[IMDS]IMDS Update: Addition of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Data Input Functionality in IMDS Release 15.0

5 Feb 2025

PCF Data Input Functionality in IMDS

With the release of IMDS 15.0, a new function allowing the input of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data into Material Data Sheets (MDSs) will be introduced.

Inputting PCF data is not mandatory but optional. However, if input is required, all relevant PCF data must be provided without any omissions. The new version of IMDS allows users to input PCF data without generating a new version of the MDS.

PCF data follows regulatory guidelines and industry standards, and IMDS does not calculate PCF values for products. Users will need to enter and share PCF data they have already calculated.

The data input categories are defined in collaboration with Catena-X and follow the Catena-X PCF Rulebook (Version 3).

PCF Data Input Structure

PCF data is classified into two categories: Production site-based PCF and Transportation-based PCF.

Production Site-based PCF

Production site-based PCF refers to carbon emissions generated during the manufacturing process.

  • Typically, a single product may be manufactured at multiple production sites. As a result, different PCF values can be assigned to the MDS based on each site.

  • Each production site maintains its own version records. Users can either register additional production sites or update existing versions.

The PCF data input also requires additional information, including:

  1. Responsible contact information,

  2. Time Period1)

  3. Primary Data Share (PDS)2)

  4. Data Quality Rating (DQR)3).

Transportation-based PCF

Transportation-based PCF refers to carbon emissions that occur during product transportation from the production site to the consumer or end user.

  • Users can specify transportation routes based on the product’s supply chain.

  • Transportation data records include responsible parties (such as suppliers and customers) as well as transportation routes.

1) Time Period
This refers to the time frame used to calculate the PCF value.

  • For example, if a PCF value is reported in January 2024, the data period typically spans from January to December 2023. This ensures that seasonal or operational variations are accounted for in the data.

2) Primary Data Share (PDS)

  • PDS refers to the proportion of actual measured data in comparison to estimated data.

  • Direct or measured data is referred to as "primary data," while estimated values are classified as "secondary data." A higher PDS indicates higher accuracy and reliability of the data.

3) Data Quality Rating (DQR)

  • DQR assesses the completeness, consistency, and reliability of the data.

  • The score ranges from 1 to 5, with a lower score indicating higher data quality. This rating is based on international standards such as the GHG Protocol, Catena-X, and ISO 14067.

PCF Data Sharing Structure

MDS recipients can view all transportation and production site data along with version histories. However, recipients can only reference PDS and DQR values in MDSs shared with them.

When suppliers update PCF data, it is automatically reflected in IMDS, ensuring the data is consistently applied across the entire supply chain.


Note: The specifics regarding the PCF input interface and detailed instructions have not yet been disclosed. Updates will be provided in future newsletters as they become available.



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MDSKorea Inc. 

Head Office: 314, Gwanggyojungang-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

Seoul Office : 173, Digital-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea 

Incheon Office : 22, Inha-ro 489beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea 

Copyright ⓒ 2023 MDSKorea Inc. All Rights Reserved