Why Do Automobile Wheel Rim Components Require BIS ISI Certification?

An automobile wheel rim is more than just a component to hold a tyre in place. It plays a critical role in vehicle stability, load-bearing capacity, road safety, and overall performance of the vehicle. An improper wheel rim can cause failure of the vehicle structure and lead to accidents.

Due to the role an automobile wheel rim plays in the safety of the user and the vehicle, quality of the product and conformity assessment become critical to the automobile industry. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) establishes the quality and safety requirements of the product and ensures that notified products conform to the prescribed Indian Standards prior to their manufacturing, importing, distributing, and selling in the Indian market.

For automobile wheel rim manufacturers, knowledge of the requirements of BIS Certification for Automobile Wheel Rims is essential to manufacture compliant products and access the market. The important questions are: why is the certification necessary, what are the Indian Standards, how to obtain the certification, what is the legal framework, how much does it cost, what is the time frame, and what are the other compliance issues? This requires an analysis of requirements, certification, legal, costs, time, and other compliance issues.

Why is the BIS Standard Mark Important for Automobile Wheel Rims?

Automobile wheel rims are subject to the influence of a number of factors like mechanical load, road conditions, and variations. The type and quality of the wheel rim directly influence the performance and safety of the vehicle.

Considering the above, BIS has invoked the Automobile Wheel Rim Component (Quality Control) Order, 2020 to ensure safety standards for automobile wheel rims. The order mandates that the covered products should conform to the Indian Standards and the BIS Standard Mark should be used.

The certification accomplishes the following:

•  Enhance road safety
•  Enhance reliability of the infrastructure
•  Ensure the quality of the product
•  Protect the consumer
•  Ensure compliance with the concerned market

Therefore, BIS ISI Certification in India is both a quality mark and a mandatory requirement for wheel rims within the scope of the relevant QCO.

Which Indian Standards Apply to Automobile Wheel Rims?

The applicable Indian Standard is dependent upon the category of the vehicle and type of wheel rim being manufactured.

As stated in the Automobile Wheel Rim Component QCO, the following Indian Standards are applicable:

These Indian Standards define and specify the performance, inspection, testing, and other relevant requirements for the respective wheel rim categories.

Manufacturers should assess the standard relevant to their product before applying for certification. Selecting an inappropriate standard may result in testing and application discrepancies or rejection.

Basic Requirements for Obtaining BIS ISI Certification

Manufacturers applying for BIS ISI Certification for Automobile Wheel Rims must meet certain preconditions.

These preconditions are:

• Availability of adequate facilities for production and manufacturing of the product, as per the applicable Indian Standard.
• Establishment and operation of a quality control system to monitor production.
• Availability of adequate and competent staff for performing quality control tests.
• Availability of adequate testing facilities and/or sufficient access to external testing facilities.
• Availability of product samples for tests to be conducted by a BIS-recognized laboratory.
• What should your manufacturing and quality-control documentation look like?
• How should your company meet BIS requirements for inspections, marking, and surveillance?

In addition to a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), your company must maintain documentation for routine inspections and testing.

How to obtain BIS Certification for Automobile Wheel Rim?

BIS Certification is based on the Scheme-I conformity assessment procedure of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Step 1: Identify the Indian Standard

Select the standard according to the type of wheel rim.

• Light alloy wheel rims: IS 16192 (Part 1):2014
• Sheet metal wheel rims: IS 16192 (Part 2):2014
• Spoke wheel rims: IS 16192 (Part 3):2014
• Passenger car wheels: IS 9436:2018
• Truck and bus wheels/rims: IS 9438:2018

Step 2: Prepare the Product

Finalise the design, dimensions, and material of the product.

• Prepare plans, drawings and details of the manufacturing process.
• Establish and maintain quality controls and testing.
• Arrange samples for testing.

Step 3: BIS Certification

Submit your application via the BIS Manakonline portal.

• Enter your company and factory details.
• Choose the Indian Standard applicable to your product.
• Upload supporting documents and pay the application fee.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officials may conduct an assessment of your factory to evaluate the following:

• Design and drawings for the production of the product.
• Testing and calibration.
• Quality controls and inspections.

Step 5: Product Testing

Ship wheel rim samples to a BIS-recognised laboratory for testing.

• Depending on the type of tests prescribed, wheel rim samples may be subjected to fatigue and impact tests.
• Check dimensional and mechanical requirements.
• Submit laboratory test reports to the BIS.

Step 6: Address Non-Conformities

What is required of you, if any discrepancies are found:

• Correct product testing failures.
• Improve manufacturing and quality-control arrangements.
• Submit additional documents and/or samples, if required.

Step 7: Pay Licence and Marking Fees

Upon completion of an assessment:

• Pay the applicable BIS licence fees.
• Fulfill the ISI marking fee requirements.
• Complete the pending certification procedures.

Step 8: Receive the BIS ISI Licence

On approval, the BIS issues the licence for use of the ISI Standard Mark.

• This also gives approval for the concerned product category.
• The ISI mark is to be applied to the product along with the authorized CM/L number.
• Product quality must be maintained, and the requirements of surveillance and renewal are fulfilled.

Documents Required for Automobile Wheel Rim Certification

Adequate documentation is essential for an efficient application and assessment process.

Some of the documents required are:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• For example, a title deed showing ownership or a utility bill could be submitted as proof of the address of the manufacturing unit.
• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
• Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
• control and industry-specific approvals)
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• List of materials used, and specifications
• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
• A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organisational chart

BIS Certification cost for Automobile Wheel Rim

The cost for BIS Certification for Automobile Wheel Rim varies with the Indian Standard, kind of Wheel rim, test requirements, type of manufacturing facility, and process for certification. The cost is different for Indian and overseas manufacturers.

Estimated cost breakdown is as below:

Estimated Timeline for BIS Certification for Automobile Wheel Rim in India

The approximate time for BIS certification of automobile wheel rim is based on the readiness of the documents, availability of product samples, schedule of laboratory testing, factory inspection, and evaluation by BIS.

The table below gives an idea of the timeline for the certification process.

A BIS license is usually granted for an initial period of up to two years under Scheme-I, subject to the applicable BIS conditions. It may be renewed by fulfilling the requirements, paying the renewal fee, and maintaining product conformity.

Common Problems Faced by Wheel Rim Manufacturers

While companies may have established manufacturing facilities, they still face several issues during the certification process.

• Identifying the Right Standard
• Testing Failure
• Documentation Issues
• Testing and Infrastructure
• Managing Diversity of Products
• Regulatory Changes

With proper planning, the challenges can be identified, addressed, and removed prior to the application, resulting in reduced delays and costs.

How UMSPCS Helps Manufacturers to Get BIS ISI Certification for Automobile Wheel Rim Components

UMSPCS understands the intricacies of the BIS ISI certification for the Automobile Wheel Rim process. Our team has 6+ years of compliance experience and has interacted with 600+ product compliance requirements across various industries.

Knowing where to obtain information and with what authority is a value-add for our clients. With a structured approach to requirements, the overall process is simplified for the clients.

Our services include:

• Identification
• Documentation
• Lab test coordination
• Factory Audit Preparation
• Regulatory Guidance

Conclusion

BIS ISI certification is mandatory for automobile wheel rims covered under the Automobile Wheel Rim Component (Quality Control) Order, 2020. As per the Order, manufacturers and importers have to ensure that products they manufacture or import for the Indian market comply with the relevant Indian Standards and carry the authorised BIS Standard Mark, as the case may be. Exemptions from certification as specified in the Order have to be evaluated separately.

Whether as an Indian Manufacturer who is planning to set up domestic production or a Foreign Manufacturer who intends to start production in India, understanding the certification requirements helps evade regulatory barriers and helps maintain product quality.

Planning to obtain BIS ISI Certification for Automobile Wheel Rim?

We at UMSPCS can assist you with identification of standards, documentation, lab test coordination, factory audit preparation and BIS application.

Read more also: A Complete Guide to Comparing BIS CRS Registration Consultants

FAQs

1. Is BIS ISI Certification mandatory for automobile wheel rims in India?

Yes, the Automobile Wheel Rim Component (Quality Control) Order, 2020 has mandated BIS certification for covered wheel rims manufactured or imported for the Indian market, subject to certain exemptions.

2. What Indian Standards apply for automobile wheel rim certification?

For certain two/three wheelers wheel rims, Indian Standard (IS) 16192 (Parts 1, 2 and 3), and for passenger cars and trucks/buses wheel rims, Indian Standards (IS) 9436 and 9438, respectively, apply.

3. Can automobile wheel rims be imported into India without BIS certification?

Covered automobile wheel rims cannot be ordinarily imported for the Indian market without the BIS license and Standard Mark. Exemptions, as specified in the Order, must be evaluated separately.

4. How do you get BIS ISI Certification for Automobile Wheel Rim?

Identifying the applicable standard, preparing the manufacturing facility, product testing, online application, BIS factory inspection, and licensing is the process.

5. Can foreign manufacturers get BIS Certification for automobile wheel rims?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can get a BIS Certificate under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) if they can satisfy the BIS requirements, undergo a factory assessment and product testing, and appoint an Authorized Indian Representative.

6. What happens when a sample of automobile wheel rim fails BIS laboratory testing?

It is incumbent upon the manufacturer to determine the cause of the non-conformity and take appropriate corrective action, including further testing if required, before BIS Laboratory certification.