Class 1 Medical Devices accoding to MDR

Fig. 1: According to the MDCG, class 1 medical devices must go through eight steps when being placed on the market (click to enlarge)

Step 1: Check and confirm that the product is a medical device

The MDR has taken the definition of the term “medical device” almost unchanged from the MDD. It is, therefore, unlikely that a product that was previously a medical device will now be outside the scope of the MDR.

Step 2: Confirm that the product is a class 1 medical device

This step is essential because the MDR has changed the classification rules. For example, almost all standalone software is no longer (!) in this lowest class.

The MDCG Guidance Document that this article is discussing only applies to class 1 medical devices, although most of the requirements apply to all medical devices.

Step 3a: Ensure that the general safety and performance requirements have been met

Obviously, the general safety and performance requirements established in Annex I must be complied with. However, the MDCG reminds us that other regulations, such as the Machinery Directive, must also be complied with.

It emphasizes the importance of risk management and reminds us that compliance with the requirements can also be demonstrated through the application of harmonized standards and common specifications.

Step 3b: Perform clinical evaluation

The MDCG also reminds us how important the clinical evaluation is to the MDR and that the MDR insists that manufacturers:

• analyze and compare alternative treatments
• take post-market data into account
• demonstrate the acceptability of the benefit-risk ratio based on the clinical data
• perform clinical investigations if they do not have sufficient clinical data

Step 3c: Prepare technical documentation

According to this step, manufacturers of class 1 medical devices must prepare the technical documentation in accordance with annexes II and III. Naturally, this applies to all medical devices.

The MDCG document looks at some of the changes introduced by the MDR compared to the MDD:

• justification of the classification
• Basic UDI-DI
• reference to predecessor devices and similar devices
• reference to applied and valid standards and common specifications
• description of the post-market surveillance system

Step 3d: Request notified body involvement

As mentioned above, manufacturers of class 1* medical devices must involve a notified body accredited for the corresponding device classes:

• “Devices in sterile condition”: Code MDS 1005
• “Reusable surgical instruments”: Code MDS 1006
• “Devices with a measuring function”: Code MDS 1010

Manufacturers can use the NANDO database to see which notified bodies are accredited for each code.

Step 3e: Prepare instructions and labeling

Somewhat surprisingly, it is only in step 3e that the MDCG looks at the instructions for use and labeling. Ultimately, Annex I determines their content. The instructions for use are also required for the clinical evaluation.

The MDCG mentions that no instructions for use are required for class 1 medical devices if safe use is guaranteed. The document also looks at language requirements (without giving a list of required languages) and distributors’ obligations to provide these accompanying materials in these languages.

Symbols would be provided by harmonized standards and common specifications, and the label has to make clear that the product is a medical device.

Step 4: Check compliance with general obligations for manufacturers

This fourth step is less about the device and more about the manufacturer, in particular the manufacturer’s obligation to set up a QM system and take out insurance.

The MDCG does not look at the new obligation to have a competent person according to Article 15 at this point. It actually does this in the introduction.

Step 5: Draw-up the EU Declaration of Conformity

Less surprising is the requirement for the manufacturer to declare conformity with the MDR and other EU regulations and to translate this Declaration of Conformity into the national language of the country the device is placed on the market in.

Step 6: Affix the CE marking

This step is also obvious: Manufacturers of class 1 medical devices must also affix the CE marking. In the case of class 1* medical device, the CE marking must be accompanied by the identification number of the relevant notified body.

Step 7: Registration of devices and manufacturers in EUDAMED

However, the seventh step is new in its current form. Manufacturers must register themselves in EUDAMED and are assigned an “SRN”. The also applies, incidentally, for EU representatives and importers.

It is then the manufacturer’s responsibility to register a medical device. They then get assigned a UDI-DI and a Basic UDI-DI.

Until EUDAMED is fully functional, manufacturers and EU representatives must notify the competent authority (in Germany, DIMDI [German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information]) and register the device.

Step 8a: Collect and evaluate post-market data

The MDR requires manufacturers to have a post-market surveillance system that is part of the QM system. For class 1 medical devices, manufacturers must create a “Post-Market Surveillance Report”. The requirements for this report are not as stringent as they are for the "Periodic Safety Update Reports” (PSUR).

Step 8b: Vigilance system

The MDCG gives a reminder that the MDR also requires manufacturers of class 1 devices to report “Field Safety Corrective Actions” (FCSA). Until EUDAMED is in operation, these notifications are sent to the national authorities (in Germany BfArM and in Switzerland SwissMedic). These reports will be subsequently recorded in EUDAMED.

The MDCG document describes, relatively comprehensively, the obligations in the event of FCSAs as they are (still) currently defined by the German Medical Device Safety Plan Ordinance.

Step 8c: Non-conforming products

The last step concerns the procedure in the event of non-conforming products. Apart from the reporting obligations mentioned above (step 8b), manufacturers must make appropriate corrections and/or take appropriate corrective action.