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:
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
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.
Refer also to the article on regulatory affairs managers’ tasks, competencies, and earning potential. This includes the task of developing a regulatory strategy.
| Laws | Medical Devices Law (no longer valid)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) |
| EU directives (only for existing devices) | Medical Device Directive (MDD, 93/42/EEC) and its essential requirements |
| EU regulations | Medical Device Regulation MDR
In-Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) AI Regulation (planned) EU AI Act |
| EU guidelines | Overview of MDCG documents
Examples
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| Harmonized standards | Overview of harmonized standards. You will find further articles on specific standards and their implementation (also) in these categories:
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| Laws | Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FD&C)
Administrative Laws (21 CFR)
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| General information | Request for Information: How the FDA helps with classification
FDA eCopy Program FDA Warning Letters and FDA Form 483 (Form 483) Software Change: What the FDA expects from you |
| Approval procedure | FDA updates “Refuse to Accept Policy” for 510(k)
The FDA Pre-Submission Program The FDA Software Precertification (Pre-Cert) Pilot Program FDA’s De Novo Program Level of Concern: What the FDA wants to achieve with this program Special 510(k): When the FDA will allow this “shortcut” Breakthrough Devices Program of the FDA |
| Requirements | FDA Human Factors Guidances
The FDA QSIT: Quality System Inspection Technique The FDA Benefit-Risk Guidance Recognized Consensus Standards of the FDA Guidance ‘Interoperable Medical Devices’ |
| see section 3.a) |
| Approval of medical devices (overview) Please also note the presentation describing the path to the CE mark as well as the articles “7 steps to a medical device” and “Approval of IVDs.“ |
| Conformity assessment procedure (assessing conformity with statutory requirements) |
| Approval in China |
| Approval China FDA / NMPA |
| Approval in Brazil |
| Approval in Japan |
| Approval Saudi Arabia (SFDA) |
| Approval South Korea |
Find more information on international approval
| Qualification as a medical device (medical device yes/no). This also includes the distinction between medicinal products and medical devices, as well as the special case of combination products. |
| Classification according to MDR Class I, IIa, IIb, III or IVDR Class A, B, C and D |
| Qualification and classification of software as a medical device |
| Classification of devices as accessories |
| Technical documentation (overview) |
| Intended purpose (the foundation document) |
| Instructions for use |
| Clinical evaluation of medical devices according to MEDDEV 2.7/1 rev. 4 |
| Risk management files: risk policy, risk management plan, risk analysis, risk management report |
| Usability file |
| Software file, e.g., software requirements specification, software architecture, software tests, software release. Please also note the special features of medical apps (mobile medical apps). |
| Verification and validation of medical devices |
| Unique Device Identification |
Quality management is not usually the responsibility of regulatory affairs. Nevertheless, we have listed some important articles for you.
| Steps to a certified QM system |
| Audits (especially of quality management systems) |
| Systems for Post-Market Surveillance and PMCF (Post-Market Clinical Follow-up) and vigilance |
| Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM – Bundesamt für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) |
| German Institute for Medical Informatics (DIMDI – Deutsches Institut für medizinische Informatik); has since been integrated into the BfArM |
| DAkkS, the German accreditation body |
| State authorities: Regional councils, trade supervisory offices, governments |
| Notified bodies |
| NBOG: Notified Body Operations Group |
| MDCG: Medical Device Coordination Group |
| IMDRF: International Medical Device Regulators Forum |
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.
Do you still have questions, for example, about the approval of your devices? Then, take advantage of our free micro-consulting service.
If you would like support in developing and “approving” your medical devices in compliance with the law, contact us right away. The Johner Institute team will be happy to help!
The MDR and IVDR use the terms device category and generic device group without fully defining them. ISO 13485:2016 introduces the medical device family. Finally, the MDCG uses the term device range. The definitions of these terms determine the allocation of UDIs and the sampling of product files during certification. Therefore, it is important for…
DetailsThe authorization of medical devices in Japan is a big challenge for European manufacturers. But it’s not one they should shy away from, because Japan is one of the 10 biggest markets in the world. This article will tell you about the requirements you have to meet and the best way to overcome the hurdles. A)…
DetailsMedical device manufacturers are required to carry out a regular “regulatory update.” Because as strange as it sounds, regulatory requirements oblige manufacturers to continuously monitor and evaluate changes to regulatory requirements and take any necessary measures. Keeping track of thousands of regulatory requirements is a challenge. Manufacturers should have a clear understanding of the typical…
DetailsThe CFDA, the China Food and Drug Administration, was replaced on September 1, 2018 by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which reports to the Chinese Ministry of Health. This article will provide you with further information on the work and responsibilities of the CFDA/NMPA and the approval of medical devices in China. You will…
DetailsWith its Safer Technologies Program (STeP), the FDA hopes to open up a new approval pathway for manufacturers of innovative medical devices. The FDA wants patients to benefit more quickly from these innovations. In this article, you can read about the simplifications and help the FDA intends to provide for you as a manufacturer and…
DetailsAbbreviated 510(k) is one of three 510(k) clearance procedures offered by the FDA. This article tells you, 1. Abbreviated 510(k) and other approval procedures If manufacturers want to market their medical devices in the U.S., they must go through one of the approval procedures. Among the most commonly used are the Premarket Notifications PMN. These…
DetailsIn a guidance document, the FDA explains how to implement a software change in a regulatory-compliant manner. It describes when you need a new 510(k) submission (Premarket Notification) and when you “only” need to document the changes. 1. What a software change is a) Software changes in the “scope” of the guidance document By a…
DetailsWhat a lot of people understand by accessories is different from the definition of the term in the German Medical Device Act (MPG). This article gives you an overview of the definition of the term, the regulatory requirements, and typical questions. 1. Definition of the term “accessory” a) Accessory according to the MPG and MDD…
DetailsThe parameterization of software – in this context, we can also talk about customizing or configuring software – often leads to discussion, e.g., regarding responsibilities and the differentiation to in-house production. This article gives manufacturers and their customers important advice on what to look out for when parameterizing software and how to avoid the usual pitfalls.…
DetailsOn November 21, the Johner Institute, together with TÜV SÜD, TÜV Nord, and with the support of Dr. Heidenreich (Siemens), published a guideline on IT security specifically for medical device manufacturers. Who the IT Security Guideline is aimed at The guideline is aimed at all manufacturers of medical devices (persons placing on the market, service…
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