GETTING STARTED WITH THE IMDS SYSTEM AT ENVIROPASS EXPERTISE

The IMDS System is a practical tool to ensure manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive industry can meet obligations set forth by international environmental regulations and standards.

What is an IMDS System?

IMDS stands for the International Material Data System and is a valuable online platform in the automotive industry. The IMDS goal is to have a global data repository for material data related to the automotive industry. IMDS was initially developed by a group of automotive manufacturers to meet the requirements of end-of-life vehicle directives, particularly the European Union’s ELV Directive.

In brief, manufacturers and suppliers report, evaluate and archive all the parts to make a vehicle in the system. The centralized platform helps them meet environmental regulations. Indeed, the automotive supply chain is subject to many requirements, including recyclability, under the law.

As environmental standards continue to evolve, it is critical to assess the compliance of previous parts. The materials breakdown recorded in the platform can help identify those parts that do not meet the latest regulations.

Moreover, with the centralized system, IMDS prevents the presence of hazardous substances in automotive components while allowing vehicles to be recyclable according to the ELV Directive. Following the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive, vehicles become scrap after a time. Their disposal process must be eco-friendly. If they are recycled, each of their parts must be identifiable in the IMDS platform.

Although reporting materials data in IMDS is not always mandatory, other companies in the automotive supply chain may require it.

What Do you Need to be Compliant with the IMDS System?

At Enviropass, we provide unique solutions tailored to your compliance needs.

All you need to provide to us is your product’s bill of materials (BOM).
Our dedicated team, trained by a certified environmental auditor, will contact your suppliers and guide them through the registration process.
We will ask suppliers to report the following information about each part: weight, size, and material composition.

By working with Enviropass, you can focus on the essence of your business and leave your environment-related concerns to us.

How Can Suppliers Report on the IMDS Platform?

Enviropass will assist your suppliers throughout the entire process of reporting on the IMDS platform. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process:

Registering with IMDS
Identifying materials, verifying the information, and generating Data Sheets
Issuing your Product Materials Data Sheet

1. Registering with the IMDS System

First, the supplier has to register to obtain a Company ID number. If the supplier has previously reported in the system, it will already have an ID in hand. If this is not the case, the supplier can visit the contact page of the IMDS website, where it will be possible to begin the registration process.

2. Identifying materials, verifying the information, and generating Data Sheets

Second, before identifying the materials, it is essential to establish a product outline. This outline will serve as the basis for the tree structure. The tree structure breaks down the bill of materials into three different categories:

Subcomponents
Materials
Substances

Once a supplier has completed this, the individual Material Data Sheets will be compiled.

3. Issuing your Product Materials Data Sheet

The final step is to release the IMDS to the intended company by adding the recipient.

Enviropass will ensure that your suppliers complete these three steps and provide the environmental solutions you requested.

CAMDS - the Chinese Version of IMDS

CAMDS refers to the China Automotive Materials Database System. It is a system developed by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) to manage and control materials used in the automotive industry. Automotive producers can demonstrate compliance using CAMDS in China.

Differences between CAMDS and IMDS

Here are some of the main differences between CAMDS and IMDS:

1. Geographic Focus:

- CAMDS is specific to China and primarily serves material data management of automotive components and vehicles produced for the Chinese market.
- IMDS is a global system used by automotive manufacturers worldwide to share material data, and it is not limited to any particular region.

2. Regulatory Compliance:

- CAMDS assists automotive companies in complying with Chinese regulations related to materials used in vehicles.
- IMDS’s target was initially to meet European Union ELV Directive requirements. However, it has become a global standard for sharing material data and ensuring compliance with various environmental regulations.

3. Usage in the Automotive Supply Chain:

- The Chinese automotive supply chain utilizes CAMDS to meet the national regulatory requirements and standards.
- IMDS is used globally across the automotive supply chain, allowing manufacturers and suppliers to share material data and ensure compliance with regulations in different regions, including China.

It’s important to note that regulations and systems can evolve, and new developments may have occurred since my last update. Therefore, we recommend checking with your Enviropass experts for the latest information on CAMDS, IMDS, and any changes in regulations related to automotive materials in China and globally.

You may contact Enviropass for all your inquiries including CAMDS, IMDS, ELV, RoHS, and REACH-SCIP. We will be happy to assist you!