The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, IMDS Release 14.0, and RoHS changes were just three of the main topics discussed at the virtual IMDS user convention. About 30 IMDS users and experts met online to share ideas and learn lots of useful information about the latest themes. Our aim to bring the IMDS community together started back in 2018 and even the restrictions caused by the pandemic have not diverted us from this goal. The event was held online for the second time and the feedback we received from the participants has demonstrated its genuine value: “The user convention was very helpful”, “There were lots of opportunities to share information and learn about interesting topics”, “I was able to take away a lot of information, new insights, and practical tips”.

The participants were able to enjoy a highly varied program: Tim Thome from imds professional gave an overview of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act that will come into effect in Germany in 2023. The key takeaway was that all companies in the supply chain can be (indirectly) affected and should prepare themselves to ensure they can provide information about the origin and manufacturing conditions relating to their products and materials. Dr. Berthold Liebig of ebm-Papst spoke about the upcoming changes to the RoHS Directive and what they mean specifically for his company. Even though RoHS affects electronic products first, many changes will also be incorporated into ELV, so the automotive industry may also be affected. In his presentation, Georg Abts of Covestro highlighted the challenges of recycling plastics and showed possible solutions. Dr. Michael Riess from the VDE Institute discussed what companies can do if they do not receive supplier data or want to validate it, namely obtain laboratory tests from the VDE Institute. The interfaces to the IMDS and its sister system the CDX as well as to the Chinese CAMDS system were presented by Carsten Zimmermann, who showed how each can be used. And last but not least, Jonas Tilly from DXC Technology presented his forecast on the changes that will come into effect through IMDS Release 14.0, which is scheduled for the end of 2022/beginning of 2023, and Release 14.1, which will follow in mid-2023. Among other things, there is to be a new SC90 check for filled/unfilled thermoplastics, basic substances marked as confidential will be automatically disclosed after they become declarable, and more contact information will be displayed, e.g. for MDB requests as well as for a standard contact person.

The participants also gathered in small groups in virtual breakout rooms to delve more deeply into the topics discussed in the presentations and to share knowledge and ideas with each other and the experts. Other aspects such as the handling of biocides and conflict minerals were also discussed. In addition, questions and problems from daily practice and their possible solutions were also considered in a separate breakout room.

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