Before products can be sold in many countries, their manufacturers are required to test and certify they meet government standards. While many countries establish their own unique standards, others simply choose to adopt established standards to simplify global complexity.
In the case of tires, manufacturers are required to test and certify they meet all applicable safety and performance standards, which can include physical dimensions, sidewall branding and durability, as well as high-speed endurance, road noise and/or wet traction.
Once the testing and paperwork has been completed, the tire manufacturer can brand the required mark(s) on the tire's sidewall (typically near the wheel). Since many tires are sold globally, tires can be branded with more than one governmental approval code.
Several examples of the governmental approval codes follow.
Brazil
Inmetro - National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality
The letter "N" superimposed over the letter "I" (sometimes erroneously called the "I" code).
China
China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark
China Compulsory Certification mark for products being exported to or sold in the Peoples Republic of China.
Europe
United Nations Economic Commission of Europe (U.N.E.C.E.)
More information
Indonesia
Indonesian National Standard
Indonesian National Standard certification mark for products being exported to or sold in Indonesia.
Mexico
Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM)
"Official Mexican Standard" (commonly referred to as NOM or normas).
Orders
