Standardizing Mobile Accessories: BIS Certification Mandate for Screen Protectors

In a strategic move to enhance consumer safety and promote the 'Make in India' initiative, the Union government has brought smartphone screen protectors under the mandatory ambit of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This regulatory intervention, scheduled to come into effect on April 1, 2027, marks a significant shift in the oversight of mobile accessories, a market historically dominated by unorganized and often substandard imports.

The primary objective behind this policy is to mitigate the influx of low-quality, non-compliant screen protectors that fail to meet basic safety and durability benchmarks. By mandating BIS certification, the government aims to ensure that these accessories adhere to standardized quality parameters, thereby protecting consumer devices and enhancing the overall user experience. Beyond consumer protection, this move is a calculated step toward fostering a robust, quality-led manufacturing ecosystem within India. By creating a level playing field where domestic manufacturers must compete on quality rather than price-cutting through inferior materials, the policy encourages indigenous innovation and value addition in the electronics hardware sector.

This regulatory shift aligns with the broader national goal of reducing import dependency for electronic components and accessories. As India positions itself as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, the standardization of peripheral components is essential to building a reliable supply chain. Furthermore, the transition period until 2027 provides the industry with sufficient lead time to upgrade production facilities and align with the new quality control orders (QCOs). This proactive governance approach not only addresses the immediate concern of product quality but also strengthens the long-term competitiveness of the Indian electronics industry in the global market.