Much has changed in the interim but this Guide is still very relevant in 2021
On August 29th, 2017the UK’s MHRA has published an interactive guide to the medical device regulation (MDR) and the in vitro diagnostic medical device regulation (IVDR).
If you still need to ‘get your head around’ the regulations, which are extensive, this is a great place to start.
The Guide covers …
- Introduction & the Transition arrangements
- Definitions
- Classification of devices
- Conformity Assessment
- Placing a Device on the market
- UDI (Unique Device Identifier) and Eudamed (European databank on medical devices)
- Supply Chain obligations
- PMS (Post-market Surveillance) and Vigilance requirements
NOTE: Contrary to general belief, the Guide states that Conformity Assessment by a Notified Body is NOT required for most Class 1 Medical Devices (as opposed to Class 1M or 1S) or Class A In vitro Devices. In these cases, the services of an ISO 13485 Certification Body plus a self-assessed Certificate of Conformity to regulations will be sufficient.
See the UK government's website for the detailed MHRA guidance or our post about US FDA Regulations for comparison.
A word of warning
The regulatory scene, whether EU, UK or USA, is ever-changing and, depending on which regulatory areas you are servicing the changes may continue to 2027 and beyond. Consequently, you are advised to get up-to-date information from a regulatory expert before investing resources into new or changed medical devices. Costs which previously were modest may now be such as to render a device economically nonviable. And the extent of the documentation that must be developed and submitted can be considerable too.
Related Articles
- Medical Device Regulations (MDR) Classifications: US vs EU
- Medical Device Regulations (MDR) Definitions: USA vs EU
- Medical Device Regulations (MDR): The EU vs the UK
- EU MDR and IVDR Guidance on PRRC Requirements
- ISO 13485: Critical Subcontractors and Crucial Suppliers
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