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Medical Devices Law (no longer valid)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.
Do you need support?
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!
Regulatory affairs managers take care of the approval of medical devices. In this article, you will learn, Update: Impact of the digital transformation on the tasks of regulatory affairs managers added! 1. Responsibilities of regulatory affairs managers Regulatory affairs managers are responsible for ensuring that 2. Tasks of regulatory affairs managers To achieve these objectives,…
Details
The qualification and classification of IVD software determine how and how quickly IVD manufacturers can bring their software to market and what costs arise for “approval.” This article will help you correctly qualify and classify IVD software, thereby avoiding regulatory problems and the resulting costs and delays. 1. Definition of terms 1.1 Qualification Qualification is…
Details
The DAkkS, the German Accreditation Body, is Germany’s national accreditation authority. Recently, manufacturers, associations, and certification bodies have been raising their voices against the DAkkS. It is being vilified as an example of how German bureaucracy nips any innovation in the bud. What is the truth of these accusations? Are they justified? This article presents…
Details
In vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) are medical devices used to analyze samples derived from the human body. Typically, these products are reagents, kits, instruments, and devices. Software can also be considered as an IVD regarding its intended purpose. When “approving IVDs,” manufacturers must comply with many regulations, laws, and standards. 1. Significant steps for…
Details
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 ensure that your IVD product is not unnecessarily allocated to a high-risk class, this article provides an overview of 1. What qualifies a product as an IVD?…
Details
“Remediation” is often synonymous with maximum stress: Notified bodies or authorities such as the FDA have discovered significant deviations that must be remedied with the highest priority and without regard to the workload of employees or budgets. This article will help you to complete such “remediation projects” in such a way that 1. Remediation: First…
Details
Including a free download of the chapter structure for the Clinical Evaluation Plan The Clinical Evaluation Plan is one of the most complex documents in the technical documentation. Alongside the Clinical Evaluation Report, the Clinical Evaluation Plan (CEP) is the document most frequently criticized by notified bodies. Even experienced clinical experts typically need 60 working…
Details
This article tells you which regulatory requirements you must fulfill, how a vigilance system differs from a system for post-market surveillance, and how you can set up and operate a vigilance system quickly and in compliance with the law. 1. Definition and objectives of vigilance There are legal requirements worldwide for monitoring medical devices on…
Details
For many manufacturers of medical devices, an FDA inspection is associated with great stress. Many companies are aware of the possible consequences, such as a public warning letter and even criminal prosecution. But they often don’t know how to avoid these consequences without shutting down the entire company for days. This article shows how This…
Details
Neither the MPG nor the MDR contain regulations on product liability, i.e., manufacturers’ liability for harm caused by defective devices. However, manufacturers should be aware that a lot of legal regulations entitle injured persons to claim compensation if a defective medical device causes harm to a patient, user, or third party. Liability may result, for example,…
Details