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IMDS: - IMDS stands for International Material Data System. It is a web-based tool used in the automotive industry for collecting, managing, and sharing material data related to automotive components. IMDS is primarily used to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to promote the use of environmentally friendly materials in the automotive manufacturing process. 

And it includes Material Data Management, Regulatory Compliance, Supply Chain Collaboration, Environmental Impact Assessment, Standardization, Data Security 

IMDS Release: - It refers to a document that accompanies a new release or version of the software. It provides information about the changes, updates, bug fixes, and new features included in that release. Release notes are important for users and administrators to understand what has been modified or improved in the software, helping them adapt to the changes and utilize the new features effectively.The IMDS system's release notes currently list a great number of versions that have already been made available. 

IMDS Release 15.2: - IMDS Production rollout planned for January 21, 2026, It’s the newest update of IMDS and brings several functional improvements focused on data quality, compliance clarity, and usability. 

Check Changes: -Checking changes in IMDS refers to the process of reviewing and verifying any modifications or updates made to the International Material Data System (IMDS). This involves ensuring that the changes align with the intended goals, do not introduce errors or inconsistencies, and comply with any relevant regulations or standards. By checking changes in IMDS, users can maintain data accuracy, integrity, and compliance within the system. 

Updated message for successful checks 

The message shown in the check results section when no warnings or errors are present has been revised. It has changed from “This MDS successfully passed all checks.” to “This MDS has passed all included checks. These checks do not cover all aspects of IMDS data requirements. Further manual review may be required.” 

This update emphasizes that passing IMDS system checks does not automatically confirm full compliance with all applicable legal or business-to-business requirements. Even if an MDS passes all IMDS checks, there may still be legitimate reasons for it to be rejected following additional review. 

Functional Changes: -Functional changes in IMDS refer to modifications or updates made to the functionality or features of the International Material Data System (IMDS). These changes could include enhancements to the user interface, improvements in data entry processes, additions to new tools or modules, or any other adjustments that affect how users interact with and utilize the IMDS platform. Functional changes are typically implemented to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of use of the IMDS, ensuring that it remains a valuable tool for the automotive industry in managing environmental compliance and sustainability efforts. 

1. Exemption of Ceramics / Glass from BPR regulation  

New materials of classification 7.2 (ceramics / glass) no longer require putting in regulatory information. Regulatory information attached to already existing materials of this classification will remain active. This change is similar to the change in IMDS Release 12.0 in May 2019, when metals (classifications 1 – 4) have been excluded from BPR in IMDS. Additionally, a new version of regulatory information indicating that the material is no longer eligible for BPR is automatically released during the rollout for all materials of classifications 1 – 4 and 7.2 for which BPR regulatory information can be entered but has not yet been released ( ). The affected regulatory information will be marked as complete ( ) and open requests to update the BPR regulatory information for the respective MDSs are automatically closed by this action. 

2. No „rest "portion for GADSL / SVHC substances 

“Rest” can no longer be selected as the portion for substances on the SVHC candidate list or marked as prohibited or duty-to-declare on the GADSL. Existing materials where such a substance has already been referenced with a “rest” portion remain valid. 

3. Date of last status change displayed in MDS search  

A new column for the “last status change” is added to MDS/Module, Component, Semi component and Material search screens. The column contains the following dates, depending on the MDS’s/Module’s status: