BIS ISI Certification for Automotive Tyres

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BIS ISI Certification for Automotive Tyres is a mandatory quality certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It ensures that automotive tyres and tubes meet specific Indian standards for safety, durability, and performance. This certification is required before tyres and tubes can be sold in the Indian market, whether manufactured domestically or imported. The BIS ISI mark signifies that the product complies with the relevant Indian Standard (IS) and is a symbol of trust for consumers.

What is BIS Certification for Automotive Tyres?

BIS Certification for Automotive Tyres is part of India’s quality assurance framework. It certifies that the product has been tested and meets the requirements set by BIS under relevant IS standards. For the automotive sector, particularly tyres and tubes, it is mandatory to obtain ISI Certification before the product is launched in India. The certification assures buyers that the tyres are safe for use, provide optimum performance, and are manufactured under controlled quality systems.

Who Can Apply for BIS ISI Certification for Automotive Tyres?

The ISI Certification is applicable only to manufacturers. This includes both Indian and foreign manufacturers. Traders, distributors, and dealers are not eligible to apply. Each manufacturing unit needs to be certified individually, meaning a separate ISI certification must be obtained for every unit producing automotive tyres or tubes.

Which BIS Scheme is Applicable for Automotive Tyres and Tubes?

There are three major certification schemes under BIS:

  • ISI Mark (Indian Standards Institute): Applicable to Indian manufacturers who wish to market their products in India. It ensures products comply with Indian Standards.

  • FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme): For manufacturers located outside India. The process is more detailed and includes physical inspections and factory audits.

  • CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme): Generally applicable to electronic products like mobile phones, computers, etc., and not used for tyres.

Among these, the ISI scheme and FMCS are applicable for BIS Certification for Automotive Tyres, depending on the origin of manufacturing.

Different Standards for Tyres in India

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) committee has proactively revised and updated the Indian tyre standards in April 2022, reflecting the ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and quality in the automotive sector. India has mandated BIS-ISI certification for automobile tyres since 2009, and these periodic updates ensure that the standards remain relevant and aligned with technological advancements and evolving safety requirements. The specific Indian Standards applicable to different categories of automotive tyres include:

  • IS 15627:2005: This standard mark is specifically used for Automotive vehicles – Pneumatic tyres for two and three-wheeled motor vehicles. This is the primary standard that manufacturers and importers of tyres for motorcycles, scooters, and auto-rickshaws must comply with.

  • IS 15633:2005: This standard mark applies to Automotive vehicles – Pneumatic tyres for passenger car vehicles – Diagonal and radial ply.

  • IS 15636:2016: This standard mark is used for Automotive vehicles – Pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles – Diagonal and radial ply.

The focus of this article is primarily on IS 15627, as it directly addresses the BIS ISI certification requirements for tyres used in two and three-wheeled motor vehicles.

BIS ISI Certification Process for Automotive Tubes and Tyres - Domestic Manufacturers

Indian manufacturers seeking BIS ISI certification for automotive tubes and tyres must follow a structured process:

Step 1: In-house Testing against IS Standards: The manufacturer is initially required to establish in-house testing facilities capable of evaluating their products against the relevant Indian Standard (IS 15627 for two and three-wheeler tyres). This ensures that the products meet the basic quality parameters before formal application.

Step 2: Submitting the Application to BIS: Once the in-house testing confirms compliance, the manufacturer needs to submit a formal application to the BIS office. This application must be accompanied by all relevant documentation, which typically includes details about the manufacturing unit, production processes, quality control measures, and test reports.

Step 3: Factory Audit by BIS Officer: Following the application submission, a BIS officer will conduct a physical audit of the manufacturing facility. This audit aims to assess the manufacturing infrastructure, the methods employed in production, the quality control systems in place, and the in-house testing capabilities.

Step 4: Verification of Factory and Documentation: The BIS officer will thoroughly verify the factory premises and all the submitted documentation to ensure that they align with the requirements of the Indian Standard and the BIS certification scheme.

Step 5: Issuance of the ISI Certificate: If the factory audit and the verification of documentation are satisfactory, confirming that the manufacturing processes and quality control measures are adequate to consistently produce tyres meeting the IS 15627 standard, the BIS will issue the ISI Certificate to the manufacturer. This certificate allows the manufacturer to use the ISI mark on their certified tyre products.

FMCS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers intending to export automotive tubes and tyres to India must adhere to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS):

Step 1: Completing and Submitting the Application: The foreign manufacturer needs to fill out the prescribed application form accurately and ensure that it is accompanied by all the necessary documents. These documents typically include details about the company, the manufacturing unit, the products intended for export, quality control procedures, and relevant international certifications.

Step 2: Payment of Fees and Factory Inspection: Along with the application, the manufacturer is required to pay the stipulated application fee. Subsequently, BIS will arrange for a factory inspection to assess the manufacturing and testing infrastructure at the foreign production facility.

Step 3: Sample Collection and Independent Testing: During the factory inspection, a sample of the automotive tyres intended for the Indian market will be collected by the BIS officials. This sample is then sent to an independent, BIS-recognized laboratory for thorough testing against the relevant Indian Standard (IS 15627).

Step 4: Review of Inspection and Test Report: The findings of the factory inspection and the independent test report are carefully reviewed by BIS. If both the inspection and the test results confirm that the product consistently conforms to the requirements of the Indian Standard, the certification process will proceed further.

Step 5: Payment of License and Marking Fees: Prior to the grant of the license, the applicant is required to pay the license fee and the minimum advance marking fee.

Step 6: Submission of Agreement and Bank Guarantee: After the payments are made, the manufacturer must provide the Agreement, an Indemnity Bond, and a Performance Bank Guarantee immediately after the license is granted. These are legal and financial instruments ensuring compliance and accountability.

Step 7: Issuance of the FMCS Certificate: If the product successfully meets all the BIS requirements, as evidenced by the satisfactory inspection and test reports, and all necessary documentation and payments are in order, the FMCS certificate will be issued to the foreign manufacturer. This certificate permits them to use the ISI mark on their certified tyre products being exported to India.

Validity and Renewal of the BIS Certificate

The initial BIS certification granted under both the ISI and FMCS schemes for automotive tubes and tyres typically has a validity period of up to two years, contingent upon the payment of the minimum marking fee in advance. It's crucial to note that the license is specific to the varieties of tyres listed within it. For extending the validity of the license and including additional tyre varieties, manufacturers need to submit a renewal application along with the required fee and supporting documentation before the expiry of the current license. BIS allows for the renewal of licenses for up to five years after their initial expiration, provided all conditions are met.

Conclusion

The Bureau of Indian Standards, through the BIS ISI Certification for Automotive Tyres, plays an important role in safeguarding road safety in India. This certification ensures that every tyre used on Indian roads adheres to strict quality and performance benchmarks. Whether you are a domestic or foreign manufacturer, compliance with IS standards and obtaining ISI certification is not just mandatory but essential to earn consumer trust and meet regulatory obligations. Make sure your automotive tubes and tyres are BIS-certified before you introduce them to the Indian market.

If you need any assistance in getting BIS Certification, then you can connect with BIS Experts of Compliance Calendar LLP by simply booking a consultation through email info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is BIS ISI certification and why is it required for two and three-wheeler tyres in India?

Ans. BIS ISI certification is a quality assurance mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to confirm that a product complies with Indian safety and quality standards. For tyres used in two and three-wheeled vehicles, this certification is mandatory to ensure they meet performance and safety requirements before being sold or imported into the Indian market.

Q2. Who can apply for BIS ISI certification for automotive tyres?

Ans. Only manufacturers are eligible to apply for BIS ISI certification, whether they are based in India (under the ISI Scheme) or outside India (under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme - FMCS). Traders, distributors, and dealers are not eligible.

Q3. How do the ISI Scheme and FMCS differ for automotive tyre certification?

Ans. The ISI Scheme applies to Indian manufacturers and involves an online certification process for verifying compliance with Indian standards. The FMCS, on the other hand, is for foreign manufacturers and includes a more detailed, manual inspection process to ensure their products meet BIS norms before being exported to India.

Q4. What is the process for foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS ISI certification under FMCS?

Ans. Foreign manufacturers must:

  • Submit the application with documents and fees.

  • Undergo a factory inspection by BIS officials.

  • Provide product samples for testing in a BIS-approved lab.

  • Wait for report reviews.

  • Pay license and marking fees.

  • Submit an Agreement, Indemnity Bond, and Bank Guarantee.

  • Receive certification upon successful compliance.

Q5. How long is the BIS ISI certification valid, and how can it be renewed?

Ans. The initial certification is valid for up to two years, with an option to renew for up to five years. Renewal requires submitting a renewal application, fees, and relevant documents before the current license expires, especially if new tyre models are to be added.

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