India Mandates Quality Standards for Mobile Screen Protectors

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has extended mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality certification to mobile screen protectors, marking a significant regulatory shift for the consumer accessories sector. The new norms apply uniformly to both domestically manufactured and imported protectors, establishing uniform safety and quality benchmarks across the country.

The standardisation initiative aims to ensure consumer protection and improve product reliability in a rapidly growing segment of the mobile accessories market. By bringing screen protectors under compulsory BIS standards, the government seeks to eliminate substandard products and safeguard consumers from potentially defective accessories that could damage devices or fail to provide adequate protection.

Industry analysts project substantial growth prospects following the regulatory development. The Indian Cable Electronics and Allied Manufacturers Association (ICEA) has estimated the market opportunity at Rs 12,000 to Rs 16,000 crore, suggesting significant potential for organised manufacturers who comply with the new standards. The mandatory certification requirement is expected to strengthen the competitive landscape by favouring quality-conscious producers and creating barriers to entry for manufacturers of substandard products.

Manufacturers and importers will now be required to obtain BIS certification before bringing screen protectors to market. The move aligns with India's broader push to enhance product quality standards across consumer electronics and related sectors, supporting both consumer interests and legitimate industry players.