Every year, thousands of people continue to live under the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). The global mine action community works tirelessly to clear these threats, restore land for safe use, and support affected communities. Yet, to ensure that every operation from detection to clearance is carried out safely, effectively, and consistently, a universal framework is essential.
That framework is the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
At 4M Defense, a global smart-demining company, we know that following IMAS is more than just compliance it’s a commitment to safety, efficiency, and long-term impact. Since 2012, we’ve operated with boots in the mud, combining field experience with cutting-edge LAND INTELLIGENCE and geospatial technologies to bring land back to life faster, safer, and smarter.
This guide explores what IMAS are, why they exist, and how they shape the global mine action sector including how 4M Defense integrates these standards across our operations worldwide.
What Are the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)?
The International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) are a globally recognized set of guidelines developed to ensure that mine action activities such as landmine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance are performed safely, efficiently, and in line with best practices.
They are maintained by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) on behalf of the international community. IMAS provide a common operational language and ensure consistency across different organizations, nations, and missions working toward one goal: a world free from the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war.
These standards cover the entire spectrum of mine action, including:
- Non-Technical and Technical Surveys
- Mine and Battle Area Clearance
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
- Quality Management
- Training and Accreditation
- Information Management
- Environmental and Occupational Safety
Each standard sets clear expectations for management systems, field procedures, documentation, and technical processes.
The Purpose and Principles of IMAS
IMAS serve five core purposes:
- Safety: To protect personnel, partners, and civilians during mine action operations.
- Effectiveness: To ensure mine action activities are scientifically and operationally sound.
- Efficiency: To streamline processes, save time, and optimize resources.
- Consistency: To provide a global framework that maintains uniformity across different contexts.
- Accountability: To create transparency in reporting, accreditation, and quality assurance.
These principles help governments, NGOs, and commercial companies align with international best practices and ensure donor confidence in project outcomes.
Key Categories of the International Mine Action Standards
There are currently over 40 active IMAS documents, each covering a specific aspect of mine action. Below are the key categories and some of the most relevant standards used globally.
1. Management and Governance (IMAS 01 Series)
The IMAS 01 series establishes the foundation for national and organizational management systems. It defines roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms between national mine action authorities (NMAA), operators, and donors.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 01.10: Guide for the Application of IMAS
- IMAS 01.20: Glossary of Mine Action Terms
- IMAS 01.30: Accreditation of Organizations and Operations
- IMAS 01.40: Monitoring of Mine Action Organizations
These ensure that every actor operates under clearly defined, accountable structures something 4M Defense upholds rigorously across all missions.
2. Risk Management and Information (IMAS 02 Series)
This category focuses on data management, reporting, and risk reduction approaches.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 02.10: Guide for the Establishment of National Mine Action Standards (NMAS)
- IMAS 02.20: Data Collection and Management
- IMAS 02.30: Post-clearance Documentation
At 4M Defense, our LAND INTELLIGENCE platform integrates directly with IMAS data requirements, allowing for precise geospatial tracking, risk prioritization, and real-time reporting.
3. Survey and Clearance (IMAS 03–09 Series)
These are the most operationally significant standards they define how survey, clearance, and verification activities should be carried out.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 07.11: Land Release
- IMAS 08.10: Non-Technical Survey (NTS)
- IMAS 08.20: Technical Survey (TS)
- IMAS 09.10: Clearance Requirements
- IMAS 09.20: Post-Clearance Sampling
- IMAS 09.30: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Each standard ensures that land release operations are based on reliable data and proven methodologies reducing unnecessary clearance and increasing efficiency.
4M Defense applies these standards to every operation. Our data-driven approach identifies priority zones using satellite imagery, AI-assisted mapping, and field intelligence, minimizing time and cost without compromising safety.
4. Quality Management (IMAS 09.40 – IMAS 09.60)
Quality is central to mine action. These standards govern Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Post-Clearance Documentation.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 09.40: Monitoring of Operations
- IMAS 09.50: Data Recording and Reporting
- IMAS 09.60: Post-Clearance Inspections
IMAS requires that all operations maintain strict QA/QC systems to verify that cleared land is indeed safe for civilian use. 4M Defense integrates this through our LAND INTELLIGENCE dashboards, where clearance data is continuously verified and validated against IMAS quality indicators.
5. Training, Competence, and Accreditation (IMAS 06 Series)
Competence saves lives. The IMAS 06 series ensures all personnel are trained and certified for their specific roles.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 06.10: Management Training
- IMAS 06.30: EOD Competency
- IMAS 06.40: Use of Dogs in Mine Detection
- IMAS 06.50: Use of Mechanical Systems
4M Defense provides Training and Local Capacity Building programs that fully comply with IMAS. We develop the next generation of deminers, EOD specialists, and national authorities empowering local teams with modern methods and operational independence.
6. Victim Assistance and Risk Education (IMAS 12 & 13 Series)
Mine action goes beyond clearance. IMAS also covers Mine Risk Education (MRE) and Victim Assistance (VA) to reduce casualties and promote community safety.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 12.10: Mine Risk Education – Best Practices
- IMAS 13.10: Victim Assistance Principles and Guidelines
4M Defense supports these pillars by working with local communities to raise awareness, map risk zones, and strengthen resilience after clearance.
7. Environmental and Occupational Health (IMAS 10 Series)
IMAS emphasizes sustainable and responsible operations that safeguard the environment and personnel.
Key standards include:
- IMAS 10.10: Safety and Occupational Health
- IMAS 10.20: Environmental Management
- IMAS 10.30: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
At 4M Defense, environmental sustainability is part of our operational DNA. We ensure all clearance operations minimize ecological disturbance and follow IMAS-compliant safety practices.
How IMAS Supports the Land Release Process
The Land Release framework under IMAS (IMAS 07.11) revolutionized mine action by introducing a structured approach to defining, confirming, and releasing land. It integrates three essential components:
- Non-Technical Survey (NTS): Gathering data and community input to identify suspected hazardous areas.
- Technical Survey (TS): Verifying contamination using technical means such as detectors, drones, or mechanical assets.
- Clearance: The physical removal of explosive hazards confirmed during surveys.
At 4M Defense, we optimize every phase using LAND INTELLIGENCE our data-driven methodology that combines satellite imagery, predictive modeling, and on-ground intelligence to accelerate land release without compromising IMAS compliance.
Why IMAS Compliance Matters
Following IMAS ensures that every demining operation meets the highest international standards. It benefits:
- Governments, by ensuring accountability and donor confidence.
- Operators, by standardizing training and operations.
- Communities, by guaranteeing safety and sustainable land use.
- Donors and Partners, by ensuring that funds are used effectively and transparently.
Non-compliance can lead to unsafe practices, wasted resources, and loss of trust. That’s why 4M Defense ensures IMAS compliance across all field operations from documentation and training to reporting and clearance verification.
4M Defense: Aligning IMAS with Innovation
At 4M Defense, we believe mine action must evolve. While IMAS provides the framework, innovation provides the future.
By embedding LAND INTELLIGENCE and geospatial analytics into every phase of mine action, we bridge traditional best practices with modern technology. Our teams harness drone mapping, predictive modeling, and real-time data sharing to make IMAS implementation faster and smarter.
Since 2012, our field experience has taught us one crucial lesson: standards and intelligence together drive sustainable impact. Through IMAS compliance and technological agility, we help national authorities, NGOs, and donors achieve safer, faster land release at reduced costs.
Conclusion: Standards That Save Lives
The International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) form the backbone of global demining efforts. They ensure safety, promote quality, and foster collaboration across the mine action community.
At 4M Defense, we don’t just comply with IMAS we enhance it. By fusing LAND INTELLIGENCE, operational experience, and data-driven decision-making, we redefine what efficiency and safety look like in modern mine action.
Our mission remains clear: Bring land back to life faster, smarter, and safer.