Overview
ISO/TR 8357:1996 is a Technical Report that provides practical instructions for requesting and assigning World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes for Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) systems and World Parts Manufacturer Identifier (WPMI) codes. It explains the roles of the International Agency (IA) and designated National Organizations (NO) and describes maintenance of master assignment lists and files in accordance with ISO 3780 and ISO 4100.
Key Topics
- Roles and responsibilities
- International Agency (designated: SAE) maintains global master lists and publishes biannually.
- National Organizations are designated in each country to request and assign codes locally.
- Country code assignment
- NOs request the first two characters of WMI/WPMI codes from the IA; allocations are sized for future needs.
- A two-character allotment supports multiple manufacturer codes (document notes 32 WMI and 1 024 WPMI combinations for a two-digit scheme).
- Manufacturer requests
- Vehicle manufacturers apply to their NO with name, address, vehicle category(ies), and planned annual production.
- Parts-only manufacturers supply name, address and types of parts to be produced.
- WPMI formation rules
- A vehicle manufacturer producing parts uses its WMI plus the numeral “0” in the fourth position to form a WPMI.
- If a WMI has “9” in the third position (manufacturers producing fewer than 500 vehicles/year), the NO assigns a different fourth-character (excluding “0”) for WPMI.
- Code lifecycle and change management
- Codes must be forwarded by NOs to the IA for inclusion in global lists.
- Once cancelled, codes shall not be reassigned for 30 years.
- Guidance is provided for mergers/acquisitions-NOs decide whether new codes are necessary.
- Publications
- IA publishes lists by code sequence and by manufacturer, and records terminations and NO contact details, biannually or on request.
Applications
- Organizations using ISO/TR 8357:
- National vehicle registration authorities and National Organizations assigning WMI/WPMI.
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers requesting and managing codes for VIN and parts identification.
- Regulatory bodies, compliance officers, and supply-chain/data managers tracking manufacturer identifiers for registration, type approval, warranty and parts traceability.
- Practical uses:
- Ensures unique global identification of manufacturers in VINs and parts labels.
- Supports regulatory compliance, vehicle registration, recall management and aftermarket parts sourcing.
Related Standards
Keywords: WMI, WPMI, VIN, ISO/TR 8357, ISO 3780, ISO 4100, vehicle identification, manufacturer codes, International Agency, National Organization.