FAQ – Frequently asked questions about IMDS, training, and compliance

The IMDS (International Material Data System) is used by the automotive industry to document all materials used in vehicle construction. It ensures compliance with bans or restrictions on substances and simplifies recycling. Further information can be found here.

The IMDS is free for companies in the automotive supply chain. Member OEMs finance its development and provision. The CAMDS is a similar system used in China. The CDX can be used across industries and covers a wider range of regulations.

We provide training in the IMDS, CDX and CAMDS material databases, as well as in material and product compliance and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment).

You can find an overview of all our training courses on ipCampus.

They must maintain all relevant material data for their products in IMDS in a complete, consistent and legally compliant manner. This includes information on the materials and substances used, including their percentages, as well as complete structure mapping from component to material level. They must also provide weight specifications, classifications and labels in accordance with applicable legal requirements, such as REACH or the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive. If recycled materials are used, their origin and proportions must be documented in a traceable manner.

When it comes to recycled materials, it is important to note that their composition, quality and traceability depend heavily on the source of the materials and the recycling process used. It is important to distinguish between post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials, as they can differ in terms of contamination levels and quality.

Consistent material properties and reliable quality assurance are also important to ensure the materials are suitable for their intended use. Legal requirements such as REACH, RoHS and product safety regulations still apply — recyclates must not contain any substances that were permissible when they were first used, but which are now prohibited or restricted.

Additionally, the percentage of mechanical, chemical, and biogenic recycled materials must be specified. The permissible ranges of variation according to the respective standards or customer specifications must also be observed. Precise data collection and documentation in material or product data management are required to ensure transparency and traceability. Certifications such as RCS, GRS or EuCertPlast help credibly verify the origin and proportion of recycled materials.

The EUDR significantly impacts existing data processes. Product and supplier data must be expanded to include information such as CN or HS codes, the origin of the products, and the geocoordinates of the areas where they were cultivated or harvested. This creates an obligation for complete traceability down to parcel level. ERP, PLM and SCM systems require new data fields, plausibility checks and links between batches, suppliers and origin data. Furthermore, companies must be able to submit the necessary due diligence declarations electronically via the EU TRACES NT portal. These requirements increase the complexity of data maintenance and the associated quality and versioning requirements, as well as the effort required for documentation and auditability.

They currently apply in accordance with Directive 2011/65/EU and are listed in Annexes III and IV. These describe situations in which the use of restricted substances, such as lead, mercury or cadmium, is temporarily permitted because suitable alternatives are not yet available. These exemptions are temporary and are regularly reviewed by the European Commission, who may extend or revoke them as necessary. Companies must therefore continuously check whether the exemptions they use are still valid. The EU Commission publishes the current overview in the “RoHS Directive – Implementation” section of its website.

The PCF can be specified directly within an MDB and is integrated into IMDS. CO₂ emissions can be specified for materials, semi-finished products and parts. This is based on the ISO 14067 methodology and guided by the Catena-X PCF Rulebook specifications.

The PCF for each component can be stored as a ‘cradle-to-gate’ value, alongside information on data quality, calculation methodology and validity period. This information is included in the material data, enabling CO₂ data to be aggregated and passed on transparently across the entire supply chain. Additionally, the transport carbon footprint can be specified.

We can provide comprehensive support to companies integrating their suppliers. Initially, this involves analysing and structuring the supply chain to identify all relevant partners in IMDS. We can then handle communication, training and support for suppliers, helping them to understand the requirements and submit their material data correctly and on time.

We also support the checking, evaluation and approval of submitted data records, ensuring data quality and completeness. If necessary, we can also create templates, test criteria, and process guidelines to ensure a uniform approach.

By combining project management, supplier support and technical consultancy, we ensure that all suppliers are efficiently integrated into the system and that the necessary material data for compliance and sustainability is reliably available.

Arrange a free needs assessment and let us know where you need support.

That varies. We charge an hourly rate for training courses, plus travel expenses if applicable. For consulting services, we provide a personalised quote based on your specific requirements.

The best thing to do is contact us directly so we can provide you with a quote tailored to your needs.