The Indian government has announced a mandate that introduces new regulations for smartphone screen protectors under a notification dated September 21. The Centre has incorporated “Screen Protectors for smartphones” into the compulsory registration framework for electronic goods. This measure aims to enhance the quality of screen protectors available in the market.

From April 1, 2027, all manufacturers and importers operating in India will be required to ensure that their screen protectors comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standard IS 19348:2025 before these products can be sold. Although the notification does not impose an immediate ban, it grants a transition period of more than six months for compliance.

Overview of New Guidelines

The newly introduced IS 19348:2025 standard establishes specific criteria related to the quality and performance of glass screen protectors. Key guidelines emphasise several important aspects including the quality of glass, clarity, additional features, and packaging information required on the product. The guidelines stipulate that glass used in screen protectors must meet certain dimensions, strength, and surface quality to ensure durability and usability.

Clarity requirements encompass light transmission levels and the absence of visible defects. Furthermore, the guidelines demand that additional features such as adhesive compatibility, anti-shatter film, oleophobic coatings, anti-glare properties, blue-light filtering, and privacy films are also evaluated. Product packaging will now need to display essential details, including the manufacturer’s name, batch number, and the product’s thickness.

With these guidelines in place, manufacturers must adhere to strict quality requirements and pre-market testing to ensure that their screen protectors meet the set standards before they are sold in the Indian market.

Implications for Consumers and Manufacturers

The introduction of these new guidelines is expected to improve the overall quality of smartphone screen protectors available to consumers. Currently, the market features a diverse range of screen guards and tempered glass protectors at various price points, making it crucial for buyers to navigate through both established brands and less expensive, often unbranded alternatives.

Under the new framework, manufacturers and importers will need to guarantee compliance with specified quality standards. The notification from the government does not specifically indicate whether this will result in price increases for screen protectors, nor does it suggest that certain products will be removed from the market entirely. However, enhanced compliance measures may impact the operational processes of some manufacturers, especially if additional testing and certification are required.

It is essential to note that the government has not entirely banned smartphone screen protectors. Instead, the Centre has included this category within the scope of compulsory registration, necessitating adherence to IS 19348:2025 starting April 1, 2027. This notification is part of the measures under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which serves to amend the existing compulsory registration order from 2021.

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