AIAG’s collective efforts in corporate responsibility set new benchmarks for sustainability and integrity, building trust from customers and stakeholders globally. As we approach the end of 2024, here’s a look back at five highlights of AIAG’s accomplishments in regard to corporate responsibility.
1. 2024 HYBRID IMDS, PRODUCT COMPLIANCE & SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCEAIAG’s biggest annual conference, the 2024 Hybrid IMDS, Product Compliance & Sustainability Conference, was held on October 15–16, 2024, at Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center in Livonia, Michigan. The theme was "The Role of IMDS in Corporate Responsibility Due Diligence."
Sustainability is a huge part of the automotive industry today, so this year AIAG expanded the conference name to include sustainability. Also new was an optional Day 3 in-person, half-day training on Oct. 17, 2024, where attendees chose from three sessions.
The conference was packed with insightful topics and speakers. Day 1 included informative panel discussions on PFAS and OEM/Supplier. Day 2 session highlights included the IMDS Steering Committee Update, PFAS Challenges, IMDS Release 15 Preview, JAPIA Activities Update & AP ELV Update, EU Legislative Updates, and Extended Producer Responsibility.
In-person attendees networked with industry leaders and peers, discussed the latest innovations with event sponsors and exhibitors, engaged in "Table Talk" on trending topics during lunch, and participated in our end-of-event networking reception.
Be sure to save the date for the 2025 IMDS conference October 8–9, 2025, at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
2. AIAG’S SECOND ANNUAL MEXICO AUTOMOTIVE FORUMWe are proud to have partnered with REDCAM and the Cluster Automotriz Metropolitano for our second annual Mexico Automotive Forum on September 12, 2024, in Mexico City, Mexico. Check out the photo slideshow here.
As the automotive industry's success depends on continuously improving vehicle and parts quality while prioritizing sustainability and corporate responsibility, this forum addressed these challenges and more to help attendees prepare for future demands and technologies.
Among the event highlights were panel discussions and breakout sessions offering critical insights on a wide range of issues, including corporate responsibility updates, EV battery storage risks, IATF 16949 updates, supply chain risk assessments, warehousing efficiency, and more.
3. NEW INITIATIVE TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS FORCED LABOR COMPLIANCE RISKS IN THE SUPPLY CHAINAIAG announced the launch of a new initiative to equip companies with the tools and resources to identify forced labor and human rights risks in their supply chains. As global legislation poses greater risk to companies in the form of fines and banned goods in the U.S., Europe, Mexico, and other countries, there is mounting pressure on companies to have greater visibility into their supply chains. Buyers, compliance and risk managers, and others are also expected to have a deep understanding of their extended supply chain.
In response, in 2024 AIAG took a leadership role in providing webinars to facilitate awareness of global legislation and access to member-only events featuring globally recognized legal professionals with expertise in international trade and transactional business, who are often out of reach for many companies. AIAG also offered an interactive issue overview module with an embedded preparedness assessment and added further education on key topics such as industry expectations, engaging tiered suppliers, and the cost of non-compliance.
4. ROBUST WEBINAR RECORDINGSAIAG had another productive year offering live webinars and their recordings related to corporate responsibility. Here is a closer look. Check out all the recordings in the AIAG Store here.
SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY REPORTING COMES TO CANADA
As of January 1, 2024, in-scope businesses required to report under this law ("reporting entities") must file their reports with the Canadian federal government and post them on their website each year. They must include steps the reporting entity took to prevent and reduce the risk that forced or child labor was used in the production of goods. Since S-211 may also apply to organizations outside of Canada, this webinar addresses key questions including which businesses must report, what needs to be included, Board approval and attestation, the new mandatory questionnaire, enforcement, offenses, and penalties.
UFLPA TRADE POLICY: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE ON COMPLIANCE
Hear key insights on UFLPA federal enforcement and policy by Washington, D.C.-based international trade law attorney Michael P. House at Perkins Coie. House provides an experienced legal perspective on the latest developments in UFLPA enforcement, including case studies, best practices, key litigation affecting CBP activities, and recent policy developments. He also shares critical insights to help reduce your risk of receiving a Notice of Detention, along with lessons learned from companies who have had shipments stopped by CBP and insights on how to respond.
IMDS, A COMPLIANCE TOOL TO MEET CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS
Evandro Francischetti, IMDS Mexico trainer from RSJ Technical Consulting, partnered with AIAG to discuss how IMDS, the current automotive tool, is used to track materials contained in our products. As a requirement through PPAP, having a proper understanding and training of IMDS leads to good quality data submissions. This recording is in Spanish and gives a quick review of its concepts, rules, requirements, and recommendations, as well as the latest revisions.
CARBON NEUTRALITY: A ROADMAP FOR AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS
An insightful webinar exploring the critical importance of quantifying, disclosing, and reducing carbon emissions for automakers and their suppliers. Delve into 10 key reasons why these actions are vital in today's automotive industry landscape. From sustainability leadership and regulatory compliance to brand reputation and consumer demand, explore how addressing carbon emissions drives innovation, cost savings, and long-term viability. Expert speakers discuss strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, navigating regulatory frameworks, and leveraging sustainability initiatives to enhance market access and investor confidence.
CBAM COMPLIANCE: STRATEGIES AND INSIGHTS FOR BUSINESSES
Ranjini V and Niranjankumar R. from APA Engineering share an overview of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) including the scope, objective, components, implementation time, significance of CBAM in Global Climate Policy, and CBAM in practice. A case study is provided: Example of a Company Successfully Navigating CBAM, and lessons learned and key takeaways.
Members accessed a variety of useful AIAG training courses on corporate responsibility this year. View all the available CR training course listings here. The following are some highlights.
IMDS BASIC CONCEPTS AND APPLICATION
This instructor-led course was designed to ensure users are familiar with all aspects of the IMDS system with an emphasis on creating quality product substance compliance data. The goal is to get you working in IMDS as quickly and efficiently as possible. Students learn how to build, receive, and submit data in response to customer requests. All basic concepts are reviewed in detail, providing students with confidence to function competently in the IMDS system.
ADVANCED IMDS
The growing concern regarding substance uses in products, their recycling, or disposal has created a lot of legislation and global actions in the last years. Providing excellent quality material declaration data to your customers requires a thorough understanding of these regulations. Professionals must be prepared for the impact of these requirements on the future of their business. This course provides an extension of the IMDS Basic Concepts and Application course, to help you understand the regulations and anticipate their impact on your business.
