[IMDS]IMDS News: Notice of Revision to IMDS Recommendation 001
9 Apr 2026
Overview
IMDS Recommendation 001¹⁾ has been revised. This revision will be officially applied in the IMDS system starting April 24, 2026. The revised Recommendation 001 (Revision 14) can be accessed after logging into the IMDS.
¹⁾ A core document defining the basic structure, creation rules, and guidelines for MDS, including components, semi-components, materials, and basic substances.
Key Revisions
Added Rules
Rule 3.2.3.A: An MDS containing a deactivated Application Code cannot be sent or proposed. An exception is made only if the component is designated as a 'Legacy Spare Part'.
Rule 4.4.2.A: Entering material names in English has been strictly enforced as a rule. Previously, it was at a 'highly recommended' level under Guideline 4.4.2.a, but it has now become mandatory with this revision.
Rule 4.4.2.D: When registering material information, if there is no standard name, a descriptive name that anyone can understand must be used. (e.g., Aluminum alloy, Adhesive layer, Basecoat/clear coat)
Rule 4.5.1.E: GADSL declarable substances, prohibited substances, or Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) cannot be treated as a 'Rest Portion' when creating new materials. In other words, the exact content value or range must be explicitly stated.
Rule 4.6.A: New rules regarding regulatory compliance have been added. Detailed information can be found in IMDS Recommendation 026.
Modified Rules
Rule 3.2.1.E: When modifying an MDS, only the modified Ingredients Section needs to be updated by applying the latest IMDS rules. (There is no need to update other unmodified ingredients within the same MDS to meet the latest rules.)
Rule 4.1.A: In principle, only child nodes of the same type can be placed under the same parent node. However, an exception is allowed for a mixed structure of components, semi-components, and materials in a single level if a coating or lubricant, which does not meet the EU REACH definition of an Article, is added to the component.
Rule 4.4.2.F: Materials classified as Thermoplastics (ISO 1043), Thermoplastic Elastomers (ISO 18064), and Elastomers (ISO 1629) must have a Symbol entered. These materials mostly fall under Material Classifications 5.1a/b to 5.3.
Modified Guidelines
Guideline 3.2.3.a: An MDS containing deleted MDSs or deactivated substances should not be sent or proposed.
Guideline 4.4.2.a: The material name should include its category (e.g., Adhesive, Metal, Polymer, Mineral, etc.) so that the type of material can be easily identified.
Conclusion
This revision includes changes that will directly result in errors or warnings during the MDS creation phase.
Therefore, we highly recommend reviewing your existing MDSs for material names, substance contents, and application codes.
MDSKorea will continue to promptly deliver updates and trends regarding IMDS revisions. Thank you.
[References]
IMDS Recommendation 001 – General Rules and Guidelines for IMDS Material Datasheets (Revision 14, April 2026), IMDS Steering Committee
Overview
IMDS Recommendation 001¹⁾ has been revised. This revision will be officially applied in the IMDS system starting April 24, 2026. The revised Recommendation 001 (Revision 14) can be accessed after logging into the IMDS.
¹⁾ A core document defining the basic structure, creation rules, and guidelines for MDS, including components, semi-components, materials, and basic substances.
Key Revisions
Added Rules
Rule 3.2.3.A: An MDS containing a deactivated Application Code cannot be sent or proposed. An exception is made only if the component is designated as a 'Legacy Spare Part'.
Rule 4.4.2.A: Entering material names in English has been strictly enforced as a rule. Previously, it was at a 'highly recommended' level under Guideline 4.4.2.a, but it has now become mandatory with this revision.
Rule 4.4.2.D: When registering material information, if there is no standard name, a descriptive name that anyone can understand must be used. (e.g., Aluminum alloy, Adhesive layer, Basecoat/clear coat)
Rule 4.5.1.E: GADSL declarable substances, prohibited substances, or Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) cannot be treated as a 'Rest Portion' when creating new materials. In other words, the exact content value or range must be explicitly stated.
Rule 4.6.A: New rules regarding regulatory compliance have been added. Detailed information can be found in IMDS Recommendation 026.
Modified Rules
Rule 3.2.1.E: When modifying an MDS, only the modified Ingredients Section needs to be updated by applying the latest IMDS rules. (There is no need to update other unmodified ingredients within the same MDS to meet the latest rules.)
Rule 4.1.A: In principle, only child nodes of the same type can be placed under the same parent node. However, an exception is allowed for a mixed structure of components, semi-components, and materials in a single level if a coating or lubricant, which does not meet the EU REACH definition of an Article, is added to the component.
Rule 4.4.2.F: Materials classified as Thermoplastics (ISO 1043), Thermoplastic Elastomers (ISO 18064), and Elastomers (ISO 1629) must have a Symbol entered. These materials mostly fall under Material Classifications 5.1a/b to 5.3.
Modified Guidelines
Guideline 3.2.3.a: An MDS containing deleted MDSs or deactivated substances should not be sent or proposed.
Guideline 4.4.2.a: The material name should include its category (e.g., Adhesive, Metal, Polymer, Mineral, etc.) so that the type of material can be easily identified.
Conclusion
This revision includes changes that will directly result in errors or warnings during the MDS creation phase.
Therefore, we highly recommend reviewing your existing MDSs for material names, substance contents, and application codes.
MDSKorea will continue to promptly deliver updates and trends regarding IMDS revisions. Thank you.
[References]
IMDS Recommendation 001 – General Rules and Guidelines for IMDS Material Datasheets (Revision 14, April 2026), IMDS Steering Committee
imds_recommendation_001_general_structure.pdf