India: BIS Registration for Screen Protectors Mandatory from April 2027
India Mandates BIS Registration for Screen Protectors: Smartphone Glass Protectors Added to CRS Under IS 19348:2025
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has formally brought smartphone screen protectors within the scope of the country's Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Through Gazette notification S.O. 5190(E), dated 21 September 2026, MeitY amended the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRO 2021), adding "Screen Protectors for smartphones" as S. No. 66 of the Order's Schedule.
The obligation takes effect on 1 April 2027. From that date, screen protectors covered by the entry may only be manufactured, imported, stored for sale, sold or distributed in India if they conform to IS 19348:2025 — Glass Screen Protector — Specification and hold a valid registration from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Regulatory Background
The Compulsory Registration Scheme was first introduced by MeitY in 2012 and has since been expanded in several phases to cover a wide range of electronics and IT products, from mobile phones and laptops to power adapters and power banks. The framework was re-notified as CRO 2021 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS operates the registration process, while MeitY carries out market surveillance of registered manufacturers.
The new amendment was issued under the BIS Act, 2016, on the basis that the measure is necessary in the public interest. It is the first time a passive smartphone accessory of this kind has been placed under mandatory CRS registration.
Why MeitY Is Regulating Screen Protectors
The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which contributed market data and technical input during development of the standard, has highlighted several issues in the current market:
Products marketed as "tempered glass" that have not undergone proper tempering.
Retail prices ranging from roughly ₹50 to ₹2,500 with little correlation to actual quality.
Under-invoicing, misdeclaration and informal import channels that reduce tax revenue.
ICEA estimates that India consumes around 500 million screen protectors per year, with more than 90% currently imported. The industry body projects that the mandate could support a domestic manufacturing sector worth ₹12,000–16,000 crore, generate approximately ₹2,000 crore in GST revenue and create around 60,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Summary of the Change
Item | Detail |
Issuing authority | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
Legal instrument | Notification S.O. 5190(E), dated 21 September 2026 |
Legal basis | Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 |
Amended order | Electronics and IT Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 |
New schedule entry | S. No. 66 — Screen Protectors for smartphones |
Applicable standard | IS 19348:2025 — Glass Screen Protector — Specification |
Effective date | 1 April 2027 |
Activities covered | Manufacture, import, storage for sale, sale and distribution in India |
Conformity route | BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (Scheme-II) — testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory and registration with BIS |
Marking | BIS Standard Mark with registration number (R-number) |
BIS Registration for Screen Protectors: Certification Impact Summary
Aspect | Before 1 April 2027 | From 1 April 2027 |
Regulatory status | No mandatory product standard for smartphone screen protectors | Mandatory CRS product under S. No. 66 |
Technical requirement | Voluntary / brand-defined quality claims | Conformity with IS 19348:2025 |
Testing | Not required | Testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory |
Registration | Not required | BIS registration per manufacturer, factory and brand/model series |
Product marking | None required | BIS Standard Mark and R-number on product/packaging |
Import clearance | No CRS check | Customs clearance subject to valid BIS registration |
Market surveillance | Limited | MeitY surveillance and BIS enforcement, including search and seizure |
Foreign manufacturers | No Indian representation needed | Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) required for registration |
What This Means for Manufacturers
Scope confirmation comes first. The schedule entry refers to "screen protectors for smartphones," while the mapped standard is specific to glass screen protectors. Manufacturers of film, hydrogel, PET/TPU or hybrid protectors should review the notification text and IS 19348:2025 carefully, and seek clarification from BIS or MeitY where coverage is uncertain.
Foreign suppliers face the greatest adjustment. With the overwhelming majority of supply currently imported, overseas factories particularly those serving India through distributors or e-commerce channels will need BIS registration in their own name, an Authorized Indian Representative and compliant marking before shipments can clear customs after the deadline.
Laboratory capacity is a real constraint. As with earlier CRS expansions, demand for testing is likely to peak in the months before the effective date. Companies that begin testing early will be better placed to avoid delays.
Registrations are factory and brand-specific. Each manufacturing location and brand requires its own registration, so private-label sellers, importers and brand owners should align early with their production partners.
Inventory planning matters. Non-compliant stock in the Indian supply chain after 1 April 2027 may not be lawfully sold. Distributors, retailers and online sellers should plan sell-through of existing inventory accordingly and confirm how MeitY or BIS will treat stock already in the market.
Domestic manufacturers have an opportunity. The mandate is intended to formalise the market and create a level playing field, giving compliant local producers a window to establish production lines and qualify against the standard ahead of enforcement.
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Milestones
Date | Milestone |
21 September 2026 | MeitY publishes S.O. 5190(E) in the Gazette of India |
22 September 2026 | ICEA publicly welcomes the notification |
October–December 2026 | Scope review, supplier mapping, AIR appointment and laboratory booking |
December 2026–February 2027 | Testing against IS 19348:2025 and submission of BIS applications |
February–March 2027 | Registration grants, Standard Mark implementation and packaging updates |
1 April 2027 | Mandatory compliance takes effect non-registered products may not be manufactured, imported, stored, sold or distributed |
Required Actions Checklist
Confirm product scope — Determine whether each product falls under S. No. 66 and IS 19348:2025.
Obtain the standard — Purchase IS 19348:2025 from BIS and conduct a gap assessment against current product specifications.
Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative — Mandatory for manufacturers located outside India.
Book laboratory testing — Submit samples to a BIS-recognised laboratory well before the deadline.
Apply for BIS registration — File through the BIS CRS online portal with test reports and supporting documents.
Implement labelling — Apply the BIS Standard Mark and R-number in line with BIS marking guidelines.
Align the supply chain — Communicate requirements to importers, distributors, e-commerce platforms and private-label partners.
Maintain compliance — Prepare for MeitY surveillance, keep registrations valid and manage renewals and model changes.
Conclusion
The addition of smartphone screen protectors to India's CRS marks a notable expansion of mandatory certification into the mobile accessories segment. With a six-month preparation window and a firm 1 April 2027 enforcement date, manufacturers, importers and brand owners should begin scope assessment and testing now to secure BIS registration for screen protectors without disruption to their India market access.
