AIAG’s annual IMDS and Product Chemical Compliance Conference once again provided all the necessary information for automotive OEMs and suppliers alike to successfully navigate the ever-changing and complex world of global chemical regulations that affect the industry.
This year’s conference theme was “How the IMDS Data Structure Is Changing to Accommodate Future Sustainability Requirements.” Around this theme, presenters covered topics such as IMDS Rec 019 updates, features of upcoming IMDS updates, AIAG committee updates, as well as pertinent legislative updates from around the globe.
DAY 1
Day 1 of the event kicked off with a warm welcome by Lecedra Randolph Jones (AIAG) to both in-person and online attendees. This is the first time a hybrid version of the event has been offered. Jones then welcomed OHCL Committee co-chairmen Jim Raymond (Toyota Motor North America) and Yvonne Luiza (Aptiv) to the stage to provide an update on the various activities and topics the OHCL Committee has worked on during the past year. Highlights for the year included supporting the annual GADSL update process, publishing the revised IMDS Rec 019, and participating in the global data collection activities in support of the Stockholm Convention’s work on persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
The event continued with updates on the Asia ELV regulations by Shoko Hirota (Hitachi Astemo), an update on the spread of due diligence regulations, and how IMDS can support compliance with Tim Thome (IMDS Professional GmbH). During the first networking break of the event, attendees were able to grab a snack and a drink, while visiting the many exhibitor booths. The event continued with an in-depth look at current chemical legislation and regulation status in North America and how the auto industry is responding, conducted by Cindy Wheeler (U.S. EPA) and Mark Bacchus (Toyota Motor North America). Next up were the annual REACh and ELV updates from Timo Unger (Hyundai Motor Europe) and a deep dive into the legislative landscape surrounding PFAS from an OEM standpoint by Doris Hill (General Motors).
After a lunch break, the afternoon session began with a presentation from Bing Xu (Ipoint Systems) on how the industry can leverage IMDS for sustainability, including updates on the EU battery directive and digital product passports. Next up was a look at the recently changed IMDS terms of use and how the use of the data has expanded beyond compliance by Charlotte Roland (Ford Motor Company). Next, Jim Raymond from Toyota discussed the development of a product chemical compliance process management guidance document developed by a group of OEMs to further improve the consistency and accuracy of data reported in IMDS. This was followed by a presentation by Mark Pocock (DuPont) about IMDS submissions from a material supplier. Next up was a presentation on the relationship between the circular economy and sustainability and the associated data challenges by Daniel Guttmann (RSJ Technical Consulting). Closing the day was the always popular OEM/supplier panel, where representatives from OEMs and component suppliers fielded questions directly from the audience. Following Day 1 closing comments by Jones, participants moved to the networking reception for refreshments and conversation.
DAY 2
Day 2 began with a welcome by Lecedra Randolph Jones from AIAG. Matt Griffin (Jaguar Land Rover and IMDS Steering Committee Chair) led off the day’s formal presentations with a candid discussion highlighting the current primary compliance concerns facing the industry and how IMDS is evolving to address these challenges. Up next was the always-engaging Chuck LePard (DXC Technology) to show off what can be expected with future releases of the IMDS platform. After a short networking/exhibitor break, Marco Buczilowski (Forvia) and Pedro Grossinho (Joyson Safety Systems) provided an overview of the recent activities of CLEPA and its members. This was followed by a presentation on upcoming challenges in IMDS and recommended best practices by Heidi Wittenborn (RSJ Technical Consulting). Yusuf Williams (Harman Automotive) then provided a detailed overview of the new IMDS Recommendation 019 and how it affects electronic-component reporting in IMDS. Next was an update on plating and coatings containing hexavalent chromium and PFAS by Christian Richter (NASF), followed by Chuck LePard again taking the stage to discuss the IMDS helpdesk and common issues they are seeing reported.
Jones took the stage one last time to bring the conference to a close, answer any lingering questions, and hand out prizes for those who participated in the exhibitor game. AIAG thanks all those who attended, both in person and online, and sends a sincere “thank you” to this year’s event sponsors: APA Engineering, Assent, Inc., Chemwatch, Inc., Denso International America, Inc., DXC Technology, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Global PCCS, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, iPoint-Systems Gmbh, Magna International, Robert Bosch, Stellantis, Toyota Motor North America, and Yordas Group. Jones also said, “Thank you!” to all the volunteers who participated, presented, and supported the event. See you next year!