[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/AIS/CMVR Automotive IndiaAutomotive # AIS/CMVR Automotive Type Approval in India India's automotive sector operates under stringent CMVR regulations with AIS technical standards. Type approval from ARAI or ICAT is mandatory for all vehicles sold in India. The BS6 emission norms, AIS-140 tracking mandate, and evolving EV standards create a complex compliance landscape for manufacturers and importers. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fais-cmvr-automotive) At a glance Vehicle categories 5 Approval steps 6 Key AIS standards 6 ## Type approval categories ### M Category Motor vehicles with at least 4 wheels used for passenger carriage **Examples:** Cars, SUVs, buses, vans **Approval:** CMVR Type Approval + ARAI/ICAT certification ### N Category Motor vehicles with at least 4 wheels used for goods carriage **Examples:** Trucks, lorries, cargo vans **Approval:** CMVR Type Approval + ARAI/ICAT certification ### L Category Two and three-wheeler vehicles **Examples:** Motorcycles, scooters, auto-rickshaws **Approval:** CMVR Type Approval for L-category + ARAI/ICAT ### T Category Agricultural tractors **Examples:** Farm tractors, tractor components **Approval:** CMVR + TAC (Tractor Testing Track) ### G Category Off-road vehicles **Examples:** Construction equipment, mining vehicles **Approval:** Specific category approvals ## Type approval process 01 ### Identify applicable AIS standards Determine which Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) apply to your vehicle/component based on category, features, and safety systems. 02 ### Prepare technical documentation Compile technical specifications, drawings, material specifications, quality control procedures, and conformity of production plans. 03 ### Submit type approval application Apply to ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) or ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) with complete documentation and fees. 04 ### Testing at approved facility Vehicle/components undergo testing as per applicable AIS standards: safety, emissions, noise, braking, lighting, EMC, etc. 05 ### Factory audit (for some categories) ARAI/ICAT may audit manufacturing facility for quality systems and conformity of production capabilities. 06 ### Type Approval Certificate issuance Upon successful testing and audit, Type Approval Certificate issued. Valid for specific model with defined technical specifications. ## Key AIS standards for type approval AIS-007 ### Safety Requirements for M and N Category Vehicles Structural safety, occupant protection, crashworthiness AIS-038 ### Safety of Two-Wheelers Braking, lighting, tires, dimensions, safety requirements AIS-140 ### GPS/GNSS-based Vehicle Tracking System Emergency button, location tracking, data transmission - mandatory for commercial vehicles AIS-145 ### Bharat Stage Emission Standards BS6 emission limits, OBD requirements, testing protocols AIS-189 ### Safety of Electric Power Train Vehicles EV-specific safety: battery, charging, isolation, crash safety AIS-XXX ### Various Component Standards Brakes, lighting, mirrors, tires, safety belts, head restraints, etc. ## BS6 emission requirements AspectPetrolDiesel Emission LimitsCO: 1.0g/km, THC: 0.1g/km, NOx: 0.06g/kmCO: 0.5g/km, THC+NOx: 0.17g/km, PM: 0.0045g/km On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)OBD-II mandatory for real-time emission monitoringOBD-II with PM sensor for diesel Real Driving Emissions (RDE)RDE testing required as per prescribed protocolsRDE with NOx measurement Diesel Particulate FilterNot applicableDPF mandatory for diesel vehicles Selective Catalytic ReductionNot applicableSCR using AdBlue/DEF for NOx reduction in larger diesels ## Vehicle import regulations New vehicle import: Type Approval mandatory; cannot import without ARAI/ICAT approval Used vehicle import: Generally prohibited; very limited exceptions for transfer of residence Component import for manufacturing: Components must meet AIS standards; final vehicle needs Type Approval CBU import by manufacturer: Must have Type Approval; homologation completed; duty implications Personal import (Transfer of Residence): Strict conditions; vehicle must be owned >1 year abroad; RHD only; duty ~100%+ ## Testing facilities in India ### ARAI (Pune) Full vehicle testing, component testing, emissions, safety, NVH, EMC ### ICAT (Manesar) Full vehicle homologation, crash testing, emissions, durability ### VRDE (Ahmednagar) Vehicle Research and Development Establishment for defense vehicles ### NATRAX (Indore) National Automotive Test Tracks - high speed, handling, durability ### CIRT (Pune) Central Institute of Road Transport - bus and commercial vehicle testing ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I import a car from abroad and use it in India? Importing used cars is severely restricted. New cars can only be imported by manufacturers with Type Approval. Personal import allowed only under Transfer of Residence rules: you must have lived abroad >2 years, owned the car >1 year, car must be Right Hand Drive, and you'll pay ~100%+ duties. Left Hand Drive vehicles are generally prohibited. Most personal imports are not economically viable after duties. ### What is the difference between AIS and CMVR? CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules) are the government regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act. AIS (Automotive Industry Standards) are technical standards developed by industry committees under SIAM/ARAI that are then adopted into CMVR. For type approval, your vehicle must meet AIS standards which are enforced through CMVR. Think of AIS as the technical 'how' and CMVR as the legal 'must'. ### How long does type approval take? Timelines vary by vehicle complexity: 2-wheelers: 3-6 months; Passenger cars: 6-12 months; Commercial vehicles: 6-18 months; Electric vehicles: Additional time for EV-specific testing. Timelines depend on test slot availability, documentation completeness, and any redesign needed after failed tests. ### Is BS6 same as Euro 6? BS6 is largely aligned with Euro 6 but with India-specific modifications. Key differences: BS6 has tighter particulate matter limits for some categories, mandatory OBD-II with specific Indian protocols, Real Driving Emissions (RDE) with Indian driving cycles, and different fuel quality considerations. A Euro 6 certified vehicle may need additional testing/validation for BS6 compliance. ### Do electric vehicles need type approval? Yes, EVs require full type approval just like ICE vehicles. Additional requirements include: AIS-189 for electric power train safety, battery testing as per AIS, charging system safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and specific crash safety considerations for battery placement. ARAI and ICAT have specialized EV testing capabilities. **Disclaimer:** This guide reflects CMVR 1989 as amended and current AIS standards. BS6 Phase 2 and CAFE norms are being implemented progressively. Always verify current requirements with ARAI/ICAT and MoRTH notifications. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $199](/courses/52-india-automotive-product-compliance)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/52-india-automotive-product-compliance) Related guides * [India Market Compliance OverviewComprehensive overview of India's regulatory landscape: BIS, CDSCO, WPC, TEC, FSSAI, customs, and DGFT requirements for market …](/guides/india-compliance-overview) * [India Import DocumentationComplete guide to India import documentation: Bill of Entry, Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of o…](/guides/india-import-documentation) * [BIS CRS vs ISI MarkLearn the difference between BIS CRS and ISI Mark certification.](/guides/bis-crs-vs-isi-mark)