Wheels and rims for trucks and buses are essential parts of heavy vehicles. They support the vehicle load and ensure smooth movement on different road conditions. Both wheels and rims have high stress tolerance, which makes their journey safe over long distances. The design of the wheels can help improve the performance of heavy vehicles.
To ensure the safety and performance requirements, a BIS certification is required for the rims. As per IS 9438: 2018, all specifications related to load capacity and fatigue resistance are mentioned. It also ensures that the materials and design meet the minimum requirements as per the Indian standard. Companies manufacturing wheels and rims must obtain BIS approval to sell the product in the market.
What is IS 9438: 2018?
This is the Indian Standard for the performance requirements for wheels or rims used in trucks and buses. It mentions the criteria for safe use of wheels for heavy vehicles. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), rims are:
- Verified for structural integrity
- Tested for radial fatigue performance
- Assessed for load-bearing capacity
- Measured for dimensional accuracy
Who is eligible for Heavy Vehicle Wheels BIS License?
BIS authorisation under IS 9438: 2018 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Rims for Trucks & Buses in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the truck wheels and rims are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Wheels and Rims.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure reliable performance of wheels and rims used in trucks and buses, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 9438: 2018. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the load-bearing capacity of the wheels. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the rims for trucks and buses are listed below:
BIS Certification Process for Heavy Vehicle Rims
The BIS Approval process ensures that the Automotive Wheels meet the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for radial fatigue strength, dimensional accuracy, load-bearing capacity, and material performance.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: Officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After successful verification of all requirements, BIS issues the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer is authorized to affix the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 9438: 2018 Certification Documents Guide
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and ensures all regulatory and compliance requirements are met in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for heavy vehicle rims must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, certain details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be written. This ensures the product complies with all safety standards. Further details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 9438: 2018 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Validity for Truck and Bus Wheels BIS License
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
Cost for Heavy Vehicle Rims BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for Wheels and Rims for Trucks & Buses includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees may vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Wheels and rims play a key role in the safe operation of trucks and buses. Their performance directly affects vehicle stability and road safety. The truck and bus owners using certified wheels for their heavy vehicles can ensure safety during travel. Compliance with BIS standards under IS 9438: 2018 is necessary for ensuring the safety of wheels. Obtaining the product license means the wheels will perform as per the standards set by the BIS. EVTL India assists in obtaining the product license. It offers help related to documentation, testing, and ensures a stress-free certification process.
