Automobile Wheel Rim Component
Wheels or Rims for Trucks and Buses
Strategic Recommendations for Wheels or Rims for Trucks and Buses
Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Truck & bus wheel/rim manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS licence under IS 9438 before production or sales in India.Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Engage ERA Compliance Team for filing applications, compiling technical documentation, coordinating testing, and managing exemption processes.- Contact ERA Support Team
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All truck/bus wheels sold domestically must bear ISI mark. Export-only and exempt stock must be segregated and supported with documentary evidence.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wheels or Rims for Trucks and Buses |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 9438 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Performance Requirements and Methods of Tests for Wheels or Rims for Trucks and Buses |
| Quality Control Order | Automobile Wheel Rim Component (Quality Control) Order, 2020 |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 3227(E), 21 Sept 2020 – Original QCO notified. - S.O. 2132(E), 28 May 2021 – 1st Amendment; enforcement extended to 21 March 2022. - S.O. 4493(E), 22 Oct 2021 – 2nd Amendment; clarified exemptions for imports under CMVR Rule 126. - S.O. 2634(E), 8 June 2022 – 3rd Amendment; enforcement deferred to 22 June 2023. - S.O. 2657(E), 15 June 2023 – 4th Amendment; enforcement extended to 22 Dec 2023. - S.O. 5379(E), 19 Dec 2023 – 5th Amendment; revised exemptions and import/manufacturing limits. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 22 December 2023 (after multiple extensions) |
| Objective & Scope | To mandate BIS certification for truck and bus wheels/rims, ensuring strength, durability, and performance under heavy-load and high-duty conditions. |
| Products Covered | Steel and alloy wheels/rims for trucks, buses, and other heavy commercial vehicles. |
| Exemptions | - Export-only wheels/rims. - Low-volume exemption: up to 5 wheels per vehicle under CMVR Rule 126A (for <250 vehicles in 6 months). - Imports for R&D, testing, or demo purposes (with disposal/export requirement). - Imports for repair/after-sales service under notified limits. - Quantity-based import/manufacturing exemptions for OEMs (as per Dec 2023 amendment). |
| Industries Impacted | - Commercial vehicle OEMs. - Wheel/rim manufacturers. - Importers & distributors. - Auto component aftermarket suppliers. - Testing & certification labs. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must comply with IS 9438. - BIS licence required under Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. - All products must bear ISI mark. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence, conduct testing in BIS-approved labs, update packaging/marking, and segregate exempt/export-only production. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016; BIS is the enforcement authority with support from Ministry of Heavy Industries and state authorities. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Non-compliance may result in seizure of goods, cancellation of BIS licence, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | From 22 Dec 2023, all truck and bus wheels/rims must be BIS-certified under IS 9438. This strengthens heavy-vehicle safety and aligns Indian automotive standards with global practices. |
| References / Annexures | Automobile Wheel Rim Component (QCO) 2020 and amendments (2021–2023). BIS Scheme-I product list covering IS 9438. |
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Notification
Truck and bus wheels/rims are covered under the Automobile Wheel Rim Component (Quality Control) Order, 2020, notified via S.O. 3227(E) on 21st September 2020. Multiple amendments in 2021, 2022, and 2023 deferred enforcement dates. The final enforcement date was fixed as 22nd December 2023. The latest amendment (S.O. 5379(E), Dec 2023) provided revised exemption categories and clarified import/manufacturing limits.
Enforcement Timeline
- QCO notified: Sept 2020.
- Enforcement deferred via amendments in May 2021, Oct 2021, June 2022, and June 2023.
- Final enforcement: 22 Dec 2023.
Overview
The QCO mandates BIS certification for truck and bus wheels/rims, which are critical components subject to high stress, heavy loads, and continuous use in commercial vehicles.
Objective & Scope
To enhance safety and durability by ensuring that truck and bus wheels meet minimum structural strength, fatigue resistance, and performance standards.
Products Covered
IS 9438 – Performance Requirements and Methods of Tests for Wheels or Rims for Trucks and Buses.
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only wheels/rims.
- Low-volume exemptions (up to 5 wheels per vehicle under CMVR Rule 126A).
- Imports for R&D/testing/demo (with disposal obligations).
- Imports for after-sales service/repair under specified limits.
- OEM-based import/manufacturing quantity exemptions (per Dec 2023 amendment).
Industries Impacted
Commercial vehicle manufacturers, wheel/rim suppliers, importers, distributors, and aftermarket service providers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All truck and bus wheels must be BIS-certified under IS 9438, carry the ISI mark, and be manufactured/imported under a valid BIS licence.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS licence under Scheme-I.
- Conduct mandatory testing in BIS-recognized labs.
- Update packaging/marking with ISI mark.
- Document exempt/export-only stock separately.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
- The Order is legally binding under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is empowered to seize non-compliant goods, suspend/cancel licenses, impose fines, and initiate prosecution
- Penalties include:
- Seizure of products
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Monetary fines or imprisonment up to 2 years
Conclusion
From 22nd December 2023, all truck and bus wheels/rims sold in India must conform to IS 9438. This step ensures safety in heavy commercial vehicles and aligns with global safety practices.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.