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The IMDS 14.3 update isn't just a technical upgrade—it’s a compliance wake-up call for automotive suppliers. With the growing push for material transparency, circularity, and digital compliance reporting, this release introduces some of the biggest usability and data quality changes since the system’s launch.
If you’re a supplier in the automotive supply chain, here’s what you need to know—and more importantly,what you need to do now.
What's New in IMDS 14.3?
The 14.3 update focuses on enhancing data quality, improving material classification, and enforcing better compliance practices for EU directives like ELV, REACH, GADSL, and SCIP.
Here are the most important changes:
1- Mandatory Classification of All Materials
You can no longer submit an MDS with unclassified materials. Every material must now be assigned a proper classification per the IMDS Recommendation 001. This helps OEMs ensure proper recycling and hazardous substance tracking.
Impact:
- Better recyclability tracking under ELV
- Automated SVHC/GADSL screening
- Rejections if the material classification is missing or incorrect
2- Automated Conflict Checks
IMDS now flags and blocks materials that violate GADSL, REACH Annex XVII, or ELV thresholds.
What this means:
- You’ll see error prompts before submission
- OEMs can reject MDSs for using outdated or non-compliant materials
- Validation becomes real-time—no more manual back-and-forth
3- Improved Handling of Confidential Substances
Suppliers can now flag certain proprietary substances more transparently using new “confidential marking” structures—while still ensuring regulatory thresholds (like 0.1% w/w for SVHCs) are assessed correctly.
4- Stricter Recipient Acceptance Logic
OEMs and tier-1 suppliers can now pre-define MDS acceptance criteria. Any deviation—missing weight, inconsistent structure, or undeclared substances—leads to auto-rejection.
Bottom line? No shortcuts. Clean, complete MDSs are the only way forward.
What Suppliers Must Do Now
To stay compliant and avoid costly disruptions, here’s your immediate action plan:
1- Update Your Internal IMDS Training
Teams must understand the 14.3 material classification updates. Conduct refresher training and ensure your product and compliance teams can:
- Classify materials correctly
- Interpret automated compliance flags
- Navigate the updated UI efficiently
2- Audit Your Existing MDS Submissions
Revisit older submissions. Many may now be flagged under the stricter validation rules. Prioritize:
- High-volume components
- Parts supplied to EU OEMs
- MDSs submitted before Q2 2025
3- Work Closely With Your Suppliers
Your sub-suppliers must also comply. Build a checklist and send updated 14.3 requirements to all material and component vendors.
Need to scale this process? Acquis automates supplier collaboration workflows, so you don’t chase responses manually.
4- Check Material Classifications
Any entry with “unspecified” or “user-defined” material types needs review. These are now likely non-compliant. Use official IMDS classification codes based on material categories (e.g., metals, polymers, elastomers, electronics).
5- Leverage IMDS AI Validator Tools
Acquis offers built-in IMDS validators that pre-check entries against ELV, REACH, and GADSL rules—before you submit them to OEMs.
What’s Coming Next: IMDS 15 and Product Carbon Footprint
IMDS 14.3 is a stepping stone toward the IMDS 15 update, which will include Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data entry fields. The automotive industry is shifting toward lifecycle impact reporting, and your MDS will be expected to carry that load.
If you start standardizing your BOM structure and substance-level accuracy now, you’ll be in a much stronger position to meet digital passport, CSRD, and ESG expectations.
Quick Summary: IMDS 14.3 Key Takeaways
How Acquis Helps You Stay Ahead of IMDS Changes
At Acquis, we don’t just help you build valid MDS files. We embed IMDS best practices into every step of your compliance process.
- IMDS 14.3-ready workflows
- Built-in GADSL, ELV, and REACH screening
- Automated supplier outreach and response tracking
- Future-proof structure for upcoming IMDS 15 PCF data
- CAMDS compatibility for the China market compliance
Don’t wait for OEM rejections to fix your process. Let us show you how our system can scale your material reporting and supplier engagement globally.