Contents
What DLT is
TRAI's Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR) moved commercial SMS onto blockchain-based DLT platforms run by operators. Operators check each message against the registered entity, header and template before delivering it. As of November 2026
The steps
- Principal Entity registration on an operator DLT portal: business proof, PAN, GST if applicable, authorised signatory. There is a registration fee that varies by operator.
- Headers (sender IDs): usually six characters. Transactional and service headers are alphabetic; promotional headers are numeric.
- Content templates: every message, with variables marked (for example
{#var#}). Wording must match what you send. - Consent templates for service-explicit messages that need recorded customer consent.
- Telemarketer binding: declare which SMS providers send on your behalf.
- URL and number whitelisting: links, app links and call-back numbers in templates must be registered.
Message categories
| Category | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Promotional | Offers and marketing | Not delivered to numbers on the Do Not Disturb registry for that category; restricted to daytime hours (typically 10:00–21:00) |
| Transactional | OTPs for banking-type transactions | Limited to specific entities such as banks |
| Service implicit | Updates a customer would expect: order, delivery, account alerts | Delivered regardless of DND |
| Service explicit | Messages that need the customer's explicit consent | Consent recorded through a registered consent template |
Common reasons messages fail
- Message text does not match the registered template (even punctuation).
- Wrong category or header for the template.
- Unregistered URL or number in the message.
- Telemarketer chain not declared.
- Promotional message sent outside permitted hours or to a DND number.
DLT in ChatRhino
Connect Twilio, MSG91 or Gupshup under Channels → SMS, then add your entity ID, headers and template IDs. ChatRhino attaches them to each send and matches outgoing text to your registered templates. See SMS.
Step by step
- Register as a Principal Entity. Sign up on one operator's DLT portal (for example Jio, Airtel, Vi or BSNL) with your business documents. Registration is recognised across operators.
- Register headers. Apply for sender IDs: alphabetic headers for transactional and service messages, numeric ones for promotional messages.
- Register content templates. Submit every message text with variables marked, choosing the right category (promotional, transactional, service implicit, service explicit).
- Bind your SMS provider. Declare the telemarketer (your SMS provider) chain so messages are traceable.
- Whitelist links and numbers. Register any URLs, app links or call-back numbers that appear in templates.
- Configure your sending tool. Store your entity ID, headers and template IDs where you send from, so every message carries them.
Frequently asked questions
Is DLT registration mandatory in India?
Yes, for commercial SMS sent to Indian numbers, under TRAI's TCCCPR 2018.
Does DLT apply to WhatsApp?
No. DLT applies to SMS and voice calls. WhatsApp has its own opt-in and template rules set by Meta.
How long does DLT registration take?
Entity approval often takes a few working days; headers and templates are reviewed separately. Timelines vary by operator.
Can I send promotional SMS at night?
Promotional SMS is restricted to daytime hours, typically 10am to 9pm.
Sources
Official documentation we checked (November 2026). Rules and prices change; the source is the authority.
- TRAI — Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 https://www.trai.gov.in/
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.