IMDS (International Material Data System) is the automotive industry material data system.

 It is a joint development of Audi, GM, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Opel, Porsche, VW and the Swedish firm Volvo. Further manufacturers have meanwhile joined the community and talks are being held with others regarding their participation in IMDS.

In the IMDS, all materials used for car manufacture are archived and maintained. Only in this way it is possible to meet the obligations placed on car manufacturers, and thus on their suppliers, by national and international standards, laws and regulations

The IMDS has three main objectives.

First  :-    To limit the use of hazardous substances in vehicles from their design phase onwards.
The heavy metals -- lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium -- are banned from use in European cars and trucks. There are some exemptions from this prohibition in Annex II of the ELV Directive.

The reasons behind the heavy metals prohibition are first, to prevent the release of such substances in the environment; second, to make recycling easier; and third, to avoid the need for hazardous waste disposal.

Second :- Involves design.
The automotive OEMs will design and produce new vehicles so they can be more easily and thoroughly dismantled at the end of their life.  This includes dismantling, reuse, recycling and energy recovery through incineration.

Third :-    To increase the amount of recycled material that is used in vehicles and other products.

The intent is to create a larger market for recycled materials.

The automotive industry has been addressing environmental concerns for decades. As a matter of fact, the percentage of American automobiles recycled is higher than that of paper, plastic or glass bottles. Approximately 94% of all vehicles get recycled, and about 82% of the vehicle material is reused or recycled. This impressive number is due to the large percentage of metal, which can easily be reused or recycled. And European rates are similar. The final owner of an End of Life Vehicle is responsible for getting it to the nearest collection depot. The End of Life Vehicle directive states that manufacturers are obligated to:
         •  Apply the reusability/ recyclability/ recoverability calculation method to all vehicle types, and     
         •  Make technical information available relating to materials used in vehicle construction.

In automotive manufacturing a large number of construction, operational and processing materials are used whose selection and proper use affect the vehicles' quality, safety and environmental friendliness through their entire life. In order to optimize these characteristics, it is necessary to cultivate the exchange of information, as well as the dialogue within the value-creation chain - starting with raw material extraction, continuing with the manufacturing of pre-products, components, the construction of motor vehicles up to their usage, and finally re-utilization or waste disposal.