{"id":16124,"date":"2026-03-09T11:28:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T05:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fast2sms.com\/help\/?p=16124"},"modified":"2026-03-10T09:50:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T04:20:06","slug":"dlt-new-rules-2026-variable-tagging-in-content-templates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fast2sms.com\/help\/dlt-new-rules-2026-variable-tagging-in-content-templates\/","title":{"rendered":"DLT New Rules 2026: Variable Tagging in Content Templates"},"content":{"rendered":"

Don’t miss this update by TRAI OR regret later!!!<\/span><\/h1>\n

When {#var#} were used for message templates it became the source of many fraudulent activities, as service providers were unaware of what type of value will be provided by user in {#var#}. So in solution for this issue, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) <\/em>launched an important regulatory update for customers using SMS services through operators like Airtel, Jio, Vodafone, etc. So this new directive focuses on variable tagging in message templates to reduce misuse and improvise on spam control mechanisms.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will be introducing new rules, what has changed, working of variable tagging.<\/p>\n

What is Variable Tagging?<\/h2>\n

Variable tagging is a process of defining the type of data<\/span> that can be inserted within SMS template.
\nPreviously, variables were written in a format such as: {#var#}<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now, problem with this format is that any type of content can be inserted in it which generates spam<\/span>. But with this new rule<\/span>, messages should include specific data category which restricts the value which is inserted.<\/p>\n

New Rule Introduced By TRAI<\/h2>\n

As per the new rule, all message templates created after 14 January 2026<\/strong> must include pre-tagged values. Each value should be assigned a predefined data type and only permitted data type will be allowed otherwise message template will not be approved.<\/p>\n

For example:
\nOld format – “Dear customer, your login OTP is {#var#}<\/strong>.”<\/span>
\nNew format – “Dear customer, your login OTP is {#numeric#}<\/strong>.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Approved Variable Tags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Variable Tag<\/strong><\/td>\nPurpose<\/strong><\/td>\nUse Case<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
{#numeric#}<\/td>\nNumeric Values<\/td>\nOTP, A\/C No.,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
{#alphanumeric#}<\/td>\nLetters & Numbers<\/td>\nOrder ID, Ticket No.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
{#url#}<\/td>\nWebsite Links<\/td>\nLanding Pages, Tacking Links<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
{#urlott#}<\/td>\nOTT or app download<\/td>\nApp Installs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
{#cbn#}<\/td>\nCallback numbers<\/td>\nCustomer Support Numbers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
{#email#}<\/td>\nEmail addresses<\/td>\nContact Email<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Link<\/a><\/h2>\n

Some Examples of Message Templates with Variable Tagging<\/h2>\n