FDA 510(k) Submission Process

If you’re new to the medical device FDA 510(k) Submission process, you’re in the right place! The various steps involved in the process and types of submissions are set out here. Generally, the 510(k) Submission process (file preparation and submissions) and device testing take up almost 4-5 months. Post submission, the FDA generally takes up to 3-10 months including the closing of the review queries.

Careful planning, strategic decisions, and expertise of our consultants will ensure the early acceptance of the 510k file without RTA or AI and the successful clearance of the 510k submission. All applicants must submit a soft copy in CD and e-copy. All foreign manufacturers are requested to officially have US Agent for FDA correspondence.

(Note: The service of US Agent is different from US Agent service for Establishment Registration).

FDA 510(k) Pre & Q Submission

Pre or Q Submission allows the manufacturer/applicant to request formal feedback on FDA 510(k) files specific to (a) Test Protocols, (b) Substantial Equivalence, (c) Missing Section, etc. Pre-Submission or Q-Submission allows the manufacturer/applicant to request formal feedback on the 510(k) files of your medical device, specifically on (a) test protocols (b) substantial equivalence, (c) missing section, etc. before you make an FDA review payment and submit a 510(k) application.

Benefits of FDA 510(k) Pre Submission

Better clarity on subject device requirements
Improved quality of final 510(k) file,
Enhanced transparency of the review process,
Smooth and clear review comments,
Potentially shorter total review times,
No fee

Know what to be included in the 510k file!!

Given below are the basic contents of the 510k file which has to be followed in the 510k submission process. The device-specific documents and changes describing documents with the evidence can also be submitted in the Special 510k.

FDA reviewers may scrutinize your 510k submission multiple times until all the supporting evidence submitted comply. Nothing works more effectively when weighed against an experienced consulting company for the timely completion and submission of the FDA 510k

Understand the stages

PHASE I	Stages	Activity	Responsibility	Timeline
	1	Select the Medical Device and models for USFDA approval	CLIENT	20 Days
	2	Identify Predicate Device with same indication and technology	CLIENT + I 3 C
	3	If NOT substantially equivalent, follow PMA route or if substantially equivalent, follow 510(k) route	CLIENT + I 3 C
	4	Appoint I3CGLOBAL as Technical Consultants and US Agent for clearance	CLIENT

PHASE II	5	Identify Device Code and Regulation Number along with verification of Predicate Device, indication & technology	I 3 C	90 Days
	6	Identify the device Class and guidance document	I 3 C
	7	Biological evaluation and test requirement identification in line with the predicate device	I 3 C
	8	Samples send to Laboratory	CLIENT
	9	Evaluation of equivalent device compilation	I 3 C
	10	Drafting of 510(k) file in line with available FDA guidance document.	I 3 C
	11	Review of Risk analysis, Equivalent device data, Biocompatibility Test/Safety test protocols	CLIENT + I 3 C
	12	Review of Labels, User Manual/IFU, Shelf-life records/lifetime calculation, and pre-clinical study evidence	CLIENT + I 3 C
	13	Pre-submission	CLIENT + I 3 C

PHASE III	14	Compilation by incorporating the pre-submission comments	I 3 C	90 Days
	15	Compilation of Pre-clinical and Biocompatibility/Safety testing	I 3 C
	16	Compilation and release of the Final Draft	I 3 C
	17	Review	I 3 C

PHASE IV	18	US Agent Appointment	CLIENT	20 Days
	19	Review payment	CLIENT
	20	510(k) Submission in Hard copy and E-Copy	I 3 C
	21	Receipt of acknowledgment	CLIENT
	22	Wait for the review comments	CLIENT	90 Days

PHASE V	23	Modify the 510(k) and provide additional supporting documentary evidence as per FDA review comments	CLIENT + I 3 C	60 Days
	24	Re-submission	I 3 C	10 Days
	25	Wait for the review comments or FDA 510(k) clearance letter	CLIENT	90 Days

510(k) Submission Process Timeline & Duration

fda 510k consultants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pre-sub checklist and pre-sub acceptance checklist? Provide a ready to edit and use template?

Pre-sub acceptance checklist: FDA staff will conduct an acceptance review using the Acceptance Checklist within 15 days after the submission. The submitter will receive notification regarding whether the submission has been accepted for review. The acceptance checklist can be internally used to check our documentation, there is no necessary to have the template as it is being done by FDA staff.

The pre-submission checklist was the part of guidance “Requests for Feedback on Medical Device Submissions” issued on September 29, 2017. But it is superseded by “Requests for Feedback and Meetings for Medical Device Submissions: The Q-Submission Program” issued on January 6, 2021. Currently no requirement for the pre-submission checklist.

Do you have ready to use Q-sub cover letter template?

You must submit an eCopy of your Q-Sub under section 745(A)(b) of the FD&C Act. An electronic copy (eCopy) is an electronic version of your medical device submission stored on a compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or flash drive. Use the eCopy Validation Module to ensures your eCopy is formatted correctly. you must attach a paper copy of your company cover letter (including a signature) to the eCopy (CD, DVD, or flash drive).

A medical device submission package should be sent to the CDRH Document Control Center (DCC) at the following address:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Document Control Center (DCC) – WO66-G609, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Advantages:

Enhanced process review
Confirmation of Issues
No Fee
Smooth pathway provider for selection of submission type
Clarity regarding each aspect of submission and marketing
Detailed understanding for appropriate 510(k) submission
Pre-defined meeting

What is Performance testing and Bench testing? How could help in faster 510k clearance

Performance data should be provided to help demonstrate the SE of your device to predicate the device. The data may include test results from engineering, bench, design verification, human factors, and animal testing, and clinical studies and clinical trials. Tests should be conducted on all sizes and models of the device.

FDA classifies non-clinical performance testing under bench testing. These tests are performed by either a device manufacturer or a third-party testing facility (e.g., test laboratory), which includes all bench testing and will depend on the specifics of the actual device or device type. Non-clinical bench performance testing includes tests to evaluate mechanical and biological engineering performance (e.g., fatigue, wear, tensile strength, compression, etc).

The reviewer will require test report summaries, test protocols, and test reports. The test report summary ideally includes a brief description and summary of the various tests performed as part of bench testing. The complete test reports also should be included as part of the premarket submission. Test protocols contain the testing methods, test objective, acceptance criteria, and data analysis plan. The contents of the test protocol can also be included as part of the test report and submitted as a single document.

How long the Q submission process? Can I apply multiple times?

Timeline: 75-90 days (*21 days for urgent public health issues)

Day 1 Review Team

Day 5 Acknowledgement

Day 15 Acceptance Review

Day 30 – 40 Meetings Scheduled if needed

Day 70 FDA Feedback

Day 75 Meeting

Day 90 Meeting Minutes from Submitter

Day 120 FDA revisions to the meeting, if needed

If FDA determines that the information provided is insufficient, the request will be refused to accept, or RTA and the sponsor should provide the additional information which will be logged in as an amendment to the Q-Sub.

No when it is a single device one should not apply multiple times.