Smartphone tempered glass could become more expensive; this new rule comes into effect on April 1..

The Government of India has issued new regulations regarding smartphone screen protectors and tempered glass. Compliance with established quality standards will now be mandatory for screen protectors sold in the market. However, the government has not imposed an immediate ban on all screen protectors; instead, this category has been brought under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandatory registration system.

In a notification dated September 21, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) included "Screen Protectors for Smartphones" in the mandatory registration regime. Consequently, starting April 1, 2027, companies manufacturing or importing screen protectors in India must adhere to the BIS standard IS 19348:2025.

This means that from 2027 onwards, companies will not be able to sell screen protectors without meeting the requisite quality standards. The government has granted companies ample time—over six months—to prepare for these new regulations.

What aspects of screen protectors will be tested?
The new IS 19348:2025 standard outlines several rules regarding the quality and testing of screen protectors. Primary among these is glass quality; parameters such as glass dimensions, strength, and surface quality will be evaluated. Additionally, the clarity—or transparency—of the screen protector will be assessed, covering standards for light transmission and visible defects. The new regulations also set standards for features such as adhesives, anti-shatter films, oleophobic coatings, anti-glare properties, blue-light filters, and privacy films.

Information required on packaging
Companies will also be required to provide specific information on the screen protector's packaging, including the manufacturer's name, batch number, and product thickness. Mandatory product testing must be conducted before sale. Currently, a wide variety of screen guards and tempered glass products are available in the market at various price points, ranging from major brands to unbranded, low-cost options. Once the new rules come into effect, all relevant manufacturers and importers will be required to meet the prescribed quality standards.

Will screen protectors become more expensive?

The government notification does not state that the price of screen protectors will rise due to the new rules, nor does it say that any specific product will be immediately withdrawn from the market. However, testing and registration requirements could impact companies' costs and operational methods. In other words, there is no immediate ban on all screen protectors. The actual change will take effect on April 1, 2027, when compliance with the IS 19348:2025 standards becomes mandatory.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.