EU REGULATIONS

The expert panel in the field of in vitro diagnostic medical devices now accepts submissions from notified bodies for the Performance Evaluation Consultation Procedure | 14 October 2021

To prevent disruption in the supply of these essential healthcare products, the European Commission has proposed a progressive roll-out of the new In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation introducing substantial changes in the regulatory framework for in vitro diagnostic medical devices, such as HIV tests, pregnancy tests or SARS-CoV-2 tests. The length of the proposed transition periods depends on the type of device:

• Class D (High Risk Devices): until May 2025 and 2026
• Class C (High to Moderate Risk Devices): until May 2025 and 2026
• Class B (Moderate to Low-Risk Devices): until May 2027
• Class A (Low Risk Devices): until May 2027

Questions and Answers on the progressive roll-out of the new In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation | 14 October 2021

The European Commission has proposed Questions and Answers on the progressive roll-out of the new In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR) to prevent disruption in the supply of these essential healthcare products. The general application date of the Regulation remains 26 May 2022. In particular, the IVD Regulation will apply in full as of 26 May 2022 to CE marked in vitro diagnostic medical devices that do not require the involvement of a notified body (i.e., class A non-sterile devices which represent around 20% of the market) and to ‘new’ in vitro diagnostics (i.e., those not covered by a certificate or a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity issued prior to 26 May 2022).

MDCG: Guidance on classification of medical devices | October 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a general overview on the impact of the classification of medical devices on different aspects of the device compliance with the legal requirements as the classification of medical devices in EU medical device legislation is a risk-based system considering the vulnerability of the human body and the potential risks associated with the devices.

MDCG 2019-6 Rev3: Requirements relating to notified bodies| October 2021

The document presents questions and answers on requirements relating to notified bodies under Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR) 2017/746 under following categories:
• Organizational and general requirements
• Resources requirements
• Process requirements

MDCG: Regulation (EU) 2017/745 – application of MDR requirements to ‘legacy devices’ and to devices placed on the market prior to 26 May 2021 in accordance with Directives 90/385/EEC or 93/42/EEC | October 2021

The MDCG set up an impromptu task-force regarding the application of transitional provisions laid down in Article 120(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR), the consequential application of MDR requirements to ‘legacy devices’ and to devices placed on the market prior to 26 May 2021 in accordance with Directives 90/385/EEC or 93/42/EEC. The report of the task force was forwarded to all MDCG working groups and MDCG agreed to publish the task-force report as MDCG guidance at its meeting on 19 October 2021.

MDCG: Questions and Answers on repackaging & relabeling activities under Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 | October 2021

The document presents questions and answers about obligations introduced by Article 16(2) to (4) under Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR) 2017/746. Article 16(1) of the Regulations outlines cases where the obligations of manufacturers also apply to importers, distributors or other natural or legal persons. Article 16(2) of the Regulations specifies the cases in which certain activities of importers and distributors are not considered modifications of a device, within the meaning of Article 16(1)(c).

Note: Article 16(2), (3) and (4) of the Regulations do not apply to operators subcontracted by the manufacturer (that may also qualify as importers or distributors), who carry out relabelling and/or repackaging activities on behalf and under the control of the manufacturer.

FRANCE

Regulatory developments impacting medical devices that contain cobalt | 01 October 2021

Cobalt, most often alloyed with other metals, is a natural metallic element that is used in the manufacture of many medical devices. As of 1 October 2021, cobalt is classified as a substance: carcinogen 1B, mutagen 2, toxic for reproduction 1B, pursuant to Delegated Regulation 2020/217 of the European Commission but the use of this metal in MDs is not prohibited by this delegated regulation. In accordance with EU MDR 2017/745, devices containing cobalt in a concentration greater than 0.1% by mass fraction (m/m) must now meet the new safety and performance requirements set out in point 10.4 of Chapter II of Annex I. As of 1 October 2021, manufacturers of an MD that contains cobalt must:
• justify the use of cobalt; this can be done, for example, by explaining why another material cannot replace it
• indicate the presence of cobalt by specific labelling on the MD
• provide a leaflet informing of the residual risks

HUNGARY

EU Electronic Application Forms: Electronic application forms eAF 1.25.0.0 version | 19 October 2021

The National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (OGYÉI) informed the marketing authorization holders and applicants about the mandatory use of the electronic application forms eAF 1.25.0.0 starting from 1 November 2021 highlighting implementation of the Medical Device Regulation Art 2(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 as the major change in the version.

ITALY

Medical devices: Update of the Q&A document relating to the requirements of notified bodies| 21 October 2021

The document provides clarifications on the requirements and operating procedures for Notified Bodies, authorized by the Authorities responsible for notified bodies to carry out certification procedures for the purpose of CE marking of medical devices, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/745, which allows their placing on the market, putting into service and free movement within the Community in the territory of the European Union. The update of the Questions and answer document mainly provides clarifications on the services offered by notified bodies in the phases that precede the actual certification process in different ways.

Medical devices, classification guidelines | 15 October 2021

The purpose of this document is to provide a general overview on the impact of the classification of medical devices on different aspects of the device compliance with the legal requirements along with the examples of the risk classes to be attributed to different medical devices in accordance with Annex VIII of Regulation (EU) 2017/745.

AUSTRALIA

Discussion paper on potential for mandatory reporting of medical device adverse events by healthcare facilities in Australia | 19 October 2021 

The Australian Government supported working closely with healthcare facilities, state and territory health departments to find ways to increase rapid information sharing about medical device safety and effectiveness following the Senate Inquiry into “the Number of women in Australia who have had transvaginal mesh implants and related matters” which highlighted that the number, range, and complexity of medical devices will increase over time.

Submissions received: Proposed refinements to the requirements for medical device patient information materials | 18 October 2021

The TGA thanked respondents who provided a submission to the public consultation related to the implementation of the requirement for sponsors of implantable medical devices and provided patient information leaflets (PIL) and patient implant cards (PIC) about their medical device. The requirements commenced in late 2018, with a gradual implementation over three years. Guidance documents will be updated to address other concerns raised in the consultation, following a decision from the Government on the proposed refinements.

Essential Principles – consent for noncompliance | 14 October 2021

There are Criminal Offences under S41MA and Civil Penalties under S41MAA of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, for persons who import, supply or export medical devices that do not meet the Essential Principles for safety and performance. In circumstances preventing compliance to one or more parts of an Essential Principle for a limited period, sponsors may request consent to import, supply or export medical devices which do not meet an Essential Principle. For sponsors that are applying for consent to import, supply, or export medical devices that are non-compliant with EP13A, a specific form has been developed.

Classification of active medical devices (including software-based medical devices) | 11 October 2021

The guidance assists manufacturers of active medical devices, including software-based medical devices, to correctly classify their devices as classification rules are applied according to the manufacturer’s intended purpose and considering how the device works. Manufacturers must consider all the classification rules in classifying their medical device. Where more than one rule applies, the device must be classified at the highest applicable level.

Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) Terms | 06 October 2021

Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) Terms are an international naming and grouping convention used to identify and consistently describe medical devices. GMDN Terms are made up of a five (5)-digit numeric Code, a Term Name, and a Definition. Devices are taken to be of the same kind if they have the following characteristics:
• the same Sponsor
• the same Manufacturer
• the same classification
• the same GMDN Term
• for Class III medical devices, Class AIMD medical devices and Class 4 IVD devices (other than an immunohematology reagent that is a Class 4 IVD medical device), the same unique product identifier (UPI)

The concept of a kind of medical device forms the basis of such things as
• conformity assessment
• applications for inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)
• custom-made medical device notifications
• registrations for transition
• adverse event notifications

Regulation of software based medical devices | 11 October 2021

The purpose of the guidance is to help manufacturers and sponsors understand how the TGA interprets requirements, and thus indicate how manufacturers and sponsors can comply. Manufacturers and sponsors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the legislative and regulatory requirements in Australia, and if necessary, to seek professional advice. It is the responsibility of each manufacturer or sponsor to understand and comply with these requirements.

USA

CDRH Proposed Guidance Development | 26 October 2021 

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) posts two lists of guidance documents each year that it intends to publish during the fiscal year along with an annual retrospective list of previously issued guidance’s for stakeholder review and input. These lists are:
• The A-list: A list of prioritized guidance documents that the Agency intends to publish during the fiscal year.
• The B-list: a list of guidance documents that the Agency intends to publish as resources permit during the fiscal year.

CDRH Proposed Guidance’s for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) | 26 October 2021 

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) posts two lists of guidance documents each year that it intends to publish during the fiscal year along with an annual retrospective list of previously issued guidance’s for stakeholder review and input. These lists are:
• The A-list: A list of prioritized guidance documents that the Agency intends to publish during the fiscal year.
• The B-list: a list of guidance documents that the Agency intends to publish as resources permit during the fiscal year.

Notice to Public of Website Location of Center for Devices and Radiological Health Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Guidance Development | 27 October 2021 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the website location where the Agency will post two lists of guidance documents that the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) intends to publish in fiscal year (FY) 2022. In addition, FDA has established a docket where interested persons may comment on the priority of topics for guidance, provide comments and/or propose draft language for those topics, suggest topics for new or different guidance documents, comment on the applicability of guidance documents that have issued previously, and provide any other comments that could benefit the CDRH guidance program and its engagement with stakeholders.

Medical Device Reporting (MDR): How to Report Medical Device Problems| 20 October 2021 

Medical Device Reporting (MDR) is one of the Post Market Surveillance (PMS) tools the FDA uses to monitor device performance, detect potential device-related safety issues, and contribute to benefit-risk assessments of these products. Mandatory reporters (manufacturers, device user facilities, and importers) and voluntary reporters (health care professionals, patients, caregivers, and consumers) are required to submit to the FDA certain types of reports for adverse events, product problems, use errors, product quality issues, and therapeutic failures about medical devices. For voluntary reporting, form FDA 3500 may be used by health professionals or consumers.

Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products; Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Availability | 20 October 2021 

On 7 November 2013, The FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (FDARA) directed FDA to update and finalize the draft guidance entitled “Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products”.  This updated draft guidance, which supersedes the 7 November 2013 draft guidance, intend to describe hearing aids, personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), their respective intended uses, and the regulatory requirements that apply to these products. This draft guidance is not final nor is it in effect currently.

Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids | 20 October 2021

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to establish a regulatory category for over the counter (OTC) hearing aids and to make related amendments to update the regulatory framework for hearing aids. FDA propose to:
• define OTC hearing aids and establish applicable requirements
• amend existing rules for consistency with a new OTC category
• repeal the conditions for sale applicable to hearing aids
• amend the existing labeling requirements for hearing aids; and update regulations relating to
decisions on applications for exemption from Federal pre-emption that would become obsolete because of changes to the hearing aid requirements

Surgical Staplers and Staples for Internal Use – Labeling Recommendations Aids | 08 October 2021 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issued the guidance to provide labelling recommendations for surgical staplers and staples for internal use as malfunctions and misuse associated with these devices have resulted in serious adverse events, including deaths. This guidance would help promote the safe and effective use of surgical staplers and staples for internal use by helping manufacturers develop labelling with information about specific risks, limitations, and directions for use of the device.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Medical Device Labeling Regulations | 08 October 2021 

This information collection supports implementation of medical device labelling requirements governed by section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 352), codified in Agency regulations, and discussed in associated Agency guidance. Medical device labelling regulations in parts 800, 801, 809, and associated regulations in parts 660 and 1040 (21 CFR parts 660, 800, 801, 809, and 1040), prescribe the disclosure of specific information by manufacturers, importers, and distributors of medical devices about themselves and/or the devices, on the label or labelling for the devices, to health professionals and consumers.

Breast Implant Post Market Safety Information | 27 October 2021 

FDA’s post market review of breast implant safety and effectiveness includes:

• Providing input and guidance to manufacturers as they work to meet post-approval study enrolment, follow-up, and objectives.
• Communicating study status and findings to healthcare providers and patients to help inform them of risks associated with breast implants.
• Evaluating breast implant Medical Device Reports (MDRs), especially those related to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and Systemic Symptoms in Women with Breast Implants.
• Assessing all post market reporting requirements associated with the approved PMA, including manufacturing changes, design changes, and annual reports.
When the FDA finds that a manufacturer has significantly violated the FDA’s regulations, the FDA notifies the manufacturer. This notification may be in the form of a Warning Letter.

Labeling for Approved Breast Implants | 27 October 2021 

On October 27, 2021, the FDA took several new actions to strengthen breast implant risk communication and help those who are considering breast implants make informed decisions. The FDA issued orders restricting the sale and distribution of breast implants to help ensure that patients considering breast implants are provided with adequate risk information so that they can make fully informed decisions and approved new labelling for all legally marketed breast implants that includes:
• Boxed warning.
• Patient decision checklist, which must be reviewed with the prospective patient by the health care provider to help ensure the patient understands the risks, benefits and other information about the breast implant device. The patient must be given the opportunity to initial and sign the patient decision checklist and it must be signed by the physician implanting the device.
• Updated silicone gel-filled breast implant rupture screening recommendations.
• Device description with a list of specific materials in the device.
• Patient device card.
The FDA expects manufacturers to post the updated device labelling to their websites within the next 30 days and has released updated information on the status of breast implant manufacturer post-approval studies.

FDA Strengthens Safety Requirements and Updates Study Results for Breast Implants | 28 October 2021

The agency issued orders restricting the sale and distribution of breast implants to help ensure that patients considering breast implants are provided with adequate risk information so that they can make fully informed decisions.
• the agency issued orders restricting the sale and distribution of breast implants to help ensure that patients considering breast implants are provided with adequate risk information so that they can make fully informed decisions
• the agency has approved new labelling for all legally marketed breast implants that includes a boxed warning, a patient decision checklist, updated silicone gel-filled breast implant rupture screening recommendations, a device description with a list of specific materials used in the device and a patient device card
• the FDA released updated information on the status of breast implant manufacturer post-approval studies
These actions will help patients understand the risks and benefits of breast implants and make more informed decisions about their health.

UK

UK, USA, and Canadian regulators identify 10 guiding principles to be addressed when medical devices use AI or machine learning software| 27 October 2021 

The principles cover key elements of GMLP, for example:
• having an in-depth understanding of a model’s intended integration into clinical workflow
• the desired benefits and associated patient risks
• selecting and maintaining training and datasets to be appropriately independent of each other
These guidelines may be used to:
• adopt good practices that have been proven in other sectors
• tailor practices from other sectors so they are applicable to medical technology and the health care
sector
• create new practices specific for medical technology and the health care sector

Consultation on the future regulation of medical devices in the United Kingdom | 26 October 2021

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is inviting members of the public to provide their views on possible changes to the regulatory framework for medical devices to enable:
• Improved patient and public safety
• Greater transparency of regulatory decision making and medical device information
• Close alignment with international best practice
• More flexible, responsive, and proportionate regulation of medical devices
This consultation looks at how we might change the law around medical devices in the UK by updating the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended) (UK medical devices regulations). Two webinars aiming
the industry and public were uploaded on the website.

Guidance: Borderlines with medical devices and other products in Great Britain | 01 October 2021

The guidance document covers borderline products with general medical devices as specified in Part II of the Medical Device Regulations 2002 (as amended) and does not cover borderlines with in-vitro diagnostic medical devices or active implantable medical devices.

SWITZERLAND

Patient care in Switzerland at risk| 17 October 2021 

After getting the third country status, Switzerland continues exporting medical products under the new EU regulation but the current situation with imports is alarming. By implementing home-made import barriers, Switzerland is endangering the health care of its own population. Swiss MedTech is therefore urgently calling for changes to the national Medical Devices Ordinance.

PAKISTAN

Draft Guidelines for Imports & Exports of Therapeutic Goods (for Views/Comments of stakeholders) | 25 October 2021 

The guidance document aim to provide an overview of the requirements, procedures and best practices for imports and exports in compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements for all therapeutic goods including finished pharmaceutical and biological drug products, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug substances (DS), Medical Devices, and Health & OTC Product (e.g. nutraceuticals, herbals, ayurvedic and homeopathic products, biochemic and Chinese products) and their raw materials. The guidelines are meant to:
• outline the requirements and documentation for import and export of therapeutic goods
• determine the eligibility, who can import or export therapeutic goods
• elaborate procedure adopted by DRAP for verification and port clearance
• describe the responsibilities of the entities involved in import and export

KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan has introduced the practice of inspection of medical devices before state registration| 18 October 2021 

According to Yerken Dautbayev, Director General of NCELS, special attention is paid to the inspection of domestic manufacturers of medical devices, which should occupy a competitive niche and replace expensive imported medical products, provide domestic health care with high-quality medical products within the framework of the Government’s instructions. Since the beginning of this year, experts from the National Centre for Expertise of Medicines and Medical Devices have conducted inspections for domestic manufacturers of medical products and manufacturers of near and far abroad. The results of the inspection are an integral part of the registration dossier of medical products and are considered when forming the results of the examination.

BRAZIL

Deadline for loading instructions for use ends on 31 October | 04 October 2021 

ANVISA informed about the deadline closure for the loading of instructions for the use of regularized medical devices on 31 October 2021 before the validity of The Collegiate Board Resolution (RDC) 431/2020. The standard states that companies holding records and notifications of these products must upload their instructions for use in the Medical Device Documentary Repository, available in the Regularized Product Consultations section of the Agency’s website and was in force since 1 November 2020. Companies holding records and notifications published or published after the validity of RDC 431/2020 have up to 30 days to arrange the loading of documents in the repository, after the regularization of the product with the Agency.

LITHUANIA

For the attention of companies manufacturing orthopedic medical devices | 28 October 2021 

The State Accreditation Service for Health Activities under the Ministry of Health invites orthopaedic medical device manufacturers to free distance learning for the application of the new Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of medical devices on 18 November 2021, 9.00 on MS Teams by mailing the name of the company or institution intending to participate in distance learning and name and contact details (e-mail, phone number) of the person who will participate in the distance learning on rima.latoniene@vaspvt.gov

IMDRF DOCUMENTS

Competence and Training Requirements for Auditing Organizations | 20 October 2021 

The document applies to recognized Auditing Organizations conducting audits of a medical device manufacturer for regulatory purposes. Adherence to this document and its requirements will help mitigate the risk of inconsistent or ineffective assessments of manufacturers by ensuring that Auditing Organization personnel have the necessary commitment, competence, experience, and training before conducting an audit or undertaking a decision-making function.

Regulatory Authority Assessor Competence and Training Requirements | 20 October 2021 

The document applies to Regulatory Authorities conducting assessments of Auditing Organizations. Adherence to this document and its requirements will help mitigate the risk of inconsistent or ineffective assessments of Auditing Organizations by ensuring that Regulatory Authority personnel have the necessary competence and training before conducting an assessment or participating in a decision to recognize an Auditing Organization.

MDSAP Assessment and Decision Process for the Recognition of an Auditing Organization | 20 October 2021 

The purpose of the document is to explain the assessment process and outcomes, including the method to
“grade and manage” nonconformities resulting from recognizing Regulatory Authorities assessment of an
Auditing Organization and, to document the decision process for recognizing an Auditing Organization or
cessation of recognition. This document defines:
• The process and lifecycle for recognizing, maintaining, or ceasing recognition of an Auditing
Organization.
• The process of managing, grading, and closure of assessment nonconformities issued to an Auditing
Organization
• The outcomes of an initial, surveillance, or re-recognition assessment process of an Auditing
Organization