Buying custom forged wheels for the German market is often not blocked by design—it is blocked by paperwork. If the wrong approval route is used, a wheel set can be rejected at inspection, the vehicle can be flagged as non-compliant, and costly rework can be forced.
Below, a practical buyer checklist is provided for importers, tuning shops, and wheel brands that sell aftermarket / replacement wheels in Germany.
1) First decision: which approval route will be used in Germany?
In Germany, wheels are commonly sold and installed under one of these routes:
| Route (Germany/EU) | What it is | What should be asked from the supplier |
|---|---|---|
| UNECE R124 (ECE approval) | Type approval for new replacement wheels; the scope and marking rules are defined by UNECE. | ECE R124 approval documents + the approval marking details that will be cast/engraved. |
| KBA / ABE | A German approval route tied to StVZO and issued via designated bodies; often used for aftermarket wheels. | ABE document and KBA number (should be traceable). |
| Teilegutachten / Part certificate (StVZO §19(3)) | Used when no ECE/ABE is available; installation is typically followed by inspection/entry requirements. | Teilegutachten (test report) and clear fitment notes for the exact vehicle. |
Buyer rule: one route should be selected early, and the marking + documents should be aligned before production is started. In UNECE R124, markings are required to be permanent, visible, and legible when fitted.
2) Test basis: what wheel strength tests should be demanded?
For Germany, wheel testing is commonly built around fatigue strength (bending) and rolling / radial tests, and is often referenced against German road approval expectations and ECE R124.
For German-type documents, it is very common for the test basis to be stated as VdTÜV Merkblatt 751 (fatigue strength focus) inside the Teilegutachten/approval paperwork.
Minimum proof package (should be requested):
- Dynamic fatigue results (cornering/bending)
- Radial / rolling fatigue results
- Impact test result (especially important for low-profile fitments)
- A test report that shows: wheel spec, load, cycles, pass/fail, and lab identity
Helpful global add-on (not Germany-specific, but widely understood):
- SAE J2530 test coverage can be asked for when extra proof is needed for passenger car/light truck aftermarket wheels.
3) Marking & traceability checklist (these items should be enforced)
To avoid “paper passes but field fails,” traceability should be locked in.
On-wheel marking (should be required):
- Wheel size (e.g., 9.5Jx20)
- Offset (ET)
- Load rating (or max load)
- Manufacturing ID / batch ID
- Approval mark requirements (if ECE R124 is used)
Traceability file (should be provided per batch):
- Material heat number / batch
- Forging blank batch info
- Heat treatment batch record (if used)
- CNC program revision + inspection plan version
- Final QC record per wheel (or per defined sampling plan)
4) Fitment data that must be checked (Germany is strict on “exact match”)
In Germany, “almost fits” is treated as “does not fit.” The following should be confirmed in writing:
- PCD (bolt pattern)
- Center bore and hub-centric solution
- Seat type (cone/ball/flat) and correct hardware requirement
- Brake clearance (template should be supplied)
- Fender clearance and full steering lock clearance
- TPMS compatibility (if applicable)
- Tire size compatibility notes (where required by the approval route)
If a wheel/tire combination is outside what is already covered by the vehicle’s operating permit, an inspection/entry process can be triggered under German rules, so vehicle-specific notes should be demanded.
5) Finish & corrosion requirements that are often overlooked
German customers will notice finish problems quickly, especially in winter conditions.
Finish controls that should be requested:
- Coating structure definition (primer/base/clear, or powder system)
- Salt spray / corrosion evidence (test method and hours should be documented)
- Adhesion test record (cross-cut or similar)
- Clear edge control at spoke windows and bolt seats
Packaging rule (simple but critical):
- Face protection + edge protection should be enforced
- Each wheel should be packed so that metal-to-metal contact is avoided
6) Document pack that should be delivered before shipment
A German-ready shipment should be supported by a clean document set.
Core documents (per order):
- Commercial invoice (complete fields, consistent terms)
- Packing list (wheel specs per carton/pallet)
- Country of origin statement (if required by the buyer)
- Approval document set (ECE R124 / ABE / Teilegutachten—whichever route was chosen)
Quality documents (per batch):
- Dimensional inspection report (size/ET/PCD/center bore)
- Runout result (radial + lateral)
- Balance check result (if agreed)
- Final appearance inspection record (finish, scratches, pinholes)
Anti-fraud control (strongly recommended):
- Certificate numbers should be verified with the issuing body, and PDF-only “certs” should not be accepted without cross-check.
7) Incoming inspection in Germany (fast routine that prevents expensive claims)
When wheels arrive, this quick gate should be applied:
- Markings checked vs. purchase order and approval papers
- Random sample measured: center bore, PCD, ET, bolt seat
- Runout checked on a simple fixture
- Finish checked under strong light (especially spoke edges)
- Packaging damage documented immediately
8) Buyer-ready RFQ checklist (copy/paste)
When buying custom forged wheels for Germany, these RFQ items should be included:
- Target approval route: ECE R124 / ABE / Teilegutachten
- Vehicle list + brake template (if needed)
- Wheel specs: size, ET, PCD, center bore, load target
- Test report requirements: fatigue + impact + rolling
- Marking requirements and location
- Finish system and corrosion test requirement
- Traceability requirements (batch ID, material batch, QC records)
- Required shipment documents (approval pack included before shipping)
A practical note from FLEXIFORGED
At FLEXIFORGED, forged blanks are sourced from specialized partners, while CNC machining (3/4/5-axis), painting, polishing, and brushing are controlled in-house. Documentation can be prepared as a buyer-ready pack, so German market checks are passed with less back-and-forth.
If a Germany-focused RFQ is being prepared, the vehicle list + intended approval route should be shared first, and a compliant spec sheet can be built around it.