The vehicle horn, also known as an audible warning device, is used by drivers during vehicle operation to emit necessary sound signals to alert pedestrians or other vehicles, thereby ensuring road safety. The horn produces sound through the vibration of a metal diaphragm and can generally be classified into two types based on the sound generation mechanism: air horns and electric horns.
Air horns utilize compressed air flow to vibrate the metal diaphragm, producing a loud, high-pitched sound that travels over long distances. They are commonly used in large and medium-sized vehicles for long-distance transportation.
Electric horns, on the other hand, employ electromagnetic force to vibrate the metal diaphragm and generate sound. They are typically characterized by simple construction and compact size, making them widely adopted in automobiles.
China: CQC Certification
Vehicle horns were previously included in the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) scope.
However, according to Announcement No. 11 of 2018 issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in June 2018, vehicle horns have been removed from the compulsory certification list and are no longer subject to mandatory CCC certification.
Although CCC certification is no longer required for vehicle horns, manufacturers may opt for voluntary CQC Mark Certification. The China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) has included vehicle horns in its voluntary certification program, following the implementation rule CQC16-491283-2018 for electric and air horns used in vehicles of categories M, N, and L.
The applicable standard for CQC certification of vehicle horns is GB 15742, which was updated in 2019. The scope of the standard was revised from “applicable to audible warning devices (horns) for vehicles of categories M, N, L3, L4, and L5 driven by electricity or compressed air” to ”applicable to electric and air horns (hereinafter referred to as horns) for vehicles of categories M, N, and L,” thereby including horns for L1 and L2 category light motorcycles. The updated standard, GB 15742-2019, took effect on January 1, 2020.
European Union: E-mark Certification
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulates audible warning devices under Regulation No. 28 (UNECE R28), which mandates type approval for horns used in vehicles of categories M, N, and L3 to L5. Testing requirements for vehicle horns in the EU include general performance specifications, sound pressure level testing, and endurance tests.
Australia: ADR Certification
The Australian Design Rules (ADR), established under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA), set national standards for motor vehicles and trailers in Australia. ADR certification for vehicle horns is administered by the Vehicle Safety Standards (VSS) branch, with specific testing conducted in accordance with ADR 94.
India: CMVR Certification
The Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) certification is overseen by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India. Product samples generally must be sent to approved local testing agencies in India for evaluation. CMVR certification applies to electric horns, which are categorized into four types (Type 1, Type 2A, Type 2B, and Type 3) based on working principles and vehicle applications. Compliance is assessed against the Indian Standard IS 1884:1993.
Brazil: INMETRO Certification
INMETRO certification is administered by the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality of Brazil. The scope of INMETRO certification covers a wide range of products, including household appliances, medical devices, automotive components, LED light sources, and pressure vessels. In accordance with Ordinance No. 301, vehicle horns are required to obtain INMETRO certification.
Argentina: CHAS Certification
The CHAS certification (Certificate of Approval of Auto Parts and/or Security Elements) in Argentina applies to automotive parts in the aftermarket. Currently, Argentina does not have a national standard for vehicle horns. Instead, products are tested according to the European Union’s UN Regulation No. 28.
Eurasian Union: EAC Certification
The EAC (Eurasian Conformity) certification is a product compliance system implemented by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The EAEU, formerly known as the Customs Union (CU) comprising Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, was later joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. To date, the Eurasian Union has published 66 technical regulations, 48 of which are currently in force. These regulations cover a wide range of products, including motor vehicles, electrical appliances, light industrial goods, children's products, chemicals, and food items. Vehicle horns are subject to mandatory certification under Regulation TP TC 018/2011, which incorporates technical requirements aligned with UNECE Regulation No. 28.
