk level: None — choose based on requirements and budget
Which Security Camera Brands Are NDAA Compliant?
Any manufacturer not named in Section 889 and not on the FCC Covered List is generally considered NDAA compliant. Here are the main options available through professional installers in Australia:
| Brand | Country | NDAA Status | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti UniFi | USA (NYSE: UI) | ✓ Compliant | Commercial, government, multi-site, ecosystem integration |
| Axis Communications | Sweden | ✓ Compliant | Enterprise, critical infrastructure, premium commercial |
| Hanwha Vision | South Korea | ✓ Compliant | Enterprise, AI analytics, large commercial |
| Bosch Security | Germany | ✓ Compliant | Enterprise, government, integrated security |
| Avigilon (Motorola) | Canada/USA | ✓ Compliant | Enterprise, analytics-heavy, large deployments |
| Vivotek | Taiwan | ✓ Compliant | SMB, commercial, value AI cameras |
| Hikvision | China | ✗ Restricted | Not for government, defence, or NDAA-required sites |
| Dahua | China | ✗ Restricted | Not for government, defence, or NDAA-required sites |
Note: Always verify compliance for specific product models and confirm with the manufacturer for formal compliance documentation. OEM products (cameras branded under another name but manufactured by a restricted company) are also covered by the restriction.
Why UniFi Is a Strong Choice for NDAA-Sensitive Sites
For organisations that need NDAA-compliant security cameras, UniFi Protect offers a compelling combination of compliance, capability, and cost structure.
US-Headquartered & NYSE Listed
Ubiquiti Inc. is incorporated in the US, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and subject to US corporate governance and disclosure requirements. It is not subject to Chinese national security laws.
Not on FCC Covered List
UniFi cameras and access control products are not on the FCC's list of communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.
Local Processing
Video and AI analytics processing runs on your on-site UniFi console. Footage is stored locally and does not need to traverse a third-party cloud. Important for data sovereignty requirements.
No Licensing Fees
AI detection, multi-site management, and advanced features are included in hardware pricing. No ongoing subscription creates a lower total cost of ownership compared to many enterprise-grade NDAA-compliant platforms.
Unified Platform
Cameras, access control, intercoms, and network infrastructure all run on UniFi OS. Single platform reduces attack surface and simplifies security management.
Compliance Documentation
Ubiquiti publishes NDAA compliance information in product specifications and has a compliance team (compliance@ui.com) that can provide supporting documentation for procurement requirements.
Practical Steps for Perth Organisations
Assess Whether NDAA Applies to You
Review your funding sources, contracts, and site classification. If you hold or are pursuing government or defence contracts, have Commonwealth funding, or operate critical infrastructure under the SOCI Act, seek legal advice on your specific procurement obligations.
Audit Your Existing Camera Infrastructure
Identify what cameras are currently installed and who manufactured them. If you have cameras from restricted manufacturers on sensitive sites, develop a remediation plan. The Commonwealth gave agencies a phased timeline for removal — a sensible model for other organisations to follow.
Specify Compliant Brands in Future Procurement
Update your procurement specifications to explicitly require NDAA-compliant equipment. Ask installers for written confirmation of compliance and, where possible, request manufacturer compliance documentation for the specific models being installed.
Choose an Installer Who Understands the Requirements
Not every Perth security installer is familiar with NDAA compliance. Ensure your installer can specify compliant hardware, knows the OEM brand issues, and can provide the documentation you need for your procurement records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NDAA compliance for security cameras?
Does NDAA apply in Australia?
Can I still install Hikvision or Dahua cameras in my Perth business?
Is UniFi NDAA compliant?
What about OEM cameras — are they NDAA compliant?
Do Perth councils need NDAA compliant cameras?
Need NDAA Compliant Security for Your Perth Site?
Great White Security installs and programs UniFi Protect camera systems, access control, and intercoms — fully NDAA compliant, with local processing and no licensing fees. We can also assist with compliance documentation for government and defence procurement.
Free site survey • NDAA compliant hardware • Full system documentation