India can meet screen-protector demand locally, assures IT secy

NEW DELHI: India can manufacture enough smartphone screen protectors to meet its needs, IT secretary S Krishnan said, arguing that inferior imports should not erode the business of domestic producers investing in quality.“We now have enough production capacity in the country for this category of equipment,” Krishnan said on Thursday on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi.His remarks underline the rationale behind govt’s decision to place smartphone screen protectors under mandatory quality requirements. From April 1, 2027, the products will have to meet the applicable Indian Standard under the compulsory registration framework governing electronics and IT goods. Manufacturers and other entities covered by the requirement have until March 31 to prepare for compliance. Govt has cited public interest as the basis for extending the framework to this category.Krishnan said keeping substandard products from being dumped in India was necessary to safeguard the market for locally manufactured, quality alternatives. With production capacity already available, his comments suggest the policy emphasis is shifting towards ensuring that domestic investment is not undermined by inferior competing products. The requirement could create an opportunity for companies building manufacturing operations in the segment.For the industry, the transition will put greater emphasis on demonstrating conformity with the prescribed standard. However, the effect on retail prices, import volumes and domestic manufacturers’ market shares remains to be seen.Krishnan also pointed to firmer investment intent across electronics and semiconductors. “Last year, everyone had a sense of FOMO that they had to be here. This year they are actually making commitments,” he said, describing discussions moving towards investment proposals, applications and expansion plans, alongside closer engagement between industry participants.