New Delhi – The Indian government has introduced a significant regulatory change for the smartphone accessory market: mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for all mobile phone screen protectors. This new requirement, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will come into effect on April 1, 2027.
Under the new notification, screen protectors for mobile phones will be added to the schedule of goods requiring compulsory BIS certification. This means that from the specified date, all screen protectors sold in India must comply with the prescribed Indian Standard (IS 19348:2025) to be legally available in the market.
What the BIS Standard Covers
The IS 19348:2025 standard establishes comprehensive specifications and testing requirements for glass screen protectors designed for electronic displays, including smartphones. It addresses critical aspects such as:
- Thickness and Dimensions: Ensuring consistency and appropriate fit.
- Glass Strength and Quality: Setting benchmarks for durability and protective capabilities.
- Additional Layers: Including specifications for adhesive, anti-shatter film, oleophobic coatings, anti-glare films, blue-light filtering properties, and privacy films.
The standard aims to provide a defined benchmark for manufacturers, focusing on the construction, strengthening, and overall quality of the glass and its integrated layers, rather than merely fitting a specific phone model.
Impact on Consumers and Manufacturers
For smartphone buyers, this mandatory BIS certification is intended to offer greater assurance regarding the quality and safety of screen protectors purchased in India. The move is expected to curb the proliferation of unbranded and sub-standard imported tempered glass products that currently saturate the market.
However, the new regulation may also lead to changes in the easy availability and pricing of screen protectors. Manufacturers and importers will need to adapt their production processes and supply chains to meet India’s new BIS requirements, which could involve significant investment in testing and factory registrations via BIS-recognized facilities. The current seven-month window provides a period for brands to achieve compliance before the deadline.