AIAG Conference: IMDS & Chemical Compliance Challenges and Solutions

On October 11, the AIAG IMDS & Product Chemical Compliance Conference brought together representatives from various tiers of the automotive supply chain to learn tools and strategies for tackling the compliance challenges faced by the automotive industry. Discussions focused on the AIAG International Material Data System (IMDS), Conflict Minerals and various chemical compliance requirements. Source Intelligence was in attendance as a platinum sponsor and gained insights from expert speakers and conversations with attendees.

IMDS Challenges

Reporting to multiple industries is still a challenge. Companies are trying to find efficient ways to manage varying compliance requirements from their customers, especially if they have a diverse client base. For instance, a supplier may need to provide REACH data to nearly all of their clients but only RoHS data to their clients that manufacture electrical or electronic equipment. To reduce risk from data errors, companies need to ensure that data from multiple sources is quality controlled.

Chemical Regulations

TSCA, End of Life Vehicles (ELV) and California Proposition 65 (CA Prop 65) were highlighted regulations, and penalties for non-compliance were discussed. CA Prop 65 is exempt from federal preemption under TSCA. Any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer can be sued by individuals under a civil lawsuit if Prop 65 chemicals are found in products without a proper warning label in California.

Conflict Minerals Reporting

The CMRT, the industry standard for conflict minerals reporting developed by the Conflict Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) was developed with industry challenges in mind and strives to get the most accurate answers possible. CFSI working group members are also on the IPC working group, so knowledge and expectations between both groups are shared and aligned. The next CMRT version will be released by November.

Human Trafficking and Anti-Slavery

Human trafficking and anti-slavery were up and coming topics; attendees were interested in learning more about regulations such as the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (SB 657) and the UK Modern Day Slavery Act.

The challenges faced by the automotive industry are not uncommon; companies worldwide are faced with the same regulatory landscape and similar compliance challenges. Click here to learn how technology and software solutions can help you juggle a myriad of compliance requests so you can save time.