BIS Certification
CDSCO
PESO
CPCB
LMPC
WPC Approval
Global Approvals
TEC
ARAI
BEE
ISO Certification
DGCA Certification
NOC For Steel
APEDA Registration
Business Registration
FSSAI Mark Certification
 (32).jpg)
Legal Services
Trademark Registration
Copyright Registration
Patent Registration
ARAI Vehicle Certification
ARAI Vehicle Certification is the official approval issued by the Automotive Research Association of India for vehicles, engines and components,...
Get expert consultation
Trusted by 25,000+ leading enterprises worldwide
Key takeaways
- ARAI Vehicle Certification is an official approval issued by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for vehicles and automotive components.
- It confirms compliance with safety, emission and regulatory standards set by the Indian government.
- It is mandatory for vehicle manufacturers and importers before registration and sale.
- It verifies that the vehicle meets Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms and quality standards.
- It is required for type approval, homologation and certification of automotive products.
- Documents typically include vehicle specifications, test reports and manufacturer details.
- Diligence Certifications provides complete support for ARAI certification, documentation and the application process.
What is ARAI Vehicle Certification?
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) provides certification and homologation services for a wide range of automotive applications. Established in 1966 through collaboration between the automotive industry and the Indian government, ARAI works independently under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. It is recognised by certification authorities in Singapore, Australia and the Netherlands, and conducts tests in compliance with the applicable regulations and standards.
As a leading automotive research and development organisation in India, ARAI plays an essential part in ensuring the safety, efficiency and environmental compliance of vehicles. Acknowledged as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation by various government bodies, ARAI qualifies as a Testing and Certification agency under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. It also supports manufacturers with export homologation, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the automotive industry.
Types of ARAI Vehicle Certification
ARAI certification applies across vehicle categories and engine types. The eligibility differs by category, as set out below.
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Two wheeler | Petrol, CNG, Diesel and LPG vehicles, and electric vehicles with more than 250W power and a maximum design speed above 25 KMPH. |
| Three wheeler | Passenger or goods carriers, fully built vehicles, incomplete vehicles as a Drive Away Chassis, Petrol, Diesel, CNG and LPG vehicles above 25 cc, and electric vehicles above 25 KMPH and 250W. |
| Four wheeler | Passenger and goods carriers, fully built vehicles, incomplete vehicles as a Drive Away Chassis, Petrol, Diesel, CNG and LPG vehicles above 25 cc, and electric vehicles. |
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Tractor | Tractors used in farms and fields, not confined to that use and also usable for transportation. They are covered under the CMVR. |
| Construction Equipment Vehicle (CEV) | Vehicles primarily not intended for transportation, with road usage secondary, regulated for design safety and emission standards under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. |
Benefits of ARAI certification
Legal compliance
Meet the safety and emission standards set by the Indian government and avoid legal penalties.
Safety assurance
Confirm that vehicles and components are tested for safety, efficiency and performance.
Emission conformity
Demonstrate that the vehicle meets Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms and quality standards.
Type approval
Enable homologation and type approval needed before registration and sale.
Smooth market entry
Clear regulatory hurdles and bring products to the Indian market without delays.
Export readiness
ARAI support for export homologation helps manufacturers reach overseas markets.
Is ARAI certification mandatory?
In India, ARAI Vehicle Certification is mandatory for certain vehicles and automotive components. ARAI serves as the regulatory body ensuring adherence to the safety and emission standards set by the Indian government. Vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and three wheelers and their components, along with certain aftermarket parts, must obtain ARAI certification before being legally sold or used in the country.
What ARAI certification confirms
- Compliance with safety standards for vehicles and components.
- Conformity with Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms.
- Eligibility for type approval and homologation.
- Readiness for vehicle registration and legal sale.
The certification process, step by step
Type approval is sought from the authorised agency, with testing carried out on the parent model before the certificate is issued.
Application and assessment
Request approval
The supplier requests approval for the engine or model family according to ISO 8178-7 guidelines.
Verify COP
Certification is sought from the authorised agency as per Rule 6 of GSR 771(E) and its amendments (GSR 232(E)) to verify the manufacturer’s Conformity of Production (COP).
Submit application
The applicant completes an application form for type approval based on vehicle type, including details like parent model and test results.
Determine family
The agency determines the family, parent model and variants based on the application details provided.
Testing and grant
Test parent model
Testing of the parent model is conducted by the certification agency after the details are determined.
Assess and sample
The agency assesses whether the application aligns with an already certified model family and engine samples are submitted for emission-level testing as directed.
Issue certificate
On passing the testing, the supplier receives a type approval certificate (ARAI Vehicle Certification).
Rework if needed
If testing fails, the supplier must repair, modify or replace the engine and submit a revised application to the certifying authority.
Documents required
- Application form in the prescribed format
- Technical specifications of the vehicle or component
- Compliance reports
- Test results according to the prescribed method
- A sample for testing
- Company registration details and manufacturing facility information
- Safety and emission compliance data
What needs certification
- Complete vehicles: two wheelers, three wheelers, passenger cars, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles.
- Auto components such as brakes, lights, tyres, batteries and fuel tanks.
- Alternative fuel systems including CNG and LPG kits, and hybrid and electric vehicle components.
Need related approvals? See our BEE Star Rating Certification, Equipment Type Approval and Tyre Waste services.
Timeline and scope
The certification timeline depends on the complexity of the product and the testing requirements.
- Certification generally takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the compliance documentation and test results.
- Foreign manufacturers can apply, but must appoint an Indian Authorised Representative to handle compliance and certification.
- ARAI conducts EV testing for batteries, motors, chargers and powertrain systems to meet AIS and Bharat EV norms.
- If a product fails, manufacturers must make the necessary modifications and reapply until compliance is met.
Need ARAI certification for your vehicle or component?
Tell us your vehicle type and target market, and we will map the exact tests, documents and timeline for your ARAI approval.
Vehicle type approval and homologation in India are carried out by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
Frequently asked questions
What is ARAI Approval?
ARAI Approval is a certification required for automotive vehicles and components to ensure compliance with Indian safety, environmental and performance standards. It is mandatory for manufacturers before launching their products in the Indian market.
Why is ARAI Approval important?
ARAI Approval ensures that vehicles and automotive components meet government regulations on safety, emissions and quality. It is required for legal compliance, vehicle registration and customer trust.
What products need ARAI certification?
It is required for complete vehicles such as two wheelers, three wheelers, passenger cars, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles, for auto components like brakes, lights, tyres, batteries and fuel tanks, and for alternative fuel systems including CNG and LPG kits and hybrid and electric vehicle components.
How long does ARAI certification take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the product and the testing requirements. Generally it can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the compliance documentation and test results.
Can foreign manufacturers apply for ARAI approval?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can apply, but they must appoint an Indian Authorised Representative to handle the compliance and certification process.
What happens if a product fails ARAI testing?
If a product fails, manufacturers receive a report detailing the non-compliance areas. They must make the necessary modifications and reapply for testing until compliance is met.
Why choose Diligence Certification?
For compliance and credibility, Diligence is much more than a checklist - we give you real confidence in your business. We examine your legal, financial and operational status, so you are not just certified, but trusted.
Stronger risk protection
Spot hidden legal, financial or operational risks early - fix problems before they become threats.
Earn stakeholder trust
From investors to customers, people want to work with businesses that play by the rules.
Stay legally aligned
Compliant not just on products but on labour, environmental and tax laws too.
Enhance brand reputation
Show the world you operate with integrity and transparency.
Stand out from competitors
In a crowded market, credibility is your biggest edge.
24×7 expert support
A 100+ strong service team guiding you at every step, free first consultation.
Real sites, real certifications
Our teams work inside factories and plants across India and abroad - inspections, audits and certification milestones spanning BIS, global schemes and the full compliance stack you see on this site.
What our clients say
Reviews and feedback from businesses that have worked with Diligence Certifications.
Related ARAI / Automotive services
Ready to get ARAI Vehicle Certification?
Talk to our experts for a clear, fixed-scope plan - most clients get a roadmap the same day.