The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a crucial component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, which is used globally to identify motor vehicles. In India, the process of WMI registration is managed to ensure that each vehicle manufacturer is uniquely identified, facilitating traceability and compliance with international standards.
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system to identify vehicle manufacturers globally. Comprising the first three characters of the 17-character VIN, the WMI provides crucial information about the vehicle's manufacturer and country of origin. This standardized code ensures consistency and traceability in the automotive industry, facilitating the identification and tracking of vehicles across international borders. The WMI is assigned by international agencies and managed by national bodies, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India.
Globally, automotive manufacturers utilize a numbering system called the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to uniquely identify a vehicle. The VIN comprises 17 characters that uniquely identify the vehicle as provided in ISO 3779 and ISO 4030. The VIN is divided into three sections:
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): First 3 characters uniquely identify the manufacturer.
Vehicle Descriptor Section: Next 6 characters describe the vehicle type, model, and body style.
Vehicle Indicator Section: Last 8 characters provide specific information about the vehicle, such as the year of manufacture and serial number.
The WMI code consists of three characters:WMI registration is vital for several reasons, ensuring the smooth functioning and regulation of the global automotive industry.
Step-1: Application Submission Manufacturers must submit an application to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The application must include detailed information about the company, including Legal name, Address, Nature of the business, Contact details.
Step-2: Document Verification SIAM reviews the application and verifies the provided information. This may involve site visits and interviews to ensure compliance with the required standards.
Step 3: Review and Verification SIAM reviews the application and verifies the provided information. This may involve site visits and interviews to ensure compliance with the required standards.
Step 4: Allocation of WMI Once the application is approved, SIAM allocates a unique WMI code to the manufacturer. This code is then registered with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Step 5: Integration into VIN Manufacturers must integrate the assigned WMI into their vehicle VINs. This ensures that all vehicles produced are identifiable globally.
The fee structure provided below is indicative and may vary based on the specific product and BIS policies. It is advisable to check the latest fee structure on the BIS official website or contact EVTL India for complete clarification.
No. | Type of Fees/Charges | Amount |
---|---|---|
1 | Demand Draft | INR 5900/- |
Obtaining ISI Mark certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) offers numerous benefits for manufacturers, ensuring compliance with Indian standards and enhancing product credibility in the market. Here are some key benefits:
Compliance with ISO 3780: WMI registration process in India complies with the ISO 3780 standard, which specifies the structure and assignment of WMIs. This standard ensures that the codes are globally unique and consistent.
Database Management: Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) maintains a database of all registered WMIs, which is regularly updated and shared with international automotive organizations. This database helps in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of vehicle identification data.
Role of BIS: Indian Standards (BIS), being the National Standards Body of India and a member of the International Organization for Standardization, acts as the WMI coordinator in India. BIS issues the WMI code to vehicle manufacturers in India after these are assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers Inc., USA, the international agency responsible for the maintenance of the WMI codes.
Regular Audits: With registered WMIs are subject to regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards. Non-compliance can result in the revocation of the WMI.
WMI registration in India is a critical process that ensures vehicle manufacturers are uniquely identified, facilitating traceability and compliance with international standards. Managed by SIAM and coordinated by BIS, the process involves application submission, documentation, review, and integration into VINs, all while adhering to ISO 3780 standards. This meticulous process helps maintain the integrity of vehicle data and supports the global automotive industry's need for standardized identification.