ARAI Certification
VINCULAR provides complete assistance in obtaining ARAI Certification in India, covering documentation, testing, and compliance for automotive components and vehicles.
What is ARAI?
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), established in 1966, is India's premier automotive R&D and testing organisation. Formed through a collaboration between the automotive industry and the Government of India, ARAI functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
ARAI is responsible for providing homologation, certification, and compliance testing for vehicles, automotive components, and engines used across both automotive and non-automotive sectors. As an official certifying authority, ARAI ensures that all products meet national and international regulatory standards.
It also assists manufacturers with export homologation, helping Indian automotive products gain global market access.
ARAI Certification Eligibility for Different Vehicle Categories
Mandatory ARAI certification applies to the following vehicle categories in India
Two-wheelers
- • Petrol/Diesel/CNG/LPG vehicles with engine capacity > 25cc
- • Electric vehicles with power > 250W and max speed > 25 kmph
Three-wheelers
- • Passenger or goods carriers
- • Fully built vehicles
- • Drive Away Chassis (incomplete vehicles)
- • Petrol/Diesel/CNG/LPG vehicles with engine capacity > 25cc
- • Electric vehicles with power > 250W and max speed > 25 kmph
Four-wheelers
- • Passenger or goods carriers
- • Fully built vehicles
- • Drive Away Chassis (incomplete vehicles)
- • Petrol/Diesel/CNG/LPG vehicles with engine capacity > 25cc
- • Electric vehicles
Agricultural Tractor
Agricultural tractors used beyond traditional farming, including transportation purposes, are included under Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).
Construction Equipment Vehicle (CEV)
Primarily non-transport vehicles with secondary road usage. Must comply with specific design, safety, and emission requirements under Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
The Process of Obtaining an ARAI Certificate
Step-by-step guide to ARAI certification process
Engine/Model Family Identification
Identify the engine or model family according to ISO 8178-7 guidelines. Final decision rests with the authorized agency.
Type Approval Application
Apply for Type approval from certification agency as per Rule 6 of GSR 771(E) to verify Conformity of Production (COP).
Application Form Completion
Complete application form based on vehicle type, following Annexures II and V, including parent model and test results.
Application Examination
Certification agency examines application to determine family, parent model, and variants based on provided details.
Parent Model Testing
Certification authority proceeds to test the parent model and verifies if it belongs to an already certified family.
Engine Sample Testing
Engine sample is requested for emission level assessment and testing by the certification authority.
Certificate Issuance
Upon successful testing, Type approval certificate (ARAI Certificate) is granted. If failed, engine must be modified within 3 months or new application required.
📋Documents Required
- Duly filled application form in prescribed format
- Compliance reports detailing adherence to applicable standards
- Test results as per ARAI's specified testing procedures
- Product sample for testing and evaluation
- Additional documents as required by ARAI based on product category
⏱️Timeline & Validity
Processing Timeline
Certificate Validity
Type Approval Certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Ready to Get ARAI Certified?
Let our automotive compliance experts guide you through the ARAI certification process for successful market entry in India.