The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance, has issued Instruction No. 20/2026-Customs, dated October 7, 2026, regarding the inclusion of screen protectors for smartphones under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. The instruction highlights the amendment notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), making compliance with the prescribed Indian Standard applicable to smartphone screen protectors with effect from April 1, 2027.
The CBIC has referred to Gazette Notification S.O. 5190(E), dated September 21, 2026, issued by MeitY, whereby the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRO, 2021) has been amended to include “Screen Protectors for smartphones” at Serial No. 66 of the Schedule to the said Order.
As per the amendment, smartphone screen protectors have been brought within the compulsory registration framework, with Indian Standard IS 19348:2025, titled “Glass Screen Protector — Specification”, prescribed for the notified goods. The inclusion establishes specific quality and conformity requirements under the applicable regulatory framework.
The amended provisions will become applicable from April 1, 2027, from which date smartphone screen protectors covered by the notification will be required to conform to the prescribed Indian Standard under CRO, 2021. The notification thereby provides a transition period before the mandatory conformity requirements take effect.
Through Instruction No. 20/2026-Customs, the CBIC has advised all Customs field formations, including Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, Principal Commissioners, Commissioners and Directorates under CBIC, to take note of the amendment and ensure that the provisions of the MeitY notification are duly considered for necessary action.
The inclusion of smartphone screen protectors under the compulsory registration framework is an important regulatory development for manufacturers, importers, distributors and other stakeholders dealing in smartphone accessories. The measure is aimed at strengthening product standardisation and quality compliance in accordance with the prescribed Indian Standard.
The CBIC has further instructed that any difficulties encountered in the implementation of the amended provisions may be brought to the notice of the Board for appropriate consideration.
The key takeaway is that smartphone screen protectors have been included under CRO, 2021, with mandatory conformity to IS 19348:2025 applicable from April 1, 2027. Businesses dealing in covered products should accordingly review their compliance requirements before the effective date.
The Instructions can be accessed at: https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in/view-pdf/1000590/ENG/Instructions
