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IRDAI – Implementation of 1600 Series TRAI directions

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (“IRDAI” / “Authority”) has issued a Circular dated January 6, 2026, bearing Ref. No. IRDAI/PP&GR/CIR/MISC/02/01/2026, on the Implementation of 1600-Series TRAI Directions (“Circular”).

The key highlights of the Circular are as follows:
  • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), vide its Direction dated December 16, 2025, issued under Section 13 read with sub-clauses (i) and (v) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997, has mandated the adoption of the 1600-series for all service and transactional voice calls made by entities regulated by IRDAI to consumers.
  • The objective of the TRAI Direction is to:
    • Curb Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC).
    • Prevent impersonation-based frauds.
    • Enhance consumer trust in service and transactional calls.
  • All insurers and insurance intermediaries are required to:
    • Complete the adoption of the 1600-series for all service and transactional voice calls on or before February 15, 2026.
    • Ensure that no service or transactional voice calls are made from any number other than the allocated 1600-series numbers after the above date, irrespective of explicit or implied customer consent.
    • Submit the status reports prescribed by TRAI within the stipulated timelines, with a copy to IRDAI.
  • Any complaint relating to Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) against entities failing to comply with the above directions may attract action under the applicable TRAI regulations governing unregistered telemarketers, in addition to any action deemed appropriate by IRDAI.
  • Insurers and insurance intermediaries are advised to coordinate with their respective Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for the timely allocation, activation, and operationalization of the 1600-series numbers.
  • The Circular also provides the list of Nodal Officers as specified under the TRAI Direction dated December 16, 2025.

A copy of the Circular is attached herewith for your ready reference.

Source Category: IRDAI

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