(Yicai) July 8 -- Hikvision Digital Technology has obtained temporary court approval to continue operating in Canada, following a ban on the Chinese maker of electronic security gear issued by the Canadian government.

Authorities in Canada ordered the Hangzhou-based company to halt operations in the country last month, after a review found that it posed a threat to national security.

Hikvision Canada responded by appealing to the country’s attorney general for a judicial review of the government’s decision, the firm said in a statement today. It asked for a stay of the order until the review has concluded, and has been allowed to resume normal business until a decision on the stay is made, it added.

“Hikvision Canada is committed to ensuring that our Canadian employees, distributors, installers, integrators and end-users are fully protected and supported while we pursue our legal remedies,” it said. “Just as importantly, we are ensuring that Canadians can continue to experience the security, choice and innovation they deserve.

“Since entering the Canadian market, we have followed all applicable laws and regulations, and will continue to defend our position that Hikvision products and technology have not endangered the national security of Canada or any other country in which we operate,” the company added.

In the order issued on June 27, the Canadian government also prohibited any of its departments from purchasing or using the Chinese company's products.

Hikvision Canada has offices and customer experience showrooms in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, along with a distribution warehouse in Vancouver. The Canadian market accounted for less than 0.3 percent of its revenue last year, Hikvision told investors on June 30.

Canada is not the first country to close its doors to Hikvision, with the US having also issued a ban in 2022. But despite political pressure, the company will continue to pursue its internationalization strategy and enhance the global competitiveness of its products, it said.

Founded in 2001, Hikvision has developed into the world's largest provider of video surveillance equipment. It has recently diversified into new areas including automotive electronics and smart home technology.

Hikvision's net profit fell by 15 percent last year to CNY12 billion (USD1.7 billion), according to its annual report. Revenue grew 3.5 percent to CNY92.5 billion (USD12.9 billion), with overseas income accounting for about a third.

Editor: Tom Litting