A certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for all types of automotive tyres and tubes from May 18.
As per the directive of the BIS, all types of tyres and tubes for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars and commercial vehicles would now need BIS marking to be sold in the city.
K. Anbarasu, Deputy Director General, BIS, Southern Region, said manufacturers had to conform to four different standards — IS 15627, IS 15633, IS15636 and IS 13098 — according to the category of tyres and tubes.
The certification would help check quality of tyres and tubes in the market, particularly those being imported from other countries, and ensure consumer safety, he said.
“So far, we have received 17 applications for approval from various manufacturers for tyres and eight from tube manufacturers in the Southern region,” he said.
The BIS has identified three laboratories to execute testing of the tyres for certification. They are Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association (IRMRA), Thane, Central Institute of Road Transport, Pune and Automotive Research Association of India, Pune.
Manufacturers may send applications along with test report, which would be verified by BIS officials. Another procedure is certifying the product based on samples taken from the manufacturer's premises. The licence would be valid for a year.
Accidents
P. Thavamani, director of IRMRA affiliated to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said lower grade quality tyres were one of the reasons for accidents.
Tyres imported by manufacturers are however exempted from the BIS marking as they would be used for a particular brand name. Similarly, tyres fitted in imported vehicles are also exempted from the certification as the automobile companies would be held accountable for such products, he said.
“We will approach the respective state road transport corporation in various states to ensure conformation of tyre standards,” Mr.Thavamani added.
N.Natchimuthu, head of Department of Rubber and Plastics Technology, MIT, said a workshop was held recently on rubber components in the institution. The standardisation is essential as Chennai is becoming the hub of tyre manufacturers.
In order to reach out to consumers and small and medium tube manufacturing enterprises, the BIS would conduct awareness campaigns and workshops in the city and hold discussions with dealers and district industries centres. Besides conducting raids on the manufacturing units, market samples would be taken to check quality, said BIS officials.
