VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER & WORLD MANUFACTURER IDENTIFIER (WMI) CODE

WORLD MANUFACTURER IDENTIFIER (WMI)

644 | 10 min | 25 Sep 2024

INTRODUCTION

WORLD MANUFACTURER IDENTIFIER (WMI): VINs were first used in the United States in 1954. There was no accepted standard for VIN numbers from 1954 to 1981; therefore different manufacturers utilized different formats.

In 1954, at the request of the US government, US car manufacturers and the Automobile Manufacturers Association collaborated on the creation of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a new, standardized vehicle identification numbering system with a predetermined digit sequence and hidden chassis markings. American automobile manufacturers have used a vehicle identification number to describe and identify motor vehicles since 1954.

The United States' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized the format in 1981. It mandated that all on-road vehicles sold have a 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN), which excludes the letters O, I and Q (to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9).

WMIs are assigned to countries and manufacturers by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in the United States. For code assignment, each ISO national member body designates an organization that acts on behalf of the international agency responsible for the maintenance of WMI codes.

BIS, as India's National Standards Body and a member of the International Organization for Standardization, serves as the WMI coordinator in India, assigning WMI codes to vehicle manufacturers after they are assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers Inc. in the United States, the international agency responsible for maintenance of WMI codes.

WORLD MANUFACTURER IDENTIFIER

A World manufacturer Identifier, commonly abbreviated to WMI is the first three characters of VIN. The first three characters of VIN that uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle are called the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

"VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number (also known as a chassis number or frame number), is a unique serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individuals to motor vehicles."

To uniquely identify a car, automotive manufacturers around the world use a numbering system known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

The VIN is made up of 17 characters except for the letters I, O, Q that uniquely identify the vehicle. The first three characters of VIN uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle and 4 to 9 letter is the Vehicle Descriptor part of the VIN, and the last 8 character is Vehicle Indicator Sector.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system is now based on two related standards, ISO 3779 and ISO 3780.

  1. ISO 3779: Road Vehicles - VIN Content & Structure. It establishes the content and structure of an identifier in order to ensure the identification of road vehicle manufacturers on a global scale.
  2. ISO 3780: Road Vehicles - WMI Code.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR WMI CODE REGISTRATION

  1. Self-certified GST certificate photocopy
  2. Self certified Photocopy of Certificate of Incorporation
  3. Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association/ Partnership deed
  4. Self-certified photocopy of the Udyam Registration/ certificate issued by MSME, Government of India.
  5. Self-certified copy of other relevant documents, if any
  6. Application fees remitted
  7. Address proof document
  8. Product category/code for which WMI code is desired
  9. Currently used coding system details
  10. Proposed production initiation date/month

PROCEDURE FOR WMI CODE REGISTRATION

  1. Submission of Application with requisite documents: Applicant needs to submit Application hardcopy with the required documents to BIS.

  2. Verification of document: BIS officials will verify the documents check whether all documents are received or not.

  3. Proposal of WMI: code as per the series and entry of the same in the BIS database

  4. Registration with SAE International, USA: The WMI Code is assigned by SAE.

  5. Confirmation letter from SAE International: Applicant will receive a confirmation letter and WMI code after registering with SAE International.

  6. Communication of WMI to the applicant firm: At last, WMI Code will be issued to the applicant.

Sample of a Grant Certificate for WMI

Sample of Certificate

FEES REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR WMI

For this service, BIS charges may be vary as per product category with a minimal cost of Rs 5000/- plus applicable taxes and so on.

HOW TO GET REGISTERED FOR WMI CODE?

To get a complete idea about the WMI Code procedure for automobile and make the business hustle-free contact ALEPH INDIA. We aim to facilitate the client to get Certification & License under the various Schemes under Govt. of India. Aleph INDIA has been facilitating fortune 500 companies for a decade. Visit Aleph India to know more about the WMI code registration process. You may also reach Aleph INDIA toll-free helpline at 08048036869 / +919990136656 for a quick response. For more queries, feel free to contact us at inbox@alephindia.in,info@alephindia.in

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code consists of the first 3 characters of VIN, which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle.

    The vehicle identification number is 17 characters serial number, and it so divided into 3 parts

    1. WMI Number
    2. VDS Number
    3. VIS Section

      Yes, WMI Code is mandatory for vehicle manufacturers.

        Yes, VIN follows 2 ISO Standards - ISO 3779 and ISO 3780.

          WMI registration is international registration and compliance under SAE.

            Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17 digit unique serial number.

              It provides recognition to the manufacturers.

                SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers, a United States-based professional association and Standard Development Organization.

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