ARAI Certification
ARAI Certification validates automotive components and vehicles for safety, performance, and environmental standards in India. It ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, enabling legal market entry and building trust in product quality.
What is ARAI?
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), founded in 1966, is a premier automotive research, development, and testing organization. It was established through collaboration between the Indian automotive industry and the Government of India, operating as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
ARAI provides homologation, certification, and compliance testing for vehicles, automotive parts, and engines across diverse sectors. As an authorized certifying agency, it ensures products conform to both national and international regulatory standards.
Additionally, ARAI supports manufacturers with export homologation, enabling Indian automotive products to access and compete in global markets.
The Process of Obtaining an ARAI Certificate
A step-by-step guide to the ARAI certification process
Engine/Model Family Identification
Identify the engine or model family as per ISO 8178-7 guidelines. Final classification is determined by the certification authority.
Type Approval Application
Submit a Type Approval application under Rule 6 of GSR 771(E) to validate Conformity of Production (COP).
Application Form Completion
Complete the required forms based on vehicle type, following Annexures II and V, including details of the parent model and prior test reports.
Application Review
The certification authority reviews the application to confirm the family, parent model, and variant details provided by the manufacturer.
Parent Model Testing
The parent model undergoes testing to verify compliance and check whether it belongs to an already certified engine family.
Engine Sample Testing
The manufacturer submits an engine sample for emission assessment and performance testing by the certifying authority.
Certificate Issuance
If all tests are successful, the Type Approval Certificate (ARAI Certificate) is issued. In case of failure, modifications must be made within 3 months, or a new application is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
ARAI Certification is issued by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to ensure that vehicles, automotive components, and systems meet safety, environmental, and performance standards mandated by the Government of India.
Manufacturers and importers of vehicles, auto parts, and electronic systems must obtain ARAI Certification before launching their products in the Indian market.
Vehicles, engines, automotive electronic systems, safety equipment, fuel systems, and eco-friendly technologies such as EV batteries require ARAI testing and approval.
Documents include technical specifications, test reports, quality certifications, safety compliance reports, company registration details, and product drawings or manuals.
The timeline varies depending on product type, testing requirements, and documentation accuracy. Generally, certification can take between 4 to 12 weeks.
Yes, imported vehicles and automotive components must also undergo ARAI testing and obtain certification before being sold in India.
Certification enhances product credibility, ensures compliance with safety and emission standards, enables legal market entry, and builds consumer trust.
Yes, ARAI is actively involved in testing and certifying electric vehicles, charging systems, and batteries to ensure safety and performance compliance.
If a product fails testing, manufacturers must correct the issues and re-submit the product for testing until compliance is achieved.
Yes, ARAI is recognized globally and its certifications are valued in several international markets, making it easier for Indian manufacturers to export vehicles and components.