I. Certification Authority

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), established in 1966, is a leading automotive R&D organization jointly formed by the Indian automotive industry and the Indian government. It operates under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

II. Certification Basis

Certification is conducted based on India’s Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), Automotive Industry Standards (AIS), and Indian Standards (IS) for automotive components.

III. Mandatory Certification List for Selected Components

ARAI mandates certification for 61 types of automotive components, including automotive lights, glass, tires, and others.

IV. Certification Process

Submission of Application Documents: Enterprises must submit an application letter, coordinated and signed authorization documents, technical specifications in the format specified by AIS 007, AIS 007-compliant drawings/layouts, quality system documents, Type Approval Certificates, Production Conformity Certificates, BIS license copies for safety-critical components, and WMI/WMC certificates (VIN numbers).

 

Document Review: ARAI reviews submitted documents for completeness and accuracy, verifying compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

 

Sample Testing: After document approval, samples must be sent to Indian laboratories for testing. Tests vary by component but generally cover safety, performance (e.g., horn sound characteristics, durability, reliability).

 

Factory Audit: For first-time applicants passing sample testing, ARAI dispatches auditors to conduct on-site inspections of production facilities, processes, and quality control systems to ensure alignment with submitted quality documents.

Certificate Issuance: Upon successful audit and testing, ARAI issues certification and test reports, along with a Type Approval Number, which must be marked on products.

 

V. Importance of Certification

 

Market Access Requirement: Under India’s CMVR Act, all automotive components entering India must comply with national standards and undergo testing. ARAI certification is a mandatory "passport" for legal market entry.

 

Quality Assurance: Rigorous ARAI testing and audits ensure product design, safety, and performance, enhancing product quality and competitiveness.

 

Brand Reputation: Certification demonstrates compliance with India’s stringent standards, boosting industry reputation, brand credibility, and consumer trust.

 

Regulatory Compliance: Avoid legal risks and penalties by adhering to Indian laws, ensuring smooth market operations.

 

Industry Advancement: ARAI certification drives the automotive sector toward higher quality and safety, elevating India’s automotive industry and fostering sustainable growth.