Smartphone screen protectors sold in India will come under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) compulsory registration framework from April 1, 2027. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has added screen protectors for smartphones to the list of products covered by the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.
Under the notification issued on September 21, manufacturers and importers will have to ensure that covered smartphone screen protectors comply with IS 19348:2025, Glass Screen Protector — Specification, before the new requirement takes effect. The change gives businesses a transition period to prepare for the mandatory standards.
What Are the New BIS Requirements?
The Indian Standard IS 19348:2025 sets specifications for glass screen protectors, including requirements related to glass quality, dimensions, strength, optical clarity and visible defects. The standard also covers features such as adhesives and protective coatings.
Packaging and product identification requirements will also become important under the applicable standards. Manufacturers and importers will need to ensure that their products meet the required specifications and testing conditions before they are placed on the Indian market.
The notification adds smartphone screen protectors as Serial No. 66 under the compulsory registration framework and links the category specifically to IS 19348:2025.
What the New Rule Means for Consumers
The new framework is expected to bring greater standardisation to the smartphone screen protector market. Consumers currently have access to a wide range of tempered glass and other screen protection products at different price points, including products from established brands as well as lower-cost options.
Once the requirement takes effect, manufacturers and importers covered by the order will have to meet the prescribed Indian Standard. Screen protectors that do not meet the applicable requirements will not be permitted to be manufactured, imported or sold under the new framework.
Will Screen Protectors Become More Expensive?
The government notification does not announce any specific increase in retail prices or state that particular products will immediately be removed from the market. However, manufacturers and importers may face additional testing and compliance requirements, which could affect their operating costs.
The key point is that the government has not banned smartphone screen protectors. Instead, the category has been brought under the compulsory registration framework, with compliance with IS 19348:2025 becoming applicable from April 1, 2027.
The amendment has been issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, and modifies the existing Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the government notification and publicly available information. BIS requirements, implementation details and compliance procedures may be updated before April 1, 2027. Consumers, manufacturers and importers should refer to the latest official BIS and MeitY notifications for the applicable requirements.