My company is currently planning to register on the IMDS, so I haven't had any experience in filling out the MDS and am still trying to familiarize myself with the system. So my question is probably pretty basic but I hope someone can share their experience. In filling out the components, since our products are made from materials from other suppliers, the suppliers will need to fill out their materials as well right? What if the suppliers refuse to fill out the MDS? Should we fill it out for them?
I would start with watching the IMDS published videos and study the two presentations about creating a material and creating a component.
Yes, suppliers must enter the component / material information that they sell to you. The MDS follows the supply chain. Your suppliers must enter the information for a material in the cured state. Your company must make this a requirement to do business with you. (terms and condition).
If the suppliers refuse (breach of contract?), you should consider finding another supplier, but in the end you can enter the information they provide you (when you receive certificate of analysis or evidence that the materials meet specifications), but you are taking a risk here, but sometimes it is necessary.
Also, start early in the
APQP process collecting the information.
If your product contains electronics or a wire harness, please seriously consider using recommendations 019 and flat BOM approach. Some OEMs require using this approach.
Before you start, find out what the customer requirements are for IMDS.
Lastly, start early, because fixing MDS issues one week before PPAP due date, will be a huge headache.