How Can a WMI Registration Consultant Help Manufacturers Get Approval Faster?

Imagine that the identification of a vehicle can start from only three letters! The first component of the 17-letter VIN is the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). Thus, WMI Registration becomes a crucial procedure for any manufacturer planning to work in the automobile market.

However, obtaining approval as a manufacturer may be not only filling out some forms. Mismatched information about the manufacturer, incomplete forms, and vague descriptions of the vehicle can lead to additional questions and problems with WMI Registration. Here, the assistance of a professional WMI Registration Consultant may come in handy.

Whether you need to get WMI Registration in India or have requirements for WMI Registration for foreign manufacturer, the consultancy service will make everything right.

What Exactly Is WMI Registration?

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a recognized code for identification purposes that is related to a vehicle manufacturer. This makes up the first three digits of the 17-digit VIN.

VIN can be classified as follows:

BIS certifies that the VIN is 17-digit long and the first three digits are the WMI.

Thus, WMI Registration in India becomes very significant in identifying the manufacturer in the context of VIN.

Why Is WMI Registration Important for Vehicle Manufacturers?

WMI means much more to the automotive industry than just a three-letter code; rather, WMI denotes a recognized manufacturer identity within the VIN system.

Appropriate acquisition of the WMI can be beneficial to manufacturers in terms of:

• Organized vehicle identification
• Traceability of the manufacturer
• VIN assignment
• International recognition of the manufacturer’s identity
• Compliance with vehicle identification requirements
• Preparation for further automotive compliance procedures

For new car manufacturers, especially EVs and automotive innovations, timely completion of the WMI process can help avoid identification problems in the future.

Who Needs WMI Registration?

The WMI regulations would mostly apply to manufacturers of those vehicles that need VIN identification.

These could be manufacturers of:

• Two wheelers
• Three wheelers
• Passenger vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Electric vehicles
• Other vehicles on the road that fall under the scope of the Vehicle Identification regulations

The exact applicability needs to be determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

The Legal and Standards Framework Behind WMI

The WMI is one of the components of a vehicle identification system, which is an internationally based system, not a separate registration.

According to BIS,

• The VIN contains 17 alphanumeric characters
• The first three characters are the WMI
• The VIN is issued in compliance with ISO 3779 and ISO 4030
• BIS coordinates WMI for India
• The international authority for coordinating WMI is SAE International, USA
• After assigning the code, the WMI code is issued by BIS

It becomes necessary to maintain accuracy because the WMI forms a component of the vehicle identification system.

Step-by-Step WMI Registration Process in India 

The registration process for a WMI can be done in accordance with the below-given process:

Step 1: Application Formulation

The manufacturer formulates the WMI Registration application along with the required information related to company, manufacturing, and vehicle information.

Step 2: Application Filing

The formulated application is then sent to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) through the specified procedure.

Step 3: Document Examination

BIS examines the filed application and verifies the key information as follows:

• Information about the manufacturer
• Information regarding manufacture and production of vehicles
• VIN format proposed by the applicant

In case there is a need for any information or clarification, the applicant can be requested to provide more information and documents.

Step 4: Referral to International Authority

Once the verification is done, BIS refers the case to SAE International, the international authority responsible for the WMI system and database.

Step 5: Assignment of WMI Code

SAE International then evaluates the application, and if everything is found to be fine, then a unique WMI code is allotted to the manufacturer of vehicles.

Step 6: Confirmation of WMI Code

Once the WMI code is allotted, BIS informs the manufacturer regarding the same.

Step 7: Implementation in VIN System

Once the assignment of the WMI code is done, the manufacturer can use it in the structure of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicles produced by the company.

How Can a WMI Registration Consultant Speed Up the Process?

The consultant cannot control the statutory processing period for BIS or SAE, and no one can guarantee approval within a certain number of days. What the consultant can achieve is that will reduce any unnecessary delays.

• Pre-Application Gap Analysis

• Proper Application Preparation

• Document Consistency Verification

• Help in Vehicle Variance and Plant Variance

• Query and Correspondence Help

• Foreign Manufacturer Coordination

Documents Required for WMI Registration

The specific documents will need to be checked from the latest BIS checklist. Depending on the applicant, the relevant information could be:

• Certificate of Incorporation of the company
• GST Registration Certificate
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Address proof of Factory/Manufacturing Unit
• Details of manufacturing activities
• Category of product manufactured
• Identity & address proof of Authorized Signatory
• Types of vehicles to be manufactured
• Proposed Structure of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Production capacity and Manufacturing Information
• Date of production to commence
• Authorization Letter (If submitting via consultant)

Since BIS gives a specific application checklist for WMI, manufacturers should not depend on old third-party lists of documents.

Estimated Timeline for WMI Registration

A universal guaranteed approval timeline is not provided by BIS in its WMI Information webpage. The following factors may affect the time needed for processing:

• Completeness of the application
• Accuracy of manufacturer data
• Verification of documents
• Necessity of clarification on the part of BIS
• Coordination effort in assigning WMI
• Any changes and amendments in the process of processing

Manufacturers should be careful with such consultants that offer guaranteed approval within a certain number of days.

In practice, the goal should be to file a complete and accurate application right away.

Common Challenges That Delay WMI Applications

Some of the most frequent avoidable mistakes include the following:

• Incomplete application data
• Wrong information about the manufacturer
• Mismatches between the documents of the company and the plant
• Inaccurate or insufficient information about vehicle type
• Insufficient supporting documents
• Lack of prompt replies to BIS queries
• Outdated application format
• Incorrect assumption regarding the WMI being the same as an automotive certification 

Such mistakes clearly illustrate the importance of professional assistance in this matter.

Why Choose UMSPCS for WMI Registration?

At UMSPCS, we recognize that regulatory registration is not just about completing forms; it is also about having the appropriate information ready at the appropriate stage in the correct format.

With over 6 years of experience and services provided for over 600 product compliance needs, UMSPCS can help you with your WMI registration through a structured process.

We may be able to assist with:

• WMI applicability assessment
• Manufacturer and vehicle profiling
• Document requirement mapping
• Application preparation
• Pre-submission document evaluation
• BIS application
• Clarification and query resolution
• Plant variety change support
• Indian manufacturing structures along with eligible international manufacturing structures
• Post-submission coordination

Conclusion

Fast WMI approval does not mean evading the regulatory process. It means being prepared for that process.

Proper assessment of the application, manufacturer data, all relevant documentation, accurate vehicle data, and prompt replies can help avoid a lot of unnecessary going back and forth.

Be it an Indian automotive manufacturing company, be it an EV start-up, be it a known OEM, or be it a foreign manufacturer considering WMI registration, professional assistance can make the process a lot clearer for you.

If you plan WMI Registration in India, then you should contact UMSPCS for any assistance you may need with the documentation and applications.

Contact UMSPCS today to discuss your WMI needs and make the first move in the right direction.

Read more also: What Are Legal Metrology Rules for Packaged Commodities India

FAQs

1. What is WMI Registration?

WMI Registration implies obtaining a World Manufacturer Identifier that will serve as the first three letters of a 17-character VIN number of the vehicle. BIS serves as the WMI coordinator in India.

2. Who issues WMI code in India?

BIS is the WMI coordinator in India. As per BIS, the WMI code is assigned by SAE International, USA, and then the WMI is issued by BIS to the vehicle manufacturers in India.

3. Is WMI and VIN the same?

No. WMI is just the first three letters of the 17-character VIN. The remaining VIN letters serve the purpose of identifying more details of the vehicle.

4. Is WMI Registration mandatory for all automobile manufacturers?

The applicability will depend on the type of vehicle and the identification criteria that apply to the manufacturer.

5. What are the documents required for WMI Registration?

It may include company registration documents, address details, details of the varieties of vehicles, authorized signatories, and others, as mentioned in the current BIS application form.

6. What is the WMI Registration time period?

There is no fixed time period set by BIS for WMI Registration, as it depends on several factors, including the completeness of the application and the assignment of WMI.