The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced IS 19348:2025 – Glass Screen Protector — Specification, establishing technical requirements for glass screen protectors. BIS formally established this Indian Standard on 24 July 2025, and it was published in the BIS Weekly Standard Bulletin in July 2025.

More importantly, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has now added “Screen Protectors for smartphones” to the Schedule of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, with IS 19348:2025 as the applicable Indian Standard. The requirement will become effective from 1 April 2027.

This development is particularly relevant for manufacturers, importers, brands, and businesses involved in the supply of smartphone glass screen protectors in India.

What is IS 19348:2025?

IS 19348:2025 is an Indian Standard titled “Glass Screen Protector — Specification.” It establishes defined requirements for glass screen protectors used as an additional protective layer over electronic displays.

The standard provides a structured technical framework for evaluating factors such as product dimensions, optical characteristics, surface properties, mechanical strength, defects, packaging, and marking. BIS has described the standard as setting quality benchmarks for chemically tempered glass screen protectors.

For manufacturers and importers, understanding these requirements in advance is important because compliance involves more than simply manufacturing or importing a glass protector and selling it in the Indian market.

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Mobile Glass Screen Protectors?

Yes, a new government notification has specifically brought screen protectors for smartphones under the compulsory registration framework.

The notification dated 21 September 2026 adds:

• Product: Screen Protectors for smartphones

• Indian Standard: IS 19348:2025

• Standard Title: Glass Screen Protector — Specification

• Implementation Date: 1 April 2027

The notification states that the provisions of the compulsory registration order will apply to the specified goods from 1 April 2027.

Therefore, businesses dealing with covered smartphone screen protectors should use the period before the implementation date to review their product specifications, testing requirements, technical documents, manufacturing arrangements, and applicable BIS registration process.

Why is BIS Compliance Important?

BIS compliance provides a standardized framework for assessing products against specified Indian Standards. For glass screen protectors, IS 19348:2025 establishes technical requirements instead of relying only on general marketing descriptions such as “premium glass,” “scratch resistant,” or “strong protection.”

The standard addresses measurable product characteristics and testing requirements. These can include aspects such as:

• Dimensions and thickness

• Visual light transmission

• Visual and spot defects

• Surface compression

• Mechanical strength

• Packaging

• Product marking

The exact applicability of each requirement should be evaluated according to the product and the applicable standard provisions.

Who Should Prepare for BIS Registration?

Businesses that may need to assess their compliance obligations include:

1. Smartphone Glass Screen Protector Manufacturers
Indian manufacturers producing glass screen protectors for smartphones should review their products and manufacturing processes against IS 19348:2025.

2. Importers
Companies importing smartphone screen protectors into India should determine whether their imported products fall within the notified product category.

3. Private Labels and Brands
Businesses selling screen protectors under their own brand should review the applicable BIS requirements and documentation responsibilities.

4. Distributors and Suppliers
Companies involved in the Indian supply chain should verify that products supplied after the applicable implementation date meet the required regulatory conditions.

Testing Requirements Under IS 19348:2025

Testing is an important part of demonstrating conformity with an applicable Indian Standard. IS 19348:2025 provides requirements and test methods for evaluating the performance and characteristics of glass screen protectors.

Depending on the applicable product requirements, assessment can involve parameters such as optical performance, surface compression, dimensions, visible defects, and mechanical strength.

Manufacturers and importers should therefore avoid waiting until the implementation date to begin compliance preparation. Product samples, technical specifications, test documentation, manufacturing information, and other supporting documents may need to be organized as part of the registration process.

How to Prepare for BIS Certification for IS 19348:2025?

A systematic approach can make the compliance process easier.

Step 1: Identify the Product

First, determine whether your product falls within the notified category of screen protectors for smartphones.

Step 2: Review IS 19348:2025

Study the applicable requirements of Glass Screen Protector — Specification and compare them with your current product specifications.

Step 3: Product Testing

Arrange applicable testing through the appropriate laboratory route and ensure that the product is evaluated against the relevant requirements.

Step 4: Prepare Technical Documents

Maintain necessary product specifications, manufacturing information, test reports, packaging and marking details, and other documents required for the applicable BIS process.

Step 5: Apply for the Applicable Registration

Once the required testing and documentation are ready, proceed through the applicable BIS conformity/registration process.

Step 6: Maintain Compliance

Compliance should not end with registration. Businesses should continue maintaining product consistency, applicable records, markings, testing, and other requirements.

The BIS Know Your Standard portal provides access to information such as standards, amendments, gazette notifications, testing laboratories, licences, and other related information.

Benefits of Early Compliance Preparation

Preparing before 1 April 2027 can help businesses identify technical or documentation gaps in advance.

Early preparation can help with:

• Understanding the applicable standard

• Identifying testing requirements

• Reviewing product specifications

• Preparing technical documentation

• Planning registration activities

• Reviewing packaging and marking

• Reducing last-minute compliance work

• Supporting smoother market readiness

Manufacturers and importers should also monitor subsequent amendments or official clarifications because regulatory requirements can be updated.

BIS Consultant for Mobile Glass Screen Protector

Businesses that need assistance with BIS Certification for Mobile Glass Screen Protector IS 19348:2025 can seek professional compliance support for product assessment, documentation, testing coordination, and the applicable BIS registration process.

A BIS consultant can help manufacturers and importers understand the regulatory requirements and organize the certification process according to the applicable procedures.

Conclusion

The introduction of IS 19348:2025 represents a formal technical framework for glass screen protectors. With the September 2026 MeitY notification adding screen protectors for smartphones to the compulsory registration framework, the compliance requirement is scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2027.

Manufacturers, importers, brands, and other relevant businesses should review their products and begin compliance planning well before the implementation date. Understanding IS 19348:2025, completing applicable testing, preparing technical documentation, and following the appropriate BIS registration procedure can help businesses prepare for the upcoming regulatory requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is IS 19348:2025?

IS 19348:2025 is the Indian Standard titled “Glass Screen Protector — Specification.” It establishes technical requirements and testing provisions for glass screen protectors.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory for smartphone screen protectors?

The MeitY notification dated 21 September 2026 adds screen protectors for smartphones under the compulsory registration framework with IS 19348:2025 as the applicable standard. The requirement takes effect from 1 April 2027.

3. What is the implementation date?

The notified requirement for screen protectors for smartphones becomes effective on 1 April 2027.

4. Which standard applies to mobile glass screen protectors?

The notified standard is IS 19348:2025 – Glass Screen Protector — Specification.

5. Who needs to check compliance?

Manufacturers, importers, brands, and businesses involved in supplying screen protectors for smartphones in India should assess whether their products fall within the notified category and applicable requirements.

6. What does IS 19348:2025 cover?

The standard establishes requirements related to the specification and testing of glass screen protectors, including relevant characteristics such as dimensions, optical properties, surface properties, mechanical performance, packaging, and marking.

7. Can a BIS consultant help with IS 19348:2025?

Yes. A BIS consultant can assist with understanding the applicable requirements, coordinating testing, preparing documentation, and supporting the applicable registration process.

8. When should businesses start preparing?

Businesses should begin reviewing their products and documentation before 1 April 2027, rather than waiting until the implementation date.

9. Where can I verify BIS information?

BIS's Know Your Standard portal provides information on Indian Standards, amendments, gazette notifications, laboratories, licences, and related documents.

10. What is the key compliance deadline?

The key date for the newly notified requirement is 1 April 2027. Businesses dealing with smartphone screen protectors should plan their compliance activities accordingly.