Vietnam's surveillance camera market was once heavily influenced by smuggled products, primarily sourced from China. These cameras attracted consumers by offering lower prices compared to officially imported goods, bypassing taxes and other associated costs.

In the past, many consumers favored these gray-market cameras as a way to save money. However, the market has seen a marked shift as smuggled cameras, often referred to as “lăn đồi, cắp nách” products, have started to disappear from shelves in recent years.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Nguyen Manh Ha, Director of KBT's Northern Branch - a company specializing in importing and distributing surveillance cameras—revealed that the market share for gray-market cameras has been shrinking over the past three years. The main driver of this decline is growing consumer awareness of security concerns and the importance of data privacy.

Smuggled cameras often come without warranties and pose significant risks to users’ personal data and security. These devices may expose consumers to unauthorized surveillance or data theft, leading to increasing hesitation among buyers.

“Using non-certified surveillance cameras can result in unauthorized access, data breaches, or illegal monitoring,” said Ha.

As cybersecurity becomes an ever more pressing issue, Vietnamese consumers are now prioritizing official products that come with clear warranties and ongoing software updates, ensuring better data protection and customer support.

Another factor contributing to the decline of smuggled cameras is the narrowing price gap between gray-market and official products. Manufacturers have been adjusting their pricing strategies to remain competitive in the Vietnamese market.

According to Vu Manh Gioi, a representative from Dahua Vietnam, the company has revised its product prices to make genuine surveillance cameras more accessible to local consumers. With a smaller price difference, many consumers are now opting for official products that offer after-sales service and higher quality assurance.

“Once the price gap is minimized, consumers are more inclined to choose genuine products to enjoy the benefits of warranties and better product quality,” Gioi explained.

As a result of the changing market dynamics, businesses dealing in smuggled surveillance cameras are now shifting their focus to genuine products. In recent years, the number of gray-market cameras has dwindled significantly, and they now account for only a small fraction of the market.

Nguyen Manh Ha noted that the days of dealers actively importing gray-market cameras are mostly over. If any do remain, they are small-scale operations with limited inventory. Dealers have come to realize that selling official products reduces the risk of legal repercussions in the future.

The declining presence of smuggled cameras in Vietnam is also attributable to increased regulatory efforts. The government has taken steps to improve market standards and address security concerns.

To mitigate potential risks in the rapidly expanding surveillance market, the Ministry of Information and Communications introduced a set of basic cybersecurity standards for surveillance cameras. These standards apply to organizations and individuals involved in the development, production, and use of camera devices in Vietnam.

Among the key requirements are provisions ensuring that data from surveillance cameras must be stored, processed, and managed within Vietnam, enhancing security and transparency.

These standards not only improve the quality of available products but also act as a technical barrier, making it more difficult for smuggled products to compete.

Looking ahead, Vu Manh Gioi predicts continued growth for Vietnam's surveillance camera market, both in terms of quantity and value. He noted that consumers are increasingly interested in advanced features such as smart home integration, fire detection, and baby monitoring.

“The ratio of surveillance cameras per household is on the rise. Previously, a family might install just one or two cameras. Now, as the cost of surveillance cameras decreases, more households are adding multiple cameras, further increasing the market value,” Gioi said.

Overall, the decline of smuggled surveillance cameras indicates a positive shift in Vietnam's market. Consumers are becoming more discerning, favoring high-quality, secure, and certified products. Businesses are also recognizing the long-term benefits of complying with legal standards, helping foster a safer, more sustainable surveillance market in Vietnam.

Trong Dat