New Delhi: Buying a screen protector for your smartphone might soon cost you a little extra, but it will guarantee better protection for your device. In a significant move to regulate the booming mobile accessories market, the Indian government has made Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mandatory for all tempered glass and screen protectors.
Set to be implemented from April 1, the new regulatory framework will bring tempered glass designed for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches under the strict purview of Indian Standard IS 19348:2025. Once the mandate takes effect, both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers must secure the BIS Standard Mark to legally sell their products in the Indian market.
The decision stems from an urgent need to protect consumers from an influx of cheap, low-grade screen protectors that currently flood local markets. Often, these substandard imports crack easily, reduce display visibility, or fail to provide adequate impact protection during falls. In some cases, poor-quality glass can even shatter dangerously, posing a safety hazard to the user.
Under the new guidelines, earning the BIS certification will require manufacturers to subject their products to rigorous quality testing at government-recognized laboratories. The mandatory assessments will evaluate the glass for surface hardness to resist scratches, drop and impact resistance, dimensional accuracy, and optimal optical transparency. Furthermore, the screen protectors must pass an anti-shatter test and prove strong adhesion without leaving air bubbles.
While the new standard is a massive win for consumer safety, it is likely to impact retail pricing. Industry experts note that the comprehensive compliance process—which involves rigorous laboratory testing, extensive documentation, and mandatory factory inspections by BIS officials—will inevitably increase the overall production and import costs for brands. Consequently, these added expenses are expected to be passed on to the end consumer, making tempered glass more expensive than before.
Despite the anticipated price hike, the long-term benefits are substantial. The regulation will effectively block uncertified shipments at customs, filtering out fragile fakes and ensuring that buyers receive durable, reliable products. As major e-commerce platforms and retail chains align with the BIS-certified mandate, India’s largely unorganized mobile accessories sector will see a wave of standardization, giving consumers the confidence that their expensive devices are protected by genuinely tested gear.