Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles — both radial ply and diagonal ply (bias ply) pneumatic constructions — require mandatory BIS ISI Mark Certification before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India. The applicable Indian Standard is IS 15633:2022 (Automotive Vehicles — Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles — Diagonal and Radial Ply). BIS ISI certification is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The certification covers dimensional conformance, load and speed rating verification, endurance, high-speed performance, and physical dimension tests. Foreign tyre manufacturers must apply under the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) and appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Passenger car tyres account for 25–30% of India's total tyre market, growing at 7–9% annually. Operating without a valid ISI Mark licence is an offence under the BIS Act, 2016.
India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets — and the passenger car tyre segment is among the most closely regulated product categories in the country. With millions of new passenger cars registered every year, the replacement tyre market generating consistent high-volume demand, and road safety being a national priority, the BIS ISI Mark for passenger car tyres serves as the critical quality and safety gateway that every tyre manufacturer must pass to participate in this market.
This guide covers the complete compliance picture for passenger car tyre manufacturers and importers: IS 15633:2022 explained, the technical distinction between radial and diagonal ply tyres, tyre sidewall markings decoded, all key tests, the full document checklist, and the step-by-step path from tyre manufacturer to ISI Mark licence holder.
📑 Quick Navigation
- India's Passenger Car Tyre Market — Context and Scale
- What Is BIS ISI Mark Certification for Passenger Car Tyres?
- IS 15633:2022 — The Applicable Indian Standard Explained
- Radial Ply vs Diagonal Ply — BIS Certification Compared
- Tyre Sidewall Markings Decoded — IS 15633:2022 Marking Requirements
- Key Safety and Performance Tests Under IS 15633:2022
- Document Checklist for BIS ISI Certification
- 7-Step BIS ISI Certification Process
- Certification Guidelines by Stakeholder Type
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
- How Rego Services Supports Your Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions
India's Passenger Car Tyre Market — Context and Scale
India's passenger car tyre market is one of the most commercially significant product segments in the automotive supply chain — and one of the most rigorously regulated. With India now the world's third-largest automobile market by sales volume, the downstream tyre demand is substantial, consistent, and growing at pace with vehicle parc expansion and road infrastructure development.
Passenger car tyres account for approximately 25–30% of total tyre sales in India by volume, making it the single largest segment in the Indian tyre market. Demand is growing at approximately 7–9% annually, driven by increasing new vehicle registrations, growing average kilometres driven per vehicle as highway infrastructure expands, replacement tyre cycles (typically every 3–5 years for passenger cars), and the rapid growth of India's cab aggregator and ride-sharing fleet. India's tyre regulation framework — with mandatory BIS ISI certification — ensures that every tyre sold in this large and growing market meets defined safety and performance standards.
Tyres are the sole contact point between a passenger vehicle and the road surface. Their performance directly determines braking distances, cornering stability, aquaplaning resistance, and vehicle control in critical situations. BIS ISI certification verifies that tyres meet minimum safety performance thresholds before any unit reaches an Indian road.
IS 15633:2022 specifies dimensional requirements (section width, overall diameter, rim diameter) and performance parameters (load capacity, speed rating, endurance) — ensuring the tyre's physical dimensions and performance capabilities match the specifications marked on the sidewall, protecting consumers from misleading or substandard product claims.
No passenger car pneumatic tyre can legally be manufactured for sale or imported in India without a valid BIS ISI Mark licence. Customs clearance is contingent on ISI certification. Major retailers, tyre dealers, fleet operators, and OEM vehicle manufacturers all require BIS certification as a mandatory procurement condition.
The BIS ISI certification process includes a factory inspection verifying that the tyre manufacturer has the production capabilities, in-house testing equipment, quality control systems, and raw material controls required to consistently produce tyres meeting IS 15633:2022 — creating ongoing quality accountability across the production lifecycle.
What Is BIS ISI Mark Certification for Passenger Car Tyres?
BIS ISI Mark certification for passenger car tyres is the mandatory product certification system under which tyre manufacturers demonstrate that their products comply with IS 15633:2022 before they can legally be placed in the Indian market. Unlike the BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) used for electronics, passenger car tyres fall under BIS ISI Mark Scheme I — which involves both product testing and factory inspection, establishing ongoing quality accountability at the manufacturing level.
BIS ISI certification for passenger car tyres is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The certification involves both independent product testing and a factory inspection, ensuring the manufacturer's entire production system is capable of consistently delivering IS 15633:2022 compliant tyres.
Passenger car tyres are certified under BIS Scheme I (ISI Mark certification), which is distinct from the CRS scheme used for electronics. Scheme I requires both factory inspection (to verify manufacturing and testing capabilities) and product sample testing at a BIS-accredited laboratory against IS 15633:2022.
Indian tyre manufacturers apply for BIS ISI certification through the BIS Manak online portal. They must have proper manufacturing and in-house testing capabilities, and their factories must be ready for BIS inspection before the application is filed. The ISI Mark licence is issued in the manufacturer's name and tied to the specific factory location.
Foreign tyre manufacturers must apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), submitting a physical application to BIS headquarters in New Delhi and appointing an AIR. BIS officials conduct a factory inspection at the overseas manufacturing facility. Product samples are selected and tested in BIS-accredited laboratories. The ISI Mark licence is issued in the manufacturer's name with the AIR's details on record.
IS 15633:2022 — The Applicable Indian Standard Explained
IS 15633:2022 is the current Indian Standard titled "Automotive Vehicles — Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles — Diagonal and Radial Ply." It is the 2022 edition of the standard (replacing the earlier IS 15633:2006) and governs the BIS ISI certification for passenger car vehicle pneumatic tyres sold in India.
IS 15633:2022 covers pneumatic tyres designed for use on passenger car vehicles — including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs, and crossovers. It covers both diagonal ply (bias ply) and radial ply constructions within a single unified standard framework, specifying dimensional, performance, safety, and marking requirements applicable to both tyre types.
IS 15633:2022 is aligned with international tyre standards including UNECE Regulation 30 (Uniform provisions for the approval of pneumatic tyres for motor vehicles and their trailers) and relevant ISO standards for passenger car tyres. This alignment means tyres certified to international standards have a strong technical foundation for IS 15633:2022 compliance, though specific BIS requirements and the ISI certification process remain distinct from UNECE type approval.
The 2022 edition (IS 15633:2022) replaced the previous IS 15633:2006 with updated technical requirements reflecting advances in tyre technology, construction, and performance parameters. Tyre manufacturers who obtained BIS certification under the 2006 edition were required to transition their licences to comply with the 2022 standard. All new applications and existing licence renewals now proceed under IS 15633:2022.
IS 15633:2022 specifies: dimensional requirements (section width, overall diameter, rim fitment compatibility); load-carrying capacity by load index at specified inflation pressures; speed capability verification by speed rating category; endurance testing under defined load and speed conditions; high-speed performance testing; and comprehensive sidewall marking requirements including the tyre size designation, load index, speed rating, ply rating, and manufacturer information.
Radial Ply vs Diagonal Ply — BIS Certification Compared
IS 15633:2022 covers both tyre constructions under a single certification framework. Understanding the technical and commercial differences between radial and diagonal ply tyres is important context for manufacturers and importers planning their BIS ISI certification.
- Construction: Cord plies run perpendicular (radially) to direction of travel; separate stabilising belt layers under the tread
- Designation: Marked with "R" in the tyre size (e.g., 205/55 R16)
- Market Share: Dominant construction — over 95% of new passenger car tyres sold in India are radial ply
- Advantages: Superior handling, lower rolling resistance (better fuel efficiency), longer tread life, better heat dissipation at speed
- Applications: All modern passenger cars — sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs, crossovers
- BIS Standard: IS 15633:2022 — same standard as diagonal ply; model and size-specific certification
- Construction: Cord plies run diagonally (bias) across the tyre from bead to bead, typically at 30–40° to direction of travel
- Designation: No "R" in the tyre size designation (e.g., 6.00-13)
- Market Share: Niche — primarily used on older, heritage, classic, and certain specialised passenger vehicles
- Characteristics: Stiffer sidewall, heavier construction, higher rolling resistance compared to radial; robust for certain low-speed applications
- Applications: Heritage and classic cars, certain older vehicle models still in active use
- BIS Standard: IS 15633:2022 — same standard as radial ply; model and size-specific certification
BIS ISI Mark certification for passenger car tyres is not issued as a blanket "brand licence" covering all sizes and constructions a manufacturer produces. Each tyre size, construction type (radial or diagonal), and brand combination requires its own BIS licence evaluation, with samples drawn and tested for each size being certified. Manufacturers with multiple tyre sizes require BIS to certify each size — typically through a structured application covering a range of sizes within a product family, with laboratory testing validating each size's compliance with IS 15633:2022.
Tyre Sidewall Markings Decoded — IS 15633:2022 Marking Requirements
IS 15633:2022 specifies comprehensive marking requirements for passenger car tyres. Every BIS-certified tyre must display specific information on its sidewall or label — enabling consumers, regulators, vehicle manufacturers, and BIS inspectors to verify that the tyre meets the certified specifications and bears the correct ISI Mark.
Typical Radial Tyre Sidewall Designation — Decoded
Additional Mandatory Markings Under IS 15633:2022
Every BIS-certified passenger car tyre must display the ISI Mark — the Indian Standard Institute mark — together with the IS number (IS 15633:2022) and the unique CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number identifying the specific manufacturer and factory. The CM/L number enables BIS to verify authenticity and trace the mark to a specific valid licence.
The tyre manufacturer's name or registered brand name, along with the country of manufacture, must be moulded into the tyre sidewall — providing consumers and regulators with unambiguous product origin information and enabling enforcement authorities to link physical product to the BIS licence holder.
The tyre's ply rating (for diagonal ply tyres) or construction type, along with the maximum permissible load and maximum inflation pressure, must be clearly marked on the sidewall — giving tyre fitters, vehicle owners, and fleet managers the information needed to safely mount, inflate, and load the tyre within its rated parameters.
Additional markings required include: "TUBELESS" or "TUBE TYPE" designation, "RADIAL" designation on radial ply tyres, "REINFORCED" or "XL" for extra load tyres, and any special duty markings required by IS 15633:2022 to fully communicate the tyre's intended application and structural characteristics.
Key Safety and Performance Tests Under IS 15633:2022
The BIS ISI certification testing programme for passenger car tyres under IS 15633:2022 covers dimensional verification, load-carrying capacity, endurance, and high-speed performance. Understanding what each test verifies — and why it matters for road safety — helps manufacturers and importers prepare their products and test programmes correctly.
Measures the tyre's actual section width and overall diameter when mounted on the specified measurement rim and inflated to the specified pressure — verifying that the physical dimensions match the declared tyre size designation and fall within the tolerances specified in IS 15633:2022. Ensures dimensional compatibility with the vehicle's wheel well and suspension clearances.
Verifies that the tyre's bead diameter (the inner diameter that seats on the rim's bead seat) matches the declared rim diameter within the specified tolerances — ensuring the tyre can be safely and securely mounted on the correct rim size without risk of tyre dislodgement or bead failure during vehicle operation.
Subjects the tyre to a defined sequence of progressively increasing loads on a drum test machine — at specified speeds and ambient temperatures — for a defined number of hours or kilometres. Verifies that the tyre construction can withstand sustained overload conditions without catastrophic failure, simulating the load cycles of years of vehicle operation in accelerated form.
Tests the tyre at progressively increasing speeds on a drum machine — loaded to a defined fraction of its rated load capacity and inflated to the specified pressure — up to the maximum speed corresponding to the tyre's declared speed rating (e.g., up to 240 km/h for a V-rated tyre). Verifies that the tyre maintains integrity and does not experience tread separation, delamination, or structural failure at its rated maximum speed.
Applies a defined force to simulate impact loads against the tyre sidewall and tests the bead's resistance to unseating from the rim under defined lateral force — verifying that the tyre sidewall and bead construction can withstand road hazard impacts (potholes, kerbs) without immediate structural failure or sudden loss of air pressure.
Verifies that the tyre's actual load-carrying capacity at defined inflation pressures corresponds to the Load Index marked on the tyre sidewall — ensuring the load capacity claims made by the manufacturer are accurate and that tyres inflated and loaded within their marked parameters will not fail under normal vehicle operating conditions.
Measures the tyre's rolling resistance coefficient — the energy consumed per unit distance as the tyre rolls under load — providing informational data on fuel efficiency impact. While primarily informational under IS 15633:2022 for ISI certification purposes, rolling resistance is an increasingly important commercial parameter for OEM fitment and fleet procurement decisions.
Comprehensive visual inspection of the tyre before and after performance tests — checking for tread uniformity, sidewall uniformity, absence of manufacturing defects (blisters, splices, inclusions, ply separation), and correct sidewall marking completeness against IS 15633:2022 marking requirements.
Document Checklist for BIS ISI Certification of Passenger Car Tyres
The document set for BIS ISI certification of passenger car tyres covers factory documentation, product specifications, quality control systems, testing capability, and brand ownership evidence.
- Legal address proofs of the factory — Official documentation confirming the legal registration and address of the tyre manufacturing facility — including factory licence, lease agreement, or ownership documents confirming the facility as the manufacturing location to be covered by the BIS licence.
- Product specification sheets — Comprehensive product specifications for every tyre size and construction type being certified — including tyre size designation (section width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load index, speed rating), construction type (radial or diagonal ply), ply rating, intended rim width range, maximum inflation pressure, and maximum load capacity.
- Details of raw materials — Documentation of the raw materials used in tyre manufacture — natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord (for radial tyres), fabric cord, bead wire, chemicals — including material specifications, approved supplier list, and incoming material test records demonstrating that raw materials meet the quality standards required for IS 15633:2022 compliant tyre production.
- Details of manufacturing machinery — Comprehensive list of all production machinery — banbury mixers, tyre-building machines, curing presses, retreading equipment (if any) — with make, model, capacity, and year of manufacture, demonstrating that the facility has the production capability required for the tyre sizes and constructions being certified.
- Details of testing equipment with calibration certificates — A complete list of all in-house testing equipment — uniformity testing machines, balancing machines, dimensional measuring instruments, load-inflation pressure equipment, endurance testing equipment — with current calibration certificates confirming all instruments are within calibration at the time of BIS inspection.
- Details of QC staff and factory quality management — Details of the quality control team — number of QC personnel, qualifications, roles, and responsibilities in the tyre manufacturing QC process — along with the documented quality management procedures, in-process inspection protocols, and finished goods inspection and release procedures.
- Lab test reports from a BIS-accredited laboratory — Test reports from a BIS-accredited laboratory confirming compliance with IS 15633:2022 across all applicable test parameters — dimensional, endurance, high-speed performance, strength, and marking compliance — for the tyre sizes and constructions being submitted for BIS ISI certification.
- Factory Test Report (FTR) — foreign manufacturers — For foreign manufacturers applying under the FMCS scheme, a Factory Test Report confirming the results of in-house testing at the manufacturing facility against IS 15633:2022 requirements — submitted alongside the BIS application before the BIS factory inspection is scheduled.
- Main Application Form V — The BIS ISI certification application form (Form V), completed accurately and consistently with all product specification and factory documentation — submitted on the BIS Manak portal for domestic manufacturers or as a physical application for foreign manufacturers under FMCS.
- ISI Application Fee payment proof — Documentary evidence of the application fee payment made to BIS — typically the portal payment receipt for domestic applications or bank draft details for FMCS applications.
- Trademark / Brand Registration Certificate — Copy of the registered trademark certificate for the brand name under which the tyres are marketed in India — required where the ISI Mark is to be applied alongside a specific brand name on the tyre sidewall marking.
- AIR appointment letter (foreign manufacturers) — The formal letter appointing the Authorised Indian Representative, together with the AIR's company registration proof and photo ID of the authorised signatory — mandatory for all foreign tyre manufacturers applying under the FMCS scheme.
7-Step BIS ISI Certification Process for Passenger Car Tyres
BIS ISI certification for passenger car tyres follows a seven-step process. The typical timeline is 3 to 6 months from complete application submission — with the factory inspection scheduling and laboratory testing turnaround being the primary timeline determinants. Well-prepared manufacturers with comprehensive documentation and audit-ready factories can achieve certification at the shorter end of this range.
Confirm that the tyre qualifies as a Pneumatic Tyre for Passenger Car Vehicles (diagonal or radial ply) and verify IS 15633:2022 as the applicable standard with a BIS consultant. Confirm the BIS-accredited testing laboratory's recognition status for IS 15633:2022 testing before sample submission — ensuring tests are conducted by a laboratory whose reports BIS will accept for the certification.
Foreign tyre manufacturers must formally appoint an AIR before the BIS application can be filed under the FMCS scheme. The AIR manages the complete certification process in India — from application filing and factory inspection logistics through BIS query response, licence receipt, and ongoing compliance management. The appointment must be documented in the BIS-prescribed format.
Compile the complete documentation set — factory address proofs, product specifications for all tyre sizes being certified, raw material details, machinery list, in-house testing equipment list with calibration certificates, QC staff details, Factory Test Report (for foreign manufacturers), brand/trademark certificate, and AIR appointment documents — ensuring full internal consistency across all documents before portal submission.
Domestic manufacturers submit the BIS ISI certification application through the BIS Manak online portal with all supporting documents and pay the application fee. Foreign manufacturers submit a physical FMCS application to BIS headquarters in New Delhi. Confirm portal or application receipt before proceeding, and respond promptly to any BIS scrutiny queries to avoid processing delays.
BIS officials conduct a comprehensive factory inspection at the tyre manufacturing facility — verifying production machinery capacity and condition, in-house testing equipment and calibration status, raw material quality controls, QC processes and documentation, and compliance of the production system with IS 15633:2022 requirements. During the inspection, the BIS auditor selects representative tyre samples for independent laboratory testing. Well-organised, comprehensive, and readily accessible factory documentation significantly improves inspection outcomes.
Tyre samples selected during the factory inspection are tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory against all applicable clauses of IS 15633:2022 — including dimensional verification (section width, overall diameter, bead diameter), endurance testing under progressive load sequences, high-speed performance testing up to the declared speed rating, strength and bead unseating tests, and load capacity verification at specified inflation pressures.
BIS evaluates the factory inspection report and laboratory test results together. If both are satisfactory — factory audit passed without major non-conformities and all IS 15633:2022 test parameters met — the BIS ISI Mark licence is granted. The manufacturer receives the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number authorising the display of the ISI Mark on all passenger car tyres produced at the certified facility under the registered brand.
Certification Guidelines by Stakeholder Type
- Must have proper manufacturing and in-house testing capabilities for the tyre types being certified under IS 15633:2022
- Apply through the BIS Manak online portal with all required documents; pay application fee at submission
- Product samples are selected by BIS during factory inspection and tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory
- ISI Mark licence (CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX) granted when factory inspection and lab test results satisfy IS 15633:2022
- Use the ISI Mark only on tyres produced at the certified factory after licence is formally granted
- Must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) before application under the FMCS scheme
- Submit physical FMCS application to BIS headquarters New Delhi, including Factory Test Report (FTR)
- BIS officials conduct a factory inspection at the overseas manufacturing facility
- Product samples selected during inspection and tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory in India
- ISI Mark licence issued in manufacturer's name with AIR details on record at BIS
- Importers cannot apply for BIS ISI certification directly — only the actual manufacturer is eligible
- Must coordinate with the foreign manufacturer to obtain the BIS ISI licence before importing
- Obtain and maintain a copy of the manufacturer's valid BIS ISI licence for every tyre brand and size being imported
- Can act as AIR if formally appointed and authorised by the foreign manufacturer
- Maintain the BIS licence copy for customs clearance and market compliance at all times
- Cannot apply for BIS ISI certification directly — certification must be held by the manufacturer
- Must maintain a copy of the manufacturer's BIS ISI licence for every tyre product stocked or listed
- Can act as AIR if formally authorised by the manufacturer in writing
- For e-commerce listings: valid BIS ISI certification documentation is required by major platforms for tyre category listings
- BIS and road transport enforcement agencies monitor market channels for non-ISI-marked tyres
BIS ISI Mark Certification for Toys in India 2026 — IS 9873 and IS 15644 Complete Guide
Manufacturers with diversified product portfolios seeking BIS ISI Mark certification for consumer goods beyond tyres — including toys under the Toys QCO 2020 — will find our companion guide on BIS ISI Mark certification for toys helpful context for understanding how the Scheme I ISI Mark certification process applies across different mandatory product categories.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Manufacturing, importing, or selling passenger car tyres in India without a valid BIS ISI Mark licence is an offence under the BIS Act, 2016. With BIS and the automotive sector's enforcement environment actively policing tyre quality standards, non-compliance carries immediate legal, commercial, and safety consequences.
Tyre consignments arriving at Indian ports without valid BIS ISI Mark certification are subject to customs clearance refusal. Detained tyre shipments incur demurrage costs, create supply disruption to retail and trade customers, and cannot be re-exported or re-routed without significant commercial loss — particularly impactful for time-sensitive seasonal tyre distribution programmes.
BIS and enforcement authorities have statutory power to seize non-compliant tyres anywhere in the supply chain — from manufacturer and importer warehouses through tyre dealers and workshop stockrooms. Seized tyres are forfeited and cannot be returned to commercial use, representing a direct financial loss equal to the seized inventory value in addition to enforcement penalties.
The BIS Act, 2016 prescribes monetary penalties for manufacturing, importing, or selling IS-notified products without a valid ISI Mark licence. For tyres — a product category directly linked to road safety — penalties can be severe. Wilful, repeated, or large-scale non-compliance can also attract criminal prosecution and potential imprisonment of responsible individuals.
Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and large fleet operators require valid BIS ISI certification as a mandatory supplier qualification condition. Without ISI certification, tyre manufacturers and importers are categorically excluded from OEM fitment programmes and fleet tendering processes — the highest-volume and most commercially stable demand channels in India's passenger car tyre market.
How Rego Services Supports Your BIS ISI Tyre Certification Journey
BIS ISI certification for passenger car tyres involves factory inspection, multi-size product documentation, performance testing at BIS-accredited laboratories, and ongoing surveillance — all requiring precise execution across both the manufacturing and regulatory dimensions. Rego Services Private Limited manages the complete certification journey for tyre manufacturers entering or expanding in the Indian market — domestic and foreign manufacturers alike.
- Standard confirmation and scope assessment — We confirm IS 15633:2022 as the applicable standard for your specific tyre sizes and constructions, identify BIS-accredited laboratories qualified to conduct the required testing, and assess the full scope of the certification programme required for your product range before you commit to testing budgets and timelines.
- Factory audit preparation and gap assessment — We assess your manufacturing facility against BIS ISI Scheme I requirements for IS 15633:2022 — reviewing production machinery, in-house testing equipment and calibration records, QC documentation, raw material controls, and production records — identifying any gaps that need to be addressed before the BIS factory inspection is scheduled.
- Complete documentation preparation and review — We prepare and review the complete document set required for BIS ISI certification — factory address proofs, product specifications for each tyre size, machinery and equipment lists, QC records, FTR (for foreign manufacturers), trademark certificate, and AIR documents — verifying full consistency before submission.
- BIS application filing — Domestic and FMCS — We manage the complete BIS ISI certification application process for both domestic manufacturers (BIS Manak portal) and foreign manufacturers (FMCS physical application to BIS HQ) — handling all filing, fee payment, and document submission logistics.
- Factory inspection coordination and support — We coordinate BIS factory inspection scheduling, prepare your factory team for the audit process, ensure documentation is organised for efficient auditor review, and manage post-inspection communication with BIS regarding any queries or clarifications arising from the factory audit report.
- BIS-accredited laboratory coordination — We identify and coordinate with BIS-accredited tyre testing laboratories for IS 15633:2022 testing, manage sample submission logistics, track testing progress, and review completed test reports for completeness and accuracy before portal submission.
- BIS scrutiny query response — We respond promptly and accurately to all BIS technical and documentary queries during the application review process — drawing on our experience with IS 15633:2022 and BIS ISI Scheme I certification to resolve queries efficiently and minimise processing delays.
- AIR services for foreign manufacturers — We provide or coordinate AIR appointment and services for foreign tyre manufacturers, satisfying BIS's mandatory Indian representative requirement for the FMCS certification process and managing ongoing compliance communications between the manufacturer and BIS in India.
- Post-certification surveillance management — We maintain compliance calendars for BIS ISI licence surveillance inspections and renewal cycles, coordinate BIS surveillance visit preparation, and manage licence renewal documentation — ensuring your ISI Mark certification remains continuously valid and in good standing throughout the product life in the Indian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IS code for tyres for passenger car vehicles in India?
The applicable Indian Standard for Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles is IS 15633:2022 — titled "Automotive Vehicles — Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles — Diagonal and Radial Ply." It is the 2022 edition of the standard (replacing IS 15633:2006) and is currently applicable for all BIS ISI Mark certification applications for passenger car tyres. BIS ISI certification issued under IS 15633:2022 is mandatory for all passenger car tyre manufacturers and importers operating in India.
What is the validity of a BIS ISI licence for passenger car tyres?
BIS ISI Mark licences are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Annual renewal requires the manufacturer to demonstrate continued compliance through ongoing surveillance — BIS conducts periodic factory surveillance visits and may draw market samples for testing to verify that certified tyres continue to meet IS 15633:2022 requirements throughout the licence period. BIS reserves the right to suspend or cancel a licence if surveillance reveals non-compliance. Licence renewal fees and application fees apply at each annual renewal.
Can a single BIS ISI licence cover multiple tyre sizes?
The BIS ISI certification framework for tyres evaluates each tyre size on the basis of product testing specific to that size — dimensional measurements and performance tests (endurance, high-speed) are size-specific and cannot be directly extrapolated across all sizes within a product range. In practice, BIS applications for tyre certification typically cover a defined range of sizes within a product family, with samples drawn and tested for a representative selection. The specific scope coverage and any size-grouping provisions should be confirmed with a BIS consultant and the testing laboratory before the application is structured, as this has a material impact on testing costs and timelines.
Does BIS ISI certification cover run-flat tyres or EV-optimised tyres for passenger cars?
Run-flat tyres and EV-optimised tyres for passenger cars that are pneumatic tyres in the passenger car tyre category are covered under IS 15633:2022 and require BIS ISI certification before they can be sold in India. Run-flat tyres may have specific technical parameters (reinforced sidewall constructions) that must be accurately reflected in the product specifications declared in the BIS application. Manufacturers of these tyre types should confirm with their BIS consultant whether any specific IS provisions or additional documentation requirements apply to run-flat or EV-specific tyre constructions under the current IS 15633:2022 framework.
✓ Key Takeaways
- BIS ISI Mark Certification is mandatory for all Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles in India — both radial ply and diagonal ply — under the BIS Act, 2016
- The applicable Indian Standard is IS 15633:2022 — "Automotive Vehicles — Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Car Vehicles — Diagonal and Radial Ply" — the 2022 edition replacing IS 15633:2006
- Radial ply tyres dominate the Indian passenger car market (95%+ of sales) — designated "R" in the tyre size (e.g., 205/55 R16); diagonal ply is used on heritage and specialist vehicles
- IS 15633:2022 is aligned with UNECE R30 and relevant ISO tyre standards — but BIS ISI certification remains a separate and mandatory India-specific process
- The ISI Mark must display the IS number (IS 15633:2022) and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number on every certified tyre's sidewall
- BIS ISI certification is under Scheme I — involving both factory inspection and independent laboratory testing — not the CRS scheme used for electronics
- Foreign manufacturers must apply under FMCS with a physical application to BIS HQ New Delhi and must appoint an AIR
- Tyre certification is size-specific — each tyre size being certified must be tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory; there is no single blanket brand registration covering all sizes
- The typical certification timeline is 3 to 6 months from complete application — factory inspection scheduling and laboratory testing are the primary timeline determinants
- Non-compliance carries customs detention, market seizure, monetary penalties, criminal liability, and exclusion from OEM fitment and fleet procurement programmes
Your Next Step
BIS ISI certification for passenger car tyres is a multi-step, manufacturer-specific process that involves factory inspection, size-by-size product testing, and ongoing annual surveillance. In a market growing at 7–9% annually — where OEM fitment, fleet operators, and major retailers all require ISI certification as a non-negotiable procurement condition — there is no path to commercial success in India's passenger car tyre market that bypasses this certification.
Rego Services' regulatory team manages the complete BIS ISI tyre certification journey — from IS 15633:2022 scope confirmation, factory audit preparation, and BIS-accredited laboratory coordination through application filing, inspection support, BIS query response, and annual renewal management — for both domestic Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers entering India through the FMCS route.
Contact Rego Services today to begin your BIS ISI certification for Passenger Car Tyres and build a compliant path to India's automotive market.