Vehicle Homologation: What is it, and Why is it important?

What is the Importance of Vehicle Homologation? 

The significance of vehicle homologation is to make sure that the vehicles manufactured are safe to use for the public and it also reduces the risk of accidents and harm to fellow drivers and passengers.

 

Ensures road safety

Vehicle homologation ensures the safety of both the passenger and the driver of the vehicle. The certificate will be given to the vehicles that pass all the safety requirements.

 

Increases in imports and exports

Homologation certificates can increase imports and exports as all the manufactured vehicles are tested for safety and environmental regulations. This will help the manufacturers to reach more customers and also increase their market.

 

The Vehicle Homologation Process 

The process of homologation involves the following steps.

1. Type Approval

The process starts with the approval of the vehicle type. The manufacturers have to submit the type of vehicle to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). ARAI will evaluate the vehicle type on various aspects like emission level, safety features, compliance and performance.

 

2. Testing and Certification

During the testing and certification stage, rigorous testing like crash tests, noise tests, emission tests and other necessary tests will be conducted.The compliance certification will be given to the vehicle if the vehicle meets all the requirements of the authority.

 

3. Documentation

It is mandated that the manufacturers must submit all the documents to the ARAI along with the vehicle to be tested for homologation. The documents to be submitted are design drawings, technical specifications, safety features and test reports. The ARAI will review all the submitted documents and ensure the safety of the vehicle.

 

4. Inspection of Manufacturing Facilities

The inspection of the manufacturing process will also be monitored by the ARAI. This is to verify that the manufacturing facilities align with the production protocol suggested by the quality standards. The inspection also verifies the consistency of the manufacturing vehicles and helps prevent any deviation from the certified design.

 

5. Batch Testing

Periodic batch testing is a process conducted by ARAI to ensure that all the manufactured vehicles meet the safety standards. Batch testing ensures that the manufactured vehicle meets all the safety and quality standards of the manufactured vehicle are consistently maintained.

 

Vehicle Homologation in India

Vehicle homologation in India follows this process 

• The verification and testing process will be conducted on all the vehicles and their components.

• After the verification process of the components is completed, the fitting of all the components will happen. This will ensure that proper installation of all the components happens.

• After the fitting, the vehicle will be activated and the functionality will be examined. If the installed vehicle meets all the safety and compliance requirements, the approval for the vehicle will be granted for marketing.

• Final approval of the vehicle will be granted after a conducted a comprehensive test called Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA). The test is conducted to ensure the arrangement of all the components of the vehicle and their integrity.

• The authority makes sure that they check each and every component of the vehicle. According to the Central Motor Vehicle (CMVR) of 1989, the manufacturer will submit a system for approval and the component approval is subjected to the overall performance of the vehicle and its components. 

After careful consideration, the authorities will approve the vehicle, which is valid throughout the country.
 

Vehicle Components tested during homologation

All the components of the vehicles are tested to ensure complete safety and some components are categorised into four groups­­—passive safety, active safety, environment safety and Components and system. The components that fall under each safety are listed below.

 

Passive Safety

• Seat belt

• Child restrains

• Passenger protection (verified though crash test)

 

Active Safety

• Steering system 

• Brake syste

 

Environment

• Pollution emitted by the vehicle

• EMC (electromagnetic Compatibility)

• Noise emission

• Fuel consumption by the vehicle

 

Components and Systems

• Warning triangle

• Fuel tank

• Generating lighting of the vehicle

• Driver’s field of vision

• Rear view system

• Horn, tyres and mirrors of the vehicle

 

What are the Benefits and challenges of Vehicle Homologation?

The benefits and challenges involved in vehicle homologation are listed below.

 

Benefits

Environmental protection 

Vehicle homologation ensures that the manufactured vehicle sticks to the emission norms and environmental guidelines. So, these types of stringent testing processes will have a positive effect on the environment, which contributes to a green and clean environment.

 

Top priority Safety

Safety is the primary goal for these tests to be carried out. Vehicle homologation ensures that the manufactured vehicle meets all the safety standards and this reduces the risk of injuries and fatal accidents that can happen on roads.

 

International Market Access

Vehicles that have a homologation certificate are easy to export to other countries. These are valued in the international market and also help manufacturers to expand their market.

 

Consumer confidence

A homologation certificate is not only a certificate but also provides confidence to the consumers who purchase it. These vehicles are considered safe, and reliable and are manufactured according to the safety guidelines.

 

Challenges faced

Vehicle homologation is done to ensure the safety of an individual driving it and also the fellow drivers who drive on the road. However, there are certain challenges faced during the process and is listed below.

 

Cost and time

The homologation process requires necessary time to complete the process and the manufacturers should pay testing fee to the authorities to complete the test.

 

Compliance complexity

Manufacturers should stick to certain regulations, which can be complex. It is important to adhere to such for the vehicle to pass the test.

 

Evolving regulation

The regulations set by the authorities can evolve significantly, which can make it difficult for the manufacturers to update the rules. Sometimes, this can be challenging and significant cost is involved.

 

Professional Authorities that perform Vehicle Homologation in India

• Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR)

• Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES)

• Automotive Industry Standards (AIS)

• Crash Test Regulations

• Electrical Safety Standards

 

Conclusion

Vehicle homologation is a mandatory process for all vehicles and the components of the vehicle should also be certified by the authority. It ensures that the vehicle is safe to drive on the road and can be sold.

 

The process of homologation can vary for different countries. However, the primary goal of the homologation is to ensure the safety of the individual driving the vehicle. It involves various stages and processes for the vehicle to get approved.

 

Additionally, the homologation ensures that the vehicle meets all safety standards and environmental standards.

 

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FAQs 

1.Why homologation is important?

Homologation is important to ensure the safety of the vehicle and all the components align to the safety standard recommended by the authorities. It also ensures that the vehicle is safe and environmentally friendly.

 

2.What vehicle components undergo the homologation process?

Vehicle components like brakes, headlights, indicators, tailgates, seatbelts, airbags, noise level and crash test will be conducted to test the safety.

 

3.Is it possible to import the vehicles without a homologation certificate in India?

No, a homologation certificate is mandatory to import or register vehicles in India. If the vehicle does not have a proper homologation certificate, it is considered against the law and hefty fines will be imposed.