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EU MDR Regulation
The new EU MDR regulation is to guarantee patient safety and device performance throughout their entire lifecycle. It was released by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The EU regulation aim to maintain a high standard of safety and quality for medical devices produced in Europe or imported to Europe.
The regulatory framework aims to improve the identification of medical devices and to standardize data and technological progress via the EU database (EUDAMED). The EU medical device regulation seeks to provide a sustainable regulatory environment for medical devices that prioritizes health and safety while fostering innovation.
As a trusted medical device consulting firm, team I3CGLOBAL guides manufacturer and navigates the complexities of the MDR Regulation and gets access to the EU market.
Migration of MDD to MDR Regulation
MDD 93/42/EEC refers to the Medical Device Directive which was the former regulatory requirement for medical devices in the EU. The Medical Devices Directive (MDD) set forth the safety and performance standards for medical devices being marketed within the EU. This directive was in effect for nearly 25 years until it was superseded by the new MDR regulation in the year 2017.
EU 2017/745, is the Medical Device Regulation that has taken the place of the MDD from 26th May 2022. This current framework enforces more rigorous regulations and criteria to guarantee the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical devices available in the European market.
The application timeline for the MDR Regulation to devices previously under the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) was extended from March 2023 to the end of 2027 or 2028, based on device classification. This extension aims to provide manufacturers, notified bodies, and stakeholders ample time to adapt to the new regulations. Additionally, it grants manufacturers additional time to ensure their devices meet the stricter requirements and complete the necessary conformity assessments.
The extension of the MDR aims to minimize disruptions in the availability of medical devices in the European market and to ensure a smooth transition from the previous regulatory framework (MDD) to the new one. It also allows a more phased and controlled implementation process, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-prepared and can meet the new obligations outlined in the MDR.
The extension is to ensure sure availability of CE-certified devices in the European market and facilitate a seamless shift from MDD to new MDR. It also enables a gradual and managed implementation, ensuring that all parties are adequately prepared to comply with MDR regulations and practices.
Notified Bodies for MDR Regulation
The current number of Notified Bodies under MDR is insufficient for manufacturers operating from Europe itself beyond the huge demand from foreign countries. Moreover, these notified bodies do not have the full technical scope of CE Certifying all types of devices.
Considering the huge demand for recertification of MDD-certified products within transitional provisions end, not possible as anticipated. Acknowledging this issue, the EU Commission has identified the potential for a medical device shortage if manufacturers cannot migrate into MDR 2017/745.
Due to this reason, the EU Commission has extended the transition period from May 26, 2024, to December 31, 2026, for implantable Class III devices, December 31, 2027, for Class III and Class IIb implantable devices, and December 31, 2028, for all other devices.
A deep walkthrough of MDR Regulation and an understanding of how to expedite the CE Certification programme is essential. For additional information, please contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long I can sell class I reusable devices? Do I need to re-label them?
Reusable devices that have been lawfully placed on the market under the MDD Class I can be sold until 31 December 2028 as per regulation EU 2023/607. Regulation 2023/607 insists manufacturers apply with notified bodies by 26 May 2024 and the contractual agreement with Notified bodies must be signed before 26 September 2024
There is no requirement to recall Class or re-label the devices
What is the role of Notified Bodies under the MDR?
Notified Bodies are organizations designated by EU member states to assess the conformity of medical devices with the MDR regulation. They review technical documentation, conduct onsite audits, and issue CE certificates. CE Certificates are mandatory for selling medical device in Europe.
Does the EU MDR supersede multiple type of directives?
What are the new requirements for Post-Market Surveillance in Medical Device Regulation (MDR)?
What is EUDAMED stands for?
EUDAMED is the European Database on Medical Devices. It is an EU centralized system that stores information on medical devices, manufacturers, notified bodies, and clinical investigations.
What is the significance of the Annexes in Medical device regulation?
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- Annex I: General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR)
- Annex II: Technical Documentation
- Annex IX: Conformity Assessment
- Annex VIII: Classification rules
- Annex XIII: Procedure for custom-made devices
- Annex XV: Clinical investigations
These above annexes are crucial for manufacturers to understand and comply with the regulation.