Executive Summary
Healthcare Policy Issues
Market Entry
Roles of a Notified Body
Authorized Representative
Current Market Trends/Demand
Registration Process
Barriers
CE Marking
Resources
Trade Events
U.S. Commercial Service Contact Information
Tab Options
Executive Summary
Healthcare Policy Issues
Market Entry
Roles of a Notified Body
Authorized Representative
Current Market Trends/Demand
Registration Process
Barriers
CE Marking
Resources
Trade Events
U.S. Commercial Service Contact Information
Executive Summary
The European Union (EU) is an important market for U.S. exporters in the healthcare sector. The U.S. exported over $20 billion in medical devices to the EU in 2018 (representing 38% of the total export market), and in the pharmaceuticals sector, U.S. exports to the EU totaled $36 billion. As the European Union (EU) does not have a Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the task of harmonizing requirements and regulating medical devices is handled by the European Commission in close cooperation with Member States’ Health Authorities.
The new Medical Devices Regulation (2017/745/EU) (“MDR”) and the new In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (2017/746/EU) (“IVDR”), adopted in May 2017, will replace the existing Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) (“MDD”), the Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive (90/385/EEC) (“AIMDD”) and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive (98/79/ EC) (“IVDD”). The publication of the MDR in May 2017 marked the start of a three-year period of transition from the MDD and the AIMDD. The publication of the IVDR in May 2017 marked the start of a five-year period of transition from the IVDD. Manufacturers of currently approved medical devices had been granted a transition period of three years (until May 26th, 2020) to meet the requirements of the MDR and five years after entry into force (Spring 2022) to meet the requirements of the IVDR. The EU’s purpose for these new regulations is to establish a transparent and strengthened regulatory framework for medical devices to ensure better protection of public health and patient safety. There is concern within both the United States and the EU that implementation of the regulation will not be possible on schedule, making it difficult for the medical device industry to comply.
The European Commission (“EC”) has made slower progress than expected in creating interoperable systems for exchange of electronic health record information. Recent publication of the EU’s Digital Single Market blueprint and the Recommendation on the Interoperability of Electronic Health Record Systems may increase e-Health policy initiatives in the future.
While aging populations will continue to drive pharmaceutical demand, cost containment remains a priority for Member State governments in Europe and will slow market growth. Countries are also exploring strategies to cooperate in pricing negotiations, such as through joint-purchasing groups and information exchanges. Such arrangements may be positive for industry to the extent that they accelerate access in certain markets.
EU debates surrounding intellectual property (“IP”) incentives raise concerns for industry. For example, a new regulation allows generic and biosimilar companies to manufacture a generic or biosimilar version of a medicinal product still protected by an EU supplementary protection certificate (“SPC”) for export to a non-EU market where such protection has expired or never existed. It also allows for stockpiling such medicines for sale in the EU during the last six months under SPC protection. Innovative companies argue these changes weaken the EU’s commitment to IP and reduce resources for investment in research and development.
Healthcare Policy Issues The new EU Medical Device Regulations (MDR) entered into force on May 25, 2017, at which date the phase-in periods began. Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices will apply after three years (spring 2020) and five years (spring 2022), respectively. The purpose of these new regulations is to establish a more modernized and strengthened regulatory framework to ensure better protection of public health and patient safety.
The new regulations are expected to improve the EU medical device regulatory system in the following ways:
Stricter premarket control for high-risk devices via a new scrutiny mechanism with the involvement of experts at the EU level;
Reinforcement of the criteria for designation and processes for oversight of Notified Bodies;
Inclusion of certain aesthetic devices, which present the same characteristics and risk profile as similar medical devices under the scope of these regulations;
Introduction of a new risk classification system for in vitro diagnostic medical devices in line with international guidance;
Improved transparency through the establishment of a comprehensive EU database on medical devices and of a device traceability system based on Unique Device Identification (UDI);
Introduction of an “implant card” containing information about implanted medical devices for a patient;
Reinforcement of the rules on clinical evidence, including an EU-wide coordinated procedure for authorization of multi-center clinical investigations;
Strengthening of post-market surveillance requirements for manufacturers;
Improved coordination mechanisms between EU countries in the fields of vigilance and market surveillance.
The European Commission (EC) has stated that the reasons for the new regulations arise from problems with diverging interpretation of the current directives as well as the notable incident concerning past fraudulent production of the PIP silicone breast implants that exposed weaknesses in the legal system in place at the time and damaged the confidence of patients, consumers, and healthcare professionals of medical device safety.
Legislative revision has consolidated the role of the EU as a leader in the sector over the long-term. The new regulations are intended to ensure a consistently high level of health and safety protection for EU citizens using these products, the free and fair trade of medical products throughout the EU, and the adaptation of EU legislation to address significant technological and scientific progress occurring in the medical device sector.
Despite the EU’s receptiveness to new technologies and regulatory improvements, barriers to expanding U.S. industry’s market share exist, including cost-containment measures and strong market competition. There appears to be a trade-off as these new regulations may benefit patients and provide stricter controls on high-risk medical devices, and more inspections by Notified Bodies and Competent Authorities may lead to improvements in the quality and safety of products, while industry is concerned that the more stringent regulatory requirements could prolong the time to market and adjusting to the new MDR.
Momentum in the EC on e-Health (referred to as Health IT in the United States) regulation has slowed in the past two years, in part due to the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) recently moving a significant portion of their operations from Brussels to Luxembourg. Recent publication of the Digital Single Market blueprint from the EU may increase e-Health policy initiatives,
While aging populations will continue to drive pharmaceutical demand, cost containment remains a priority for Member State governments in Europe and will slow market growth. Countries are also exploring strategies to cooperate in pricing negotiations, such as through joint-purchasing groups and information exchanges. Such arrangements may be positive for industry to the extent that they accelerate access in certain markets. The EC is also discussing the possibility of developing an EU-wide health technology assessment (“HTA”) review process, although such ideas are unlikely to move forward in the short term.
EU debates surrounding intellectual property (IP) incentives raise concerns for industry. In April 2019, the EU adopted an amendment to the Regulation concerning supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products. The text allows EU generic and biosimilar companies to manufacture a generic or biosimilar version of a medicinal product still protected by an EU supplementary protection certificate (SPC), but only if done “exclusively for the purpose of exporting to a non-EU market where protection has expired or never existed.” The proposal is accompanied by a series of safeguards that have been crafted to try to avoid abuse of the waiver. The text ensures a transition period of three years and will impact SPCs that will become active (i.e. for which a basic patent will expire) as from the Regulation’s date of entry into force.
Brexit negotiations also continue to create regulatory uncertainty in the sector. The European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) was relocated from London to Amsterdam, which has been causing delays in the drug approvals process. Although UK politicians have voted for the country to remain an active participant in the agency, it is not clear whether such an outcome is possible.
Market Entry
Medical and In Vitro Devices
The MDR becomes fully applicable in June 2020 and the IVD in June 2022. Devices currently compliant with the existing directives can be sold by U.S. companies to their authorized representatives (AR) until 2024 and by their ARs until 2025, provided that the device’s CE marking has been renewed before 2020. However, companies should consider well in advance of these dates whether they will need to re-register their device, as there may be delays and other issues in the first years of the implementation of the new regulations.
With these new regulations, there will be fewer certification requirements for lower risk devices, but for higher risk medical devices, as well as in vitro devices, there will be additional pre- and post-market requirements, both for certification and reviews of clinical data. Under the new legislation, the AR of medical device producers who do not have a legal presence in the EU will be held jointly liable with producers for the products they place on the EU market. Industry representatives reported concerns about the possibility that not all Notified Bodies and AR may keep pace with these changes and could therefore withdraw from the market.
Roles of a Notified Body All active implantable medical devices and certain types of IVDs, as well as medical devices belonging to Class IIa or IIb or higher, require the involvement of a Notified Body, the official term for accredited test laboratory based in the EU. Only Notified Bodies in the European Union can make the final assessment of conformity certification in accordance with EU directive(s). A U.S. based subcontractor of an EU Notified Body, such as UL or Intertek Testing Services, can also handle the tests for certification, but the certificate of conformity still must be supplied by the EU-based Notified Body.
Authorized Representative Manufacturers outside the EU must identify an EU-based authorized representative unless they have a registered business within the European Union. The primary task of the authorized representative is to be point of contact for the national health authorities of the Member States. The representative will have to notify the national authority in the country of residence whenever a new Class I device is brought on the EU market. Some national authorities have standardized forms on their website. In addition, the authorized representative’s name must be mentioned on the Declaration of Conformity.
The arrangement between the authorized representative and the manufacturer is purely administrative and subject to a commercial contract specifying the role that can be limited (authorized representative only) or broader (importer/distributor). Details about the responsibilities of manufacturers and authorized representatives can be found in the new legislative framework which covers all CE marking legislation: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:218:0082:0128:EN:PDF .
Authorized representatives or manufacturers typically also register devices in individual member states. In the future, registration will become easier. With the Commission’s 2010 Decision to enforce use of Eudamed —the EU-wide database for devices on the market—registration of in vitro diagnostics in each country became redundant. The system for medical devices, however, will remain unchanged for the time being. U.S. companies/authorized representatives will still have to register their devices nationally until the Commission decides to move to a centralized registration for manufacturers of devices. In the meantime, Eudamed will be of use to member states for internal communications and for post-market surveillance purposes. To facilitate registration, the EU encourages use of the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) based on EN/ISO standard 15225.
Current Market Trends/Demand
Cross-Border Collaboration on Procurement, Health Technology Assessments and Pricing
Within the EU, management of healthcare systems and budgets is the responsibility of the member states. However, with pressure on national budgets increasing, there is increasing interest in resource sharing and cross-border collaboration on issues such as joint plans for vaccination coverage across the EU and integrated national plans on management of chronic diseases. This may even extend to joint procurements for some healthcare products and services across some of the smaller states. In this same vein, in 2016, the European Commission commissioned a pilot through 2020 of joint Health Technology Assessments (EUnetHTA), which may eventually transition into an EU-level agency. To date, the pilot has focused on medical devices, with a pharmaceutical pilot announced in early 2017. More information is available at: http://www.eunethta.eu .
Coming Soon: New Regulatory Framework for Medical Devices
In June 2010, the Commission launched a separate public consultation to review in vitro diagnostic device legislation. The review focuses on scope, classification and conformity assessment methods of IVDs, among others. The proposed legislation was released in September 2012 and was adopted in 2017 in tandem with the new proposed medical device legislation.
For more information about the review of existing legislation, please visit: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/medical-devices/ .
Medical Devices and Machines
Overlap with the new machinery safety Directive 2006/42/EC has been clarified for medical devices that are also machinery. Only one single conformity assessment is required under the medical device Directives 93/42/EEC and 90/385/EEC. The risk assessment to be carried out is the risk/benefit analysis as set out in the essential requirements of the directives concerning medical devices. Harmonized standards for medical devices, which are also machinery, should cover any requirements of the machinery directive that are applicable to the devices. Such standards will be reviewed and amended or revised if needed.https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/medical-devices/guidance_en
The revision of Directive 2004/40/EC on worker exposure to electromagnetic fields was finalized in June 2013 with the adoption of Directive 2013/35/EU. The directive sets exposure limits for workers but allows a derogation for MRI. Stakeholders affected by this Directive successfully lobbied the EU and Member States to obtain an exemption for MRI equipment.
The amended EU Directive on units of measurement (the so-called “metrics” Directive 80/181/ EC) entered into force on January 1, 2010, which means products must bear metric units of measurement. Use of supplementary units (such as U.S. customary inch-pound) are also allowed.
Specific requirements for labels are included in medical device directives. As for choice of language on labels, EU medical device legislation defers to Member States. Please contact our CS posts in other countries for more details.
Medical Devices Using Animal By-Products
The occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the European Union led to stringent measures regarding traceability of tissues of animal origin for use in medical devices. Risk assessment was addressed in guidance and standardization. The Commission adopted an animal by-product Regulation in 2002, repealed in 2009 by Regulation 1069/2009, which covers use of raw material of animal origin for non-food use. Medical devices are subject to specific transport and labeling requirements. The material must be sourced from approved plants and the process must be documented. For more information, we suggest you contact the Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union.
Environmental Requirements
Growing mountains of electrical and electronic equipment waste have forced the EU to consider ways to reduce, recover, and recycle packaging and appliances. Also, the use of hazardous substances has led to environmental damage; therefore, certain substances such as lead and mercury have been banned. Those issues have been tackled by the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment legislation (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment legislation (RoHS).
Medical devices entered the scope of the RoHS directive as of 22 July 2014; for IVD, the date was 22 July 2016. Other laws such as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, require OEM manufacturers to dispose of products in an environmentally responsible way once the equipment reaches the end of its life. Medical devices are covered by this directive, but with a specific exemption today for “implanted and infected medical devices” http://go.usa.gov/DfQP .
Chemical Substances and Mixtures in Medical Devices
Medical devices containing or consisting of chemical substances and mixtures are subject to specific requirements under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restrictions of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation and the Classification, Labeling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) Regulation . REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007. It changes the former legislative framework for chemicals to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment. REACH makes industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals and providing appropriate safety information to their users. Under REACH, the EU can also take measures to ban the use of highly dangerous substances. CLP aligns previous EU legislation on classification, labeling, and packaging of chemicals to the UN GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals).
The impacts of Brexit on pharmaceutical market authorizations are not yet clear. The European Medicines Agency relocated to Amsterdam (the Netherlands). Medicines which have been granted marketing authorization in the U.K. may continue be sold in the rest of the EU. In the interim, the EU continues its efforts to move toward mutual recognition (MR) of pharmaceutical inspection processes with the U.S. and other countries. The U.S. MR agreement with the EU was signed in January 2017 and will be rolled out incrementally across the EU Member States. Other Member States will be added in future years, following U.S. FDA inspections, with all potentially completed by fall 2019. New reporting requirements for 1) pharmaceutical clinical trials and 2) medicines authentication system became operational in 2019.
The EU continues to move toward standardization and interoperability of eHealth solutions to promote interoperability of electronic health data across the Member States. A network of national contact points for eHealth for the exchange of patient summaries and e-prescriptions started in 2017, with a view to expansion over the next three years, including recommendations for patient access.
Registration Process
Classification
Manufacturers should note that the differences in regulatory approach between the EU and the U.S. mean differences in classification and compliance verification. It would be wrong to assume that meeting the requirements for the U.S. market would satisfy the EU requirements. To illustrate this point, hospital beds including accessories, according to FDA guidance, are either Class I or II depending on the type of bed. In the EU, hospital beds and accessories are classified as Class I devices, allowing self-certification. In addition, each bed and its accessories will have to be considered separately, as medical devices, especially when such items are sold separately.
The AIMD directive has one class and does not allow self-certification. The medical device directive covers four classes, ranging from Class I, IIa and IIb, to Class III. Only Class I devices can be self-certified. Manufacturers must involve the services of a Notified Body in all other cases, and sterile Class I devices or those with a measuring function must also use a Notified Body. The IVD does not distinguish classes but rather groups general tests, self-testing kits, and Annex II lists A and B. For simple tests, self-certification is usually an option. To help with classification, in case the annexes in EU directives are difficult to interpret, the Commission has published new guidance: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/medical-devices/guidance_en
Borderline Products
For most medical devices, the purpose is obvious: pacemakers, endoscopes, syringes and wound dressing are clearly to be used for medical purposes. Products where the intended purpose is not so clear are known as borderline products and they may be subject to several directives. For example, a scale to weigh patients in a hospital would be subject to both the non-automatic weighing scale and the medical device directives. Disinfectants for exclusive use with a medical device may be classified as an accessory to a medical device because the intended purpose is medical rather than general. The intended purpose is usually supported by appropriate statements on the company’s website or in promotional literature. It is possible to get an official interpretation to clarify borderline products, but manufacturers should be able to make the determination in most cases themselves by using the guidance provided by the Commission.
Compliance with Essential Requirements
The “essential requirements” for the protection of health, safety and environmental concerns form the core of the directives. They cover risks and hazards that may occur at the design, production, and handling stages. The manufacturer must address the essential requirements which apply to a product and identify relevant risks for the patient. Non-relevant essential requirements do not have to be considered. For example, manufacturers of arm braces made of stretch fabric would consider the essential requirements related to “compatibility between the materials used and biological tissues,” in other words, the fabric’s potential to cause skin allergies. A non-relevant requirement for arm braces would be “protection against radiation.” Choice of packaging is an essential requirement for prepackaged devices, as damage resulting from mishandling could have an adverse impact on the device making it harmful for the patient upon use. These are just examples, there are many other elements to verify and the manufacturer should carefully review the complete list of essential requirements.
Modules of Conformity Assessment
To facilitate acceptance of the final product as meeting EU requirements, the manufacturer will have to choose a conformity assessment module as described in the annexes of EU medical device legislation. The choice of the module is determined by the classification and the preference of the manufacturer for a given module.
The conformity assessment modules address the design and production stages. For design, the manufacturer must provide the evidence of how the device meets the essential requirements. For production, the manufacturer must put in place and document a quality system to ensure continuity in complying with the essential requirements.
Low risk products, such as Class I medical devices or self-test kits, generally allow self-certification based on conformity assessment module A which consists of establishing a Declaration of Conformity and compiling a technical file. All modules between B and H combine design and production compliance such as type examination and verification of manufacturing to type based on technical file inspection (modules B and F) or full quality assurance (module H). As these are conformity assessment modules for higher risk products, the services of an EU Notified Body or U.S.-based subcontractor will be required to some degree depending on the classification.
Declaration of Conformity
Among the final steps in the CE marking process of medical devices is the drawing up of a Declaration of Conformity. This consists of name and address of the manufacturer and/or authorized representative, product name, type, model number and any relevant supplementary information, the reference numbers of standards, the date, a signature with title and a statement regarding responsibility of manufacturer or authorized representative. By applying the CE marking on the product, packaging, and on the instructions for use, the manufacturer has completed the CE marking process. This can be done either by the manufacturer or his importer/distributor.
Barriers
Current Legislation
Until the EU fully transitions to the MDR and IVD Regulations, the following EU directives are in force throughout the European Union consisting of 28 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Romania, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom):
Active implantable medical devices (90/385/EEC): Active implantable medical devices (AIMD), such as heart pacemakers or defibrillators, are defined as “any active medical device which is intended to be totally or partially introduced, surgically or medically, into the human body or by medical intervention into a natural orifice, and which is intended to remain after the procedure.” Considering the potentially high-risk factor of such devices for the patient, manufacturers cannot self-certify and must rely on the services of an accredited test laboratory to complete the process of compliance.
Medical devices (93/42/EEC): Medical devices are broadly defined as “any instrument, apparatus, appliance, material or other article, whether used alone or in combination, including the software necessary for its proper application intended by the manufacturer to be used for human beings” for several purposes such as diagnosis, treatment, alleviation of disease and more. As the range of this directive is broad and leaves room for interpretation, the Commission has written guidance for manufacturers. Medical devices include syringes, bandages, wheelchairs, endoscopes, prescription glasses and contact lens solution among others. As the range of devices covers minimal risk as well as higher risk devices, the classification of the product will determine whether a manufacturer can self-certify or needs to involve the services of an accredited test laboratory.
In vitro medical devices (98/79/EC): An in vitro diagnostic device (IVD) is a “reagent, reagent product, calibrator, control material, kit, instrument, apparatus, equipment or system whether used alone or in combination intended by the manufacturer to be used in vitro for the examination of specimens, including blood and tissue donations, derived from the human body solely or principally for the purpose of providing information.” It covers items such as pregnancy test kits and blood analysis machines. While manufacturers of simple IVD test kits such as for diabetes can self-certify compliance with the requirements, more high-risk test kits such as those for HIV will require the services of a Notified Body.
The directives have been supplemented over time by six modifying and implementing directives. The last technical revision was Directive 2007/47/EC , which entered into force on March 21, 2010. The main changes introduced by this directive impact medical devices and active implantable medical devices. New elements include:
The conformity assessment procedures and classification of devices as well as the essential requirements for active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) and medical devices (MDs) have been somewhat simplified, harmonized and enhanced.
Software with an intended medical purpose is now a medical device in its own right.
All certificates issued by Notified Bodies are limited to a maximum validity of five years.
Use of PVC softeners in certain types of devices will require labeling. Following a mandate from the European Commission for medical devices, CEN, the European standards organization, has developed a standard, EN 15986 , which includes a symbol to show the presence of phthalates in medical devices.
Custom-made devices will be subject to a post-market review system.
Since directive 2007/47/EC is not easy to read, the changes have been merged with the original directives to create a single, readable text which is up-to-date. The consolidated versions, as well as guidance, can be downloaded at:
CE Marking
Known as the “new approach” directives, these directives outline a set of “essential requirements,” rely on use of voluntary EU-wide harmonized standards and offer a choice of conformity assessment modules. The distinguishing feature of new approach directives is CE marking, which is a conformity mark, affixed to the product, the instructions for use and the packaging. It is an indication to inspection authorities that the product complies with the directives.
Exception to CE marking
While CE marking is generally required on all medical devices, there are a few exceptions. All custom-made implantable and non-implantable devices and devices for clinical investigations are subject to a different conformity assessment module which does not require CE marking at the end of the process. In vitro diagnostics for performance evaluation or research purposes only are not subject to the IVD directive, although they may be subject to national requirements. In general, devices shown at trade fairs, exhibits, for demonstrations, etc. do not need to have CE marking. However, it is recommended to indicate clearly that non-CE marked devices are for demonstration purposes only.
Post-Market Surveillance
As the EU regulator allows manufacturers to self-declare conformity, with or without involvement of an accredited test laboratory, verification of compliance to ensure safety of consumers is left to the Member States after the products have been brought on the market. As Member States each have their own system, it is possible that some countries grant extensive inspection powers to their national customs service where others may focus their resources in local inspections. When caught in an infraction, the measures imposed on manufacturers may vary from a simple warning to a hefty fine or complete withdrawal from the market, depending on the type of infraction.
EU medical device legislation requires that Member States put in place safeguard procedures. In case of an incident involving injury or death, the Commission will be notified, thereby triggering an EU-wide rapid alert system. The Commission has been putting more emphasis on post-market surveillance, with a goal to strengthen the infrastructure of cooperation among national inspection authorities.
With the adoption of measures in September 2013, the Commission further tightened control by strengthening the criteria for the designation and supervision of Notified Bodies and addressing the tasks to be fulfilled by Notified Bodies when conducting audits and conformity assessment procedures. These measures have proven to be successful.
Use of EU-Wide Harmonized Standards
Complying with essential requirements can be simplified by voluntarily using EU-wide (EN) harmonized standards. The risk assessment management standard which facilitates the initial checking of the relevant essential requirements is ISO/EN 14971. Manufacturers may also establish their own checklists for risk assessment of medical devices.
Other than the risk assessment standard mentioned above, the Commission has listed over 100 EU-wide harmonized medical device standards addressing various essential requirements. These standards have been developed and/or identified by the European standards organizations. They are often based on international standards. References to EN standards are published in the Official Journal (the EU equivalent of the U.S. Federal Register). As a result, the standards are uniquely linked to EU legislation and are known as harmonized standards. Use of EN harmonized standards gives a “presumption of conformity.” When a manufacturer opts to not use an EN harmonized standard or prefers to design/manufacture to other standards, then the manufacturer must show in detail how their medical device meets the essential requirements in EU medical device legislation. All other existing standards not published in the Official Journal are either national or industry standards.
Technical File
The technical file contains all relevant information to support the claims of compliance with EU requirements such as a general description of the product, documentation of the quality system, design information, list of standards used, result of design calculations/inspections, test reports, performance evaluation data, sample of label and instructions for use, and Declaration of Conformity. It is to be kept either by the manufacturer or his/her authorized representative with the understanding that it should be quickly accessible upon request from an official national inspection authority.
Resources
European Commission
National health authorities
Finding/buying harmonized standards:
Associations:
COCIR, European Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT Industry (http://cocir.org )
Notified Bodies/Conformity Assessment Bodies:
Consultants/Authorized Representatives
Guidance
European Commission guidance on medical devices . Please note that these guidance documents only reflect the views of the European Commission. They are not legally binding like decisions of the European Court of Justice and can be challenged by Member States authorities or competitors.
CE marking (http://go.usa.gov/fPm )
Trade Events
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