Overview
ISO 4100:1980 specifies the content and structure of the World Parts Manufacturer Identifier (WPMI) code to establish, on a worldwide basis, unambiguous identification of manufacturers of parts for road vehicles (as defined in ISO 3833). The WPMI is intended as an option for manufacturers that wish to supplement or substitute existing national or international identification systems.
The WPMI provides a compact, standardized identifier that supports global traceability and manufacturer accountability for at least 30 years after last use of a code.
Key Topics
- Code format: The WPMI consists of four alphanumeric characters.
- Allowed characters: Arabic numerals (0–9) and Roman letters are used; the letters I, O and Q are not used to avoid confusion. The standard lists the permitted characters explicitly.
- Country designation: The first two characters designate the country associated with the manufacturer. If a country block is not assigned, national bodies request allocation from the International Agency defined by ISO 3780.
- Cases for assignment: The standard defines specific cases for composing the 3rd and 4th characters depending on whether the parts manufacturer also holds a WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) for vehicles and on the vehicle-manufacturer production profile.
- When a parts manufacturer also has a WMI of three characters, the last two WPMI positions follow that WMI-based rule.
- Where no country block exists, the third character may be the numeral 9 and the fourth character is set by the national organization.
- Administration: Assigned WPMI codes are maintained and checked by an International Agency acting under ISO authorization (delegated maintenance by SAE as noted in the standard). National organizations assign codes to manufacturers headquartered in their country.
- Retention: A WPMI code assigned to a parts manufacturer shall not be reassigned to another manufacturer for at least 30 years after its last year of use.
Applications
- Facilitates global traceability of parts and accountability of parts manufacturers across supply chains.
- Enables consistent identification for regulatory reporting, warranty management, recall coordination and cross-border trade.
- Can be used in marking, documentation, databases and digital part registries as a standardized manufacturer identifier.
Related Standards
- ISO 3780 - World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code (vehicle manufacturers) - relates to country blocks and WMI rules referenced by ISO 4100.
- ISO 3833 - Road vehicles - terms and definitions (scope reference for parts intended for road vehicles).
- ISO guide for implementation of WMI/WPMI assignments (under preparation at time of publication).
For implementation and administration details consult the ISO 4100:1980 text and the International Agency named by ISO (SAE) and your national standards organization for code allocation and maintenance procedures.
