Overview of WMI Certification

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to manufacturers for identification purposes. It is used to identify the country, manufacturer, and type of vehicle or product, which is essential for registration and documentation purposes. The WMI code is issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is recognized worldwide.

Obtaining a WMI certification is crucial for businesses looking to expand their operations globally. It serves as a validation of the manufacturer's ability to comply with international quality standards, and it increases the manufacturer's credibility and reputation in the global market.To obtain a WMI certification, the manufacturer must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be a legal entity registered with the appropriate regulatory authority, have a manufacturing facility with the necessary equipment and personnel to produce the product, have a valid business license, and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Before applying for WMI certification, the manufacturer must ensure that all necessary pre-requisites are met, which may include obtaining necessary permits, licenses, and approvals.

The WMI certification process involves several steps, including document preparation, submission, and review by the ISO. The exact timeline and process can vary depending on the country of application and other factors. However, Swarit Advisors can guide manufacturers through the entire process and provide timely updates on the status of their application.

Rules, Acts & Regulations Applicable To WMI Certification

The WMI code is governed by ISO 3780:2009, which outlines the requirements for assigning and using WMIs. Additionally, each country may have its own regulations for WMI certification, which must be complied with.

In addition, there are several acts that are applicable to the WMI Certification process. These include the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which requires vehicle manufacturers to provide information about their products to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and comply with safety standards. The Clean Air Act is another relevant act, which sets emissions standards for vehicles and requires manufacturers to comply with these standards.

Overall, the WMI Certification process is subject to a range of rules and regulations that are designed to ensure that the WMI code is an accurate and reliable means of identifying vehicle manufacturers. These rules and regulations help to promote safety and consistency in the automotive industry and ensure that consumers can be confident in the products they are purchasing.

Eligibility to Obtain WMI Certificate

 To obtain a WMI certification, the manufacturer must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a legal entity registered with the appropriate regulatory authority.
• Must have a manufacturing facility with the necessary equipment and personnel to produce the product.
• Must have a valid business license.
• Must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Mandatory Pre-Requisites for WMI Certification

In addition to the eligibility criteria, there are a few mandatory pre-requisites that the manufacturer must fulfill before obtaining a WMI certification. These pre-requisites may vary depending on the country or region in which the manufacturer is located.

1. Obtaining a Manufacturer Identification Number (MIN) from the appropriate regulatory authority. The MIN is a unique identification number assigned to the manufacturer, which is used to identify the manufacturer's products.
2. The manufacturer must ensure that their manufacturing process and facilities comply with all applicable safety and environmental regulations. This may involve obtaining various permits and licenses from regulatory authorities.
3. Ensuring that the manufacturer's products meet the applicable technical specifications and safety standards. This may require testing and certification of the products by an accredited testing laboratory.
4. The manufacturer must have appropriate quality control procedures in place to ensure that their products consistently meet the required standards. This may involve maintaining records and conducting regular audits of the manufacturing process.

Documents for WMI Certification

To apply for a WMI certification, the manufacturer will need to provide certain documents, including:

• Certificate of incorporation or registration
• Business license or permit
• Tax identification number
• Manufacturing facility details, including floor plans and equipment details.
• List of key personnel and their qualifications
• Quality control procedures
• Any other relevant licenses or permits.

Procedure for WMI Certification

The following are the general steps involved in the WMI certification process:

1. Determine eligibility: Ensure that the manufacturer meets all the necessary eligibility criteria and pre-requisites before applying for WMI certification.
2. Document preparation: Prepare all necessary documents and information required for WMI certification, such as legal entity registration, business license, manufacturing facility details, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Application submission: Submit the application for WMI certification to the designated authority in the country of application. The application may include details of the manufacturer's products, production capacity, and other relevant information.
4. Review by ISO: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) will review the application and supporting documents to ensure that the manufacturer meets all the necessary requirements for WMI certification.
5. Onsite audit: The ISO may conduct an onsite audit of the manufacturing facility to verify compliance with WMI certification requirements.
6. Certification decision: After reviewing the application and conducting an onsite audit, the ISO will decide on whether to issue a WMI certification.
7. Certification issuance: If the WMI certification is approved, the ISO will issue the certificate, which typically includes a unique three-character code assigned to the manufacturer.

Overall, the WMI certification process can be complex and time-consuming, but working with a team of experts can help ensure a smoother and more efficient certification experience.

Cancellation of WMI Certificate

• The WMI certification can be cancelled by the ISO if the manufacturer fails to comply with any of the applicable laws or regulations.
• The ISO may also cancel the certification if the manufacturer fails to maintain the necessary equipment or personnel to produce the product.
• In case of cancellation, the manufacturer may need to go through the entire WMI certification process again to regain the certification.

Validity of WMI Certificate

Once obtained, the WMI certification is valid indefinitely as long as the manufacturer continues to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The manufacturer must ensure that any changes to the manufacturing facility, equipment, or personnel are updated with the ISO to maintain the validity of the certification.

Renewal of WMI Certificate

The WMI certification does not require renewal as long as the manufacturer continues to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and maintains the necessary equipment and personnel. However, any changes to the manufacturing facility, equipment, or personnel may require updates to the WMI certification.

Frequently Asked Questions