GB16735-2019
Road vehicle—Vehicle identification number (VIN)
道路车辆 车辆识别代号（VIN）
GB 16735-2019 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Road vehicle—Vehicle identification number (VIN). It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a occupational safety focus and has an implementation date of Jan 1, 2020.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard is mandatory and applies to automobiles (including incomplete vehicles), trailers, motorcycles, and mopeds manufactured or imported into the Chinese market. It is essential for all vehicle manufacturers and final-stage modifiers to ensure their products comply with these VIN regulations.
Technical requirements
This standard specifies the content, structure, and marking requirements for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN consists of 17 characters divided into three main sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and the Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS). The VDS must describe general vehicle characteristics such as body type and powertrain features, while the VIS includes a year code and assembly plant identifier. Manufacturers must ensure the VIN is uniquely assigned and permanently marked on the vehicle. The standard details specific marking locations based on vehicle categories. For instance, M1 category vehicles must have the VIN marked on a non-removable structural part in the engine compartment or door pillar, and certain heavy commercial vehicles require marking on specific frame sections. Additionally, vehicles with electronic control units must store the VIN in a non-erasable format. Manufacturers are strictly prohibited from altering a marked VIN without authorization. For multi-stage manufacturing, intermediate and final-stage manufacturers must retain the original VIN from the incomplete vehicle and ensure it is properly displayed on the final product's nameplate. The standard also outlines the procedures and technical requirements for the re-identification or modification of VINs in case of marking errors or necessary changes, requiring specific modification identifiers. Any VIN modification requires prior approval from the authorized agency.
Testing methods
The standard outlines specific evaluation procedures for VIN compliance, including visual and dimensional inspections of directly punched characters to verify height and depth requirements. It also specifies a mathematical calculation method for the check digit (the 9th character of the VIN) to ensure transcription accuracy. Manufacturers must verify that their check digit calculation aligns with the standard's weighted formula.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 16735-2019?
GB 16735-2019 applies to automobiles (including incomplete vehicles), trailers, motorcycles, and mopeds. It is mandatory for all these vehicle categories manufactured for or imported into the Chinese market.
Are there any significant updates from the previous GB 16735-2004 version?
The 2019 version updates definitions for completed vehicles and incomplete vehicles, modifies the requirements for the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and introduces new regulations for the re-identification or modification of already-marked VINs. Manufacturers must comply with these updated marking and structural requirements.
How does GB 16735-2019 differ from international ISO standards?
The standard is based on ISO 3779:2009 but incorporates specific Chinese national requirements. It mandates unique structural marking locations for different vehicle types (e.g., specific frame locations for heavy trucks) and requires electronic storage in ECUs for vehicles equipped with them. Importers must ensure their VIN rules are filed with Chinese authorized agencies.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 16735-2019. To ensure complete compliance for your vehicles entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 16735-2019 today to access all detailed parameters, marking diagrams, and calculation procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Management
- CCS
- T04
- ICS
- 43.020
- Competent department
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Relationships
Replaces:GB 16735-2004