Trade Certificate for Test Agencies – Process, Documents and Validity

A Trade Certificate for Test Agencies is needed to legally carry out testing, moving, and validating unregistered vehicles as required by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles (15th Amendment) Rules, 2022 [G.S.R. 703(E)]. This certificate allows recognized testing organizations to work within legal limits and ensure they follow rules and keep safety standards.

• The Trade Certificate lets testing bodies perform checks and move unregistered vehicles, not just those that are temporarily registered.
• It helps to follow the CMVR, 1989 as updated by GSR 703(E) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• It allows testing for performance, flows, and safety on prototype and pre-production vehicles.
• It helps to track and keep records through the VAHAN portal, ensuring transparency and avoiding legal issues or fines for using unregistered vehicles.
• It helps test agencies build trust and credibility with manufacturers and government bodies.

To obtain a Trade Certificate for Test Agencies, the applicant must be a recognized testing agency under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as amended by the CMVR (15th Amendment) Rules, 2022 [G.S.R. 703(E)].

Key Eligibility Points:

• Must be an authorized vehicle testing agency (e.g., ARAI, ICAT, GARC, NATRAX).
• Should have valid testing infrastructure and place of business.
• Must apply online through the VAHAN portal to the local registering authority.
• Should comply with Rules 33 to 35B of CMVR as amended by GSR 703(E).
• Provide identifiers (e.g., PAN/GST) as required by the VAHAN application workflow.

Process to obtain a Trade Certificate for Test Agencies from the RTO as per Rules 33 to 35 of CMVR, 1989 and the CMVR (15th Amendment) Rules, 2022 [G.S.R. 703(E)].

 Prepare Documents  Submit Online Application  Upload Documents & Pay Fees  RTO Verification  Issuance of Trade Certificate

Note: The Trade Certificate for Test Agencies number must be clearly displayed at the agency premises, and all test vehicle operations must comply with CMVR standards.

Below are the key details on the validity and renewal process of a Trade Certificate for Test Agencies:

Test agencies can use vehicles under their Trade Certificate only for:

• Testing and validation purposes.
• Demonstrations or government trials.
• Transportation of prototypes between approved facilities.

Such vehicles must show the Trade Registration Mark (white letters on red background) on both front and rear and be recorded in Form 19 (digital e-register on the portal). Shape

The format for vehicles under a Trade Certificate for Test Agencies follows this pattern: AB 12 A 1234 TC 0001, where:

• AB = State Code
• 12 = RTO Code
• A = Vehicle Class
• 1234 = Agency ID
• TC 0001 = Trade Certificate Number

The Trade Certificate for Test Agencies can be “suspended” or “cancelled” if:

• The agency violates CMVR Rules 39–43B.
• The authorization under Rule 126 is withdrawn.
• The testing location changes without prior notice in Form 17C.

Note: Suspension may only occur after the agency is given a chance to respond.

A Trade Certificate for Test Agencies stands as a mark of compliance, technical credibility, and legal assurance for every recognized vehicle testing organization in India. It reflects the agency’s commitment to maintaining safety, transparency, and accountability throughout the testing and certification process.

At Professional Utilities, we assist you in navigating the entire process, from documents preparation to online approval, with precision and efficiency. Obtain your Trade Certificate easily through the “VAHAN” portal and maintain full compliance with MoRTH rules for your testing activities.