The “regulatory affairs” section comprises over 200 tasks that need to be completed during the development and approval of medical devices.
Here, you will find an overview of the most essential content so that you can get your device approved quickly.
Content
On this page, you will find articles on the following topics:
- What regulatory affairs is
- Regulatory requirements
- Authorization and documentation
- Authorities, institutions, and associations
- Further topics of regulatory affairs
1. What regulatory affairs is
Regulatory affairs comprises the processes and activities that ensure that medical devices meet the regulatory requirements of the countries where they are sold. This includes
- obtaining the necessary approvals from the regulatory authorities,
- compliance with applicable regulations and standards, and
- maintaining conformity throughout the entire product life cycle until decommissioning.
The tasks of regulatory affairs also include monitoring changes to regulations and standards and communicating these changes to stakeholders within the company to ensure continuous compliance.
Regulatory affairs thus plays a crucial role in ensuring that medical devices are safe, effective, and comply with legal requirements.
Further information
Refer also to the article on regulatory affairs managers’ tasks, competencies, and earning potential. This includes the task of developing a regulatory strategy.
2. Regulatory requirements
a) Germany
Laws |
Medical Devices Law (no longer valid)
Medical Devices Implementation Act MPDG |
National regulations |
Medical Device Operator Ordinance (Medizinprodukte-Betreiberverordnung – MPBetreibV)
Medical Device User Notification and Information Ordinance (Medizinprodukte-Anwendermelde- und Informationsverordnung – MPAMIV) |
b) Europe
c) USA
d) Other markets
3. Approval and documentation
a) Approval
Find more information on international approval
b) Qualification and classification (How should my device be classified?)
c) Technical documentation (What do I need to document for each device?)
d) Quality management (What should your company fulfill?)
Quality management is not usually the responsibility of regulatory affairs. Nevertheless, we have listed some important articles for you.
4. Authorities, institutions, and associations
a) Germany
b) Europe
c) International
IMDRF: International Medical Device Regulators Forum |
5. Regulatory affairs: Further topics
Here, you will find an article on the tasks and competencies of regulatory affairs managers.
Note the advantages and disadvantages of Regulatory Information Management Systems (RIMS) and their role in manufacturers’ digital transformation.
Part of the tasks of regulatory affairs is regulatory intelligence.
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With the eSTAR Program, the FDA aims to increase the efficiency of approval procedures (e.g., the 510(k) procedure) through digitalization. The Johner Institute is working with the FDA on the further development of eStar. This article tells you how forward-looking this approach is and whether you should or even must take part.
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We frequently get asked, “Do you also offer Computerized Systems Validation?” One of the reasons for the interest is certainly: Authorities and notified bodies increasingly address the Computerized Systems Validation (CSV) in audits. This article introduces regulatory requirements regarding “Computerized Systems Validation” and provides guidance on how you can best meet these requirements.
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The classification of in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) can have far-reaching consequences, as it has an impact on the conformity assessment procedure, certification audits, and, thus, on market launch. To help you prevent the unnecessary allocation of your IVD product to a high-risk class, this article provides an overview of
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The correct and precise formulation of the intended purpose of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD) is crucial for their successful development and approval. However, even the definitions of terms and the connection between intended purpose and intended use make it difficult to achieve clarity and precision. This article reveals how to…
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Legal Requirements and Practical Implementation under MDR/IVDR EU Authorized Representatives are not only subject to the legal requirements of the MDR and IVDR. They are also liable for violations of medical device law. This expert article provides practical answers to all regulatory questions relating to the EU-REP with specific recommendations for action from the leading consulting firm for…
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The EU Data Act came into force in December 2023. It aims to create a new legal framework for handling data that will not only affect US tech giants. The EU Data Act will have an impact on many companies that process data, including medical device manufacturers. This article will help you assess:
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Trade goods in the medical device sector can become a regulatory trap for distributors. The line between distributor and manufacturer under the MDR and IVDR is thinner than many people think, with potentially costly legal consequences.
EU Regulation 2017/745 (MDR) establishes the general requirements for instructions for use (IFU). Whether they can also be provided in electronic form (eIFU) is regulated by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2226. It was revised by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1234. A consolidated version is also available now. We have summarized the requirements for electronic instructions for use for you.
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The incorporation of AI in medical devices has made great strides, for example, in the diagnosis of disease. Manufacturers of devices with machine learning face the challenge of having to demonstrate compliance of their devices with the regulations. Even if you know the law – what are the standards and best practices to consider in…
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Practical guidance based on the experience of the Johner Institute, Oliver Hilgers, and Stefan Bolleininger The discussion about class I software continues to rage. This article provides guidance regarding the MDR rules for the classification of medical software.
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