This is part of AIAG's series recapping sessions from the 2025 IMDS, Product Compliance & Sustainability Conference.
What’s happening with AIAG’s Chemical Management and Reporting (OHCL) working groups and projects? During the session “Workgroup Updates” at the 2025 IMDS Conference, representatives from each group or project shared the latest overview. Here’s a recap.
IMDS Steering Committee Report
The IMDS Steering Committee provides regular updates on IMDS system developments, regulatory considerations, and strategic direction. The committee reports to the OHCL Advisory Group every other month to ensure alignment between global IMDS governance and the needs of original equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
Recommendation and Documentation
The Recommendation and Documentation group validates and tests IMDS system changes before they are released. The group also updates IMDS documentation to improve usability, address industry-specific concerns, and provide a forum for users to submit and review enhancement suggestions.
Supplier Alliance
The Supplier Alliance is a collaboration among AIAG, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, and the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association that represents supplier perspectives within IMDS. The group focuses on IMDS enhancements and works with the IMDS Steering Committee to ensure supplier needs and feedback are considered in system decisions.
Product Carbon Footprint
The PCF working group is developing guidance for calculating product carbon footprints within IMDS. The group is finalizing a document that will complement Recommendation 027 and help standardize PCF calculation and reporting practices.
Data Quality Project
The Data Quality Project focuses on formalizing processes for sustainability data within IMDS, building on the Sustainability Data Approval Process framework. The group is in the early stages of developing a structured, repeatable process and is seeking volunteers from sustainability and quality functions to support the initiative.
Electroplating Project
The Electroplating Project addresses chemical management challenges in electroplating processes. Current efforts focus on removing PFAS from electroplating and supporting the transition from hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in decorative applications and etching.
Extended Producer Responsibility
The EPR working group addresses the rapidly evolving extended producer responsibility landscape, with a strong focus on packaging regulations. The group has increased its meeting frequency from monthly to twice monthly to keep pace with regulatory changes, clarify scope and requirements, and develop clearer reporting approaches for suppliers.
Annual Conference Planning Committee
The Annual Conference Planning Committee plans and delivers the IMDS, Product Compliance & Sustainability Conference. The committee seeks attendee feedback and volunteer participation to continuously improve the event and ensure it meets industry needs.
Regulation and Legislation Update
The Regulation and Legislation group provides updates on state, federal, and global regulatory developments affecting IMDS users. Topics include PFAS, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and other emerging chemical and sustainability regulations, with reports alternating monthly with the IMDS Steering Committee update.
Learn more about AIAG’s Corporate Responsibility workgroups by visiting its webpage here. Interested in participating? Reach out to our Corporate Responsibility team at (248) 358-3570 or email cr@aiag.org.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 IMDS CONFERENCE
These topics and more will be covered at the 2026 IMDS, Product Compliance & Sustainability Conference from October 7–9, 2026, at Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly called Suburban Collection Showplace, where past conferences were held) in Novi, Michigan. Learn about the latest sustainability topics as well as global legislative issues and IMDS topics. Conference registration is officially open, so secure your spot today.