Screen protectors for smartphones added to the Compulsory Registration Order, 2021 from 1 April 2027: CBIC Instruction 20/2026-Customs
CBIC has asked all Customs field formations to take note of MeitY’s Gazette Notification S.O. 5190(E) dated 21 September 2026, which adds “Screen Protectors for smartphones” at Sl. No. 66 of the Schedule to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. The Order applies to these goods, for conformity with IS 19348:2025, with effect from 1 April 2027.
Key facts
- In force
- Compulsory Registration Order applies to these goods from 1 April 2027; instruction dated 7 October 2026
- Who it affects
- Importers, manufacturers and sellers of screen protectors for smartphones; customs brokers; Customs field formations
- What it is
- Action needed
- Section
- Customs
- Published
- 7 October 2026
In 30 seconds
- Instruction No. 20/2026-Customs is dated 7 October 2026 (F. No. 450/51/2018), issued by the Customs Policy Wing of CBIC.
- It refers to Gazette Notification S.O. 5190(E) dated 21 September 2026 of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- “Screen Protectors for smartphones” have been added at Sl. No. 66 of the Schedule to the Compulsory Registration Order, 2021.
- The Indian Standard prescribed is IS 19348:2025, titled “Glass Screen Protector — Specification”.
- The provisions of the Order apply to these goods, for conformity with that standard, with effect from 1 April 2027.
- Field formations are advised to take the notification into consideration for necessary action; difficulties may be reported to the Board.
हिंदी में सार
CBIC ने Instruction 20/2026-Customs (7 अक्टूबर 2026) से सभी कस्टम्स फ़ील्ड कार्यालयों को बताया है कि MeitY की गजट अधिसूचना S.O. 5190(E) दिनांक 21 सितंबर 2026 से “स्मार्टफ़ोन के स्क्रीन प्रोटेक्टर” Compulsory Registration Order, 2021 की अनुसूची में क्रम संख्या 66 पर जोड़े गए हैं। इनके लिए भारतीय मानक IS 19348:2025 (Glass Screen Protector — Specification) तय है। यह आदेश इन वस्तुओं पर 1 अप्रैल 2027 से लागू होगा।
What CBIC has said
By Instruction No. 20/2026-Customs dated 7 October 2026, the Customs Policy Wing of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs has drawn the attention of all Customs field formations to Gazette Notification S.O. 5190(E) dated 21 September 2026, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). That notification amends the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 — referred to in the instruction as the CRO, 2021.
What has been added
By the notification, “Screen Protectors for smartphones” have been added at Sl. No. 66 of the Schedule to the Order. The instruction reproduces the entry:
| Sl. No. | Goods/Articles | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | Screen Protectors for smartphones | IS 19348:2025 | Glass Screen Protector — Specification |
From when
The instruction states that the notification further stipulates that the provisions of the CRO, 2021 shall apply to these goods, for conformity with the specified Indian Standard, with effect from 1 April 2027.
What Customs officers are asked to do
- Take note of the amendment.
- Ensure that the provisions of the notification are duly taken into consideration for necessary action.
- Bring any difficulties in implementation to the notice of the Board.
The instruction is addressed to all Principal Chief Commissioners and Chief Commissioners of Customs, Customs (Preventive) and Customs & Central Taxes, all Principal Commissioners and Commissioners of Customs and Customs (Preventive), and all Principal Directors General and Directors General under CBIC.
What the instruction does not say
The instruction is short. It lists a copy of the Gazette notification as an enclosure, but does not itself set out the procedure for registration, any exemptions, or how consignments in transit on 1 April 2027 are to be treated. For those points the text of S.O. 5190(E) and the Order itself have to be read.
What importers should do
If you import screen protectors for smartphones, note the date of 1 April 2027. From that date the Compulsory Registration Order, 2021 applies to these goods for conformity with IS 19348:2025, and Customs field formations have been told to take the notification into consideration. Check your product against the standard and plan shipments with that date in mind.
Questions and answers
Which product has been added to the Compulsory Registration Order, 2021?
“Screen Protectors for smartphones”, at Sl. No. 66 of the Schedule to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, by MeitY’s Gazette Notification S.O. 5190(E) dated 21 September 2026.
Which Indian Standard applies?
IS 19348:2025, titled “Glass Screen Protector — Specification”.
From what date does the Order apply to screen protectors?
With effect from 1 April 2027, as stated in CBIC Instruction No. 20/2026-Customs.
What has CBIC asked Customs officers to do?
To take note of the amendment and ensure that the provisions of the notification are duly taken into consideration for necessary action. Difficulties in implementation may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Published 7 October 2026. Updated 9 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.