International Material Data System

It is the global standard used by all automotive OEMs. In IMDS, all substances/materials used for automobile manufacturing are collected, maintained, analyzed and archived. IMDS is the tool used to meet the obligations placed on automobile manufacturers, and thus on their suppliers, by national and international standards, laws and regulations. Only materials and products that are used in a specific automotive function can have a Material Data Sheet created in the system. Non-automotive materials and products are explicitly precluded from being entered into IMDS.

Since the implementation of the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive on June 21, 2003, all suppliers to the automobile industry are asked to declare the composition of the materials used in cars, parts, assemblies and systems to identify the individual material components of each car.

Recommendation 019 “Electric/Electronic (E/E) Components and Assemblies” has been released and describes various Standard Modules for PCB assemblies that can be selected. Those using the Standard Modules are still required to verify the material information from their sub-tier supply chain even as it is not directly used in creating a Module, Component or Semi-Component in IMDS.

Isola, in conjunction with other PCB manufacturers, under the direction of the ZVEI (Central Association of the German Electrical Industry) developed an Umbrella Specification, which the ZVEI offers as a tool for efficiently processing the customer inquiries concerning electronic components and systems. The method is based on an intelligent grouping of products with similar material content under one “umbrella”. An agreement between ZVEI and the IMDS Steering Committee emphasizes distinctly that the automobile manufacturers accept the input of the component’s substances via an “Umbrella Specification” taking the idea of a minimum declaration. This dynamic program provides a simple and convenient calculation of the PCB’s substances of varying sizes. Surface finish and layer count are freely selectable and the established standard technologies are deposited.

Isola will work with customers on an individual basis to add the necessary materials/products so IMDS so that they may meet their verification obligations to use the Standard Modules:
Isola’s IMDS company ID is 173266.

For IMDS requests and inquiries. please Contact Us