Are cheap smartphone screen protectors being banned? New BIS rule explained

New quality rules are set to come into force for smartphone screen protectors sold in India, with the Centre bringing the products under the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration system.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through a notification issued on September 21, included “Screen Protectors for smartphones” in the compulsory registration framework for electronic products.

From April 1, 2027, manufacturers and importers will have to ensure that screen protectors comply with the Indian Standard IS 19348:2025 before they are sold in the country.

The move does not mean an immediate ban on existing screen protectors. Companies have been given a transition period of more than six months to meet the new requirements.

What does IS 19348:2025 cover?

The new Indian Standard sets out specifications and testing requirements for glass screen protectors. It covers the quality of the glass, its performance and several features that are commonly offered with screen protection products.

The standard includes requirements related to glass size, strength and surface quality, as well as light transmission and visible defects to ensure adequate clarity.

It also covers additional features such as adhesive, anti-shatter film, oleophobic coating, anti-glare treatment, blue-light filtering and privacy films.

Packaging will also have to carry essential product information. This includes details such as the manufacturer's name, batch number and thickness of the screen protector.

Manufacturers will therefore need to meet the prescribed specifications and complete the required testing before placing their products on the Indian market.

How will the new rules affect consumers?

The new framework is expected to bring greater standardisation to a market that currently includes products across a broad price range, from branded screen protectors to low-cost and unbranded tempered glass.

Once the rules take effect, manufacturers and importers will be responsible for ensuring that the products they sell comply with IS 19348:2025 and the mandatory BIS registration requirements.

For consumers, the changes could make it easier to identify products that meet specified quality and testing requirements.

Will screen protector prices increase?

The government notification does not specify any price increase for screen protectors. It also does not state that existing products will automatically be removed from the market.

However, manufacturers and importers may face additional costs linked to testing, certification and compliance. Whether those costs translate into higher retail prices will depend on individual companies.

The new measure, therefore, is not a blanket ban on smartphone screen protectors. It places the category under compulsory BIS registration, with compliance with IS 19348:2025 required from April 1, 2027.

The notification has been issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, and amends the compulsory registration order issued in 2021.