Meaning of Homologation and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) :
Homologation & CoC is mandatory for all type of vehicles that are made or imported into country.
But before directly jumping on 'Homologation', we need to understand the term 'Roadworthiness'.
Roadworthiness -
Roadworthiness is ability of vehicle to be in a suitable operating condition or meeting acceptable standards for safe driving and transport of people or goods in roads.The roadworthy inspection is designed to check the vehicle to make sure that it's important auto parts are in a good (not top) condition that is enough for safe road use.
It includes:-
- Wheels and tyres
- Steering, suspensions and braking systems
- Seats and seatbelts
- Lights and reflectors
- Windscreen, and windows including front wipers and washers
- Vehicle structure
- Other safety related items on the body, chassis or engine
Homologation is the process of certifying that particular vehicle is roadworthy and matches certain specified criteria laid out by government for all the vehicles which are made and imported into that country. Test ensures that vehicle matches the requirements in terms of emission, safety & road-worthiness.
In India - Homologation is categorized as below -
Category L 1 - Motorcycle with maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h and engine capacity not exceeding 50cc if fitted with thermic engine or motor power not exceeding 0.5 kilo watt if fitted with electric motor.
Category L 2 - Motorcycles other than category L1
Category M 1 - Motor Vehicle used for carrying passengers, comprising not more than 8 seats including driver
Category M 2 - Motor Vehicle used for carrying passengers, comprising seats 9 or more than 9 but gross vehicle weight less than 5 ton
Category M 3 - Motor Vehicle used for carrying passengers, comprising seats 9 or more than 9 but gross vehicle weight more than 5 ton
Category N 1 - Motor Vehicle used for carrying goods,& having gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 ton
Category N 2 - Motor Vehicle used for carrying goods,& having gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 ton but not exceeding 12 tons
Category N 3 - Motor Vehicle used for carrying goods,& having gross vehicle weight exceeding 12 tons
A Certificate of Conformity or CoC is a mandatory document which is necessary for Customs clearance of exports to many countries around the globe.The Certificate of Conformity shows that the goods being exported comply with the relevant technical as well safety regulations and national, regional or international standards of the country of import.
Who issues CoC ?
Certificate of Conformity or CoC can be issued by manufacturer itself or independent third party labs after all the required test passed.Below are the few independent test facilities in India.
Homologation Test Facilities in India -
- ARAI-Pune : One of the premier testing facilities of the country which carries out more than 90 % of India's homologation activities presently.
- iCAT Manesar : International Center for Automotive Technology ( iCAT) Manesar,is the principal homologation & R&D center in North India.
- GARC Chennai : The center have certification test facilities to conduct the performance testing of full range of automobile.The center have the center of excellence for passive safety,EMC and automotive infotronics.
- NATRAX Indore
- NIAIMT Silchar
- VRDE Ahmednagar
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