The next IMDS release, originally planned for late 2022/early 2023, is currently scheduled for May 10, 2023. The following changes will occur:

• Structure mix
  • The addition introduced with Release 13.2 for check messages for different node types on the same level will be removed again. Instead, an option will be introduced to define the purpose of each non-component reference at the same level as a component.
• SC90 for filled/unfilled thermoplastics
  • For classification 5.1.a (filled thermoplastics) at least 5% fillers are tested, for classification 5.1.b (unfilled thermoplastics) less than 5%.
  • A new group of substances is introduced, which includes all substances that can be used as fillers in thermoplastic polymers.
• Extended contact information
  • Newly created MDS requests can be assigned a contact person. If the contact person is later deactivated, the default contact of the company will be displayed instead.
  • To ensure that a company’s default contact is always set up correctly, company administrators are prompted every 90 days to confirm or update their company’s default contact.
• Disclosure of confidential reportable substances
  • Two weeks after each GADSL/SVHC update, all newly flagged substances in all materials in which they have been used are automatically revealed and marked as “confidential”.
  • Users are notified of the newly flagged substances when they first log in and must confirm that they are updating their MDS with jokers.
• Check for old MDSs
  • All datasheets older than 10 years will display an error when checked, and datasheets with a reference to 10 year old or older datasheets will display a warning.
  • Material manufacturers can mark their own old materials as “still valid” and thus avoid the test message for another five years.
• Techno circular economy and bio-based materials
  • The IMDS is being expanded to include options for specifying techno-circular recycling (e.g., chemical recycling) and proportions of bio-based materials.

In our release training, we explain what these changes mean for you.