Global · Guidance

IMDS Recommendation 027 – Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) was updated by adding a link to the AIAG “A Simple Guide to Product Carbon Footprint”. Since the update is purely editorial, it became effective immediately.

Guidance Update

Updated Document
IMDS Recommendation 027 (REC027)
Recommendation covering Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reporting in IMDS.

New Reference
AIAG “A Simple Guide to Product Carbon Footprint”
External guidance added to help users determine Product Carbon Footprint values consistently.

Editorial Update
No Functional Changes
No changes were made to IMDS PCF reporting requirements or system functionality.

Reporting Scope
Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)
Existing IMDS Product Carbon Footprint reporting process remains unchanged.

IMDS Recommendation 027 – Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) was updated by adding a link to the AIAG “A Simple Guide to Product Carbon Footprint”. Since the update is purely editorial, it became effective immediately. No changes were made to PCF reporting requirements or functionality. Previously, REC027 did not include a reference to the AIAG guidance document. The update adds this external guidance to help IMDS users understand and determine PCF values more consistently. No regulatory or technical requirements were changed.

Key Dates & Compliance Timeline

  • Official Publish/Release Date: June 17, 2026
  • Effective Date: 17 June 2026 (effective immediately).
  • Compliance Impact: Editorial guidance update only; no changes to reporting requirements.

What’s New

  • REC027 now includes a reference to the AIAG Product Carbon Footprint guidance.
  • Supports more consistent determination of PCF values.
  • No regulatory requirements have changed.
  • No technical or system functionality changes were introduced.

Who Is Affected

  • Automotive OEMs and suppliers.
  • Companies using IMDS to report Product Carbon Footprint information.
  • Material suppliers.
  • Sustainability and compliance professionals.
  • Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) practitioners.

What Companies Should Do

  • Review the updated REC027 in IMDS.
  • Consult the linked AIAG guidance when determining PCF values.
  • Continue using the existing IMDS PCF reporting process.
  • Ensure internal PCF calculation methodologies remain aligned with Catena-X and industry guidance where applicable.
Key Takeaway

This low-priority update affects automotive OEMs and suppliers with operations or sales exposure globally. Compliance and product stewardship teams should review applicability against current BOMs and supply agreements, and note the compliance dates above.

Reference:

IMDS News – Recommendation 027 Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Update

 

Reach out to our regulation experts on chemical and product regulatory compliances

CONTACT US