The International Material Data System (IMDS) Release 15.1 recently went live, introducing several updates that expand regulatory functionality and streamline data management. While the release was smaller in scope than 15.0, it has laid the groundwork for upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) reporting requirements, which are set to become mandatory in 2026. Here’s a look at the main updates from the release.
1. EU Deforestation Regulation: Regulatory Information
IMDS Release 15.1 introduced a new substance group and regulation type for the EUDR, a European Union regulation that requires companies to prove that certain commodities and their derived products do not contribute to deforestation. Within IMDS, users can now record two data points for affected materials:
- Whether a substance is 100% synthetic
- Whether 100% of natural constituents are recycled
Both fields are optional for now, but will become mandatory with IMDS 16.0. This change signals the system’s gradual integration of deforestation-related transparency alongside existing frameworks such as REACH and BPR.
2. EU Deforestation Regulation: Contact Person
A new EUDR Contact type was also added to the system, similar to the REACH Contact field. While not tied directly to material data sheets (MDS), it allows other organizations to identify and reach the correct compliance contact for deforestation-related inquiries.
3. Updated Regulation Contact Search
To accommodate the new contact type, the former “REACH Contacts” search screen has been renamed “Regulation Contacts.” Search filters now focus on contact responsibilities rather than names or company text entries, a change designed to protect personal data and prevent companies from conducting broad wildcard searches across IMDS.
4. Faster Disclosure of Confidential Substances
IMDS 15.1 has also shortened the confidentiality delay for substances newly added to the GADSL (Global Automotive Declarable Substance List) or the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Candidate List. Instead of a 14-day window, such substances are now automatically disclosed the following night (UTC) once flagged. The option to search for confidential declarable substances has also been removed from the Tree Search and Where-Used Analysis functions.
5. Improved “Expand Tree” Functionality
Users can now tailor how deeply they expand an MDS tree, helping large datasets load and navigate more efficiently. The new drop-down menu offers options to expand:
- All components, semicomponents, and materials (as before)
- Components and semicomponents only
- Top-level or own MDS modules
- Nodes containing substances within a selected filter (e.g., GADSL)
Additionally, an “Expand tree nodes” button was added to the Tree Search dialog, allowing users to open only nodes matching a specific search term, improving traceability and reducing visual clutter.
6. Updated Checks for Metals
To minimize unnecessary system warnings, the SC90 checks for metals were revised. Rather than enforcing a fixed minimum portion of specific substances, IMDS now only requires that each material’s primary constituent have the highest portion within its classification (e.g., iron for steel, aluminum for Al-based materials).
7. No Check for EUDR (Yet)
Although IMDS Release 15.1 introduced EUDR fields, system checks are not yet active. Companies can still submit materials containing EUDR-regulated substances without completing the new fields. These will become required in Release 16.0 as IMDS aligns its data validation with EUDR compliance expectations.
Looking Ahead
IMDS 15.1 was a transitional release focused on building regulatory infrastructure ahead of broader EUDR requirements in 2026. Automotive suppliers and OEMs should use this window to review their material data structures, identify deforestation-linked substances, and assign EUDR contacts internally.
By introducing these changes early, IMDS continues its shift toward greater environmental transparency and alignment with emerging supply chain due-diligence laws across the EU. To learn how Tetra Tech can support your readiness through training and consulting, please visit our IMDS support page or contact us at [email protected].
