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Documents Required : Medical Products Regulations & Compliance Parter

Steps and Documentation Required for Medical Device Import License

Overview of Medical Device Import Regulations in India

In India, the regulation of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) is managed by the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The Medical Device Rules, 2017, effective from January 1, 2018, initially covered 37 specific devices but now require all devices and IVDs to obtain an Importer License under Class A, B, C, or D for importing the medical devices into India.

The Authorized Indian Agent acts as the Legal Importer as per CDSCO Indian regulation for medical devices. To obtain this registration, the Importer or Authorised Indian Agent must submit Form MD-14 via the SUGAM portal. Upon the CDSCO approval, an MD-15 Import License is granted, officially recognizing the agent as the Importer in India.

Overview of Medical Device Import Regulations in India

In India, the regulation of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) is managed by the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The Medical Device Rules, 2017, effective from January 1, 2018, initially covered 37 specific devices but now require all devices and IVDs to obtain an Importer License under Class A, B, C, or D for importing the medical devices into India.

The Authorized Indian Agent acts as the Legal Importer as per CDSCO Indian regulation for medical devices. To obtain this registration, the Importer or Authorised Indian Agent must submit Form MD-14 via the SUGAM portal. Upon the CDSCO approval, an MD-15 Import License is granted, officially recognizing the agent as the Importer in India.

Document Requirements for Registration in India

Documents
Class A Self Notified
Class A Notified
Class B, C, D Devices

Free Sale Certificate from Country of Origin

YES

YES

YES

Other Certificates (Free Sale Certificate from GHTF Country, ISO 13485, CE / EC Design Certificates)

NO

YES

YES

Company Document (DOC, Audit Report, Plant Registration Certificate, Quality Manual, Device Technical File, Essential Principles Checklist, Post Marketing Surveillance data)

NO

YES

YES

Additional Data (BRC / COA, Device Design, Verification, Risk, Biocompatibility, Stability, Software etc.)

NO

NO

YES

Scientific Data (Preclinical Animal Studies, Clinical Studies and Published Papers)

NO

NO

YES

 

The two important regulatory documents in MD-14 application that are needed for medical device Indian registrations with the CDSCO include – (1) Device Master File and (2) Predicate Table

Device Master File:

The Device Master File by the CDSCO, equivalent to the Device Technical File of the medical device is an important part of the registration document, includes detailed information on the device’s design, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures.

Predicate Table:

The Predicate Table submitted as a part of the MD-14 outlines medical devices that are substantially equivalent to your device, as detailed in the Clinical Evaluation Report. We need to keep in mind that a substantially equivalent predicate are ones where the medical device is similar in material, intended use and design to the registering one.

If the product does not have predicate device available in India then we should apply in FORM MD 26 to meet regulatory compliance. A special investigation team set by CDSCO reviews this in all aspects specifically focusing on clinical investigation carried out by the manufacturers prior to granting medical device approval in India.

Other Documents

The remaining required MD-14 documents for registration in India by the CDSCO for medical devices are typically available if the manufacturer has approval from a Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) country. The table on the left lists the requirements based on the classification, allowing manufacturers to leverage their existing documents when applying for the MD-15 Import License.

Documents
Class A Self Notified
Class A Notified
Class B, C, D Devices

Free Sale Certificate from Country of Origin

YES

YES

YES

Other Certificates (Free Sale Certificate from GHTF Country, ISO 13485, CE / EC Design Certificates)

NO

YES

YES

Company Document (DOC, Audit Report, Plant Registration Certificate, Quality Manual, Device Technical File, Essential Principles Checklist, Post Marketing Surveillance data)

NO

YES

YES

Additional Data (BRC / COA, Device Design, Verification, Risk, Biocompatibility, Stability, Software etc.)

NO

NO

YES

Scientific Data (Preclinical Animal Studies, Clinical Studies and Published Papers)

NO

NO

YES

The two important regulatory documents in MD-14 application that are needed for medical device Indian registrations with the CDSCO include – (1) Device Master File and (2) Predicate Table

Device Master File:

The Device Master File by the CDSCO, equivalent to the Device Technical File of the medical device is an important part of the registration document, includes detailed information on the device’s design, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures.

Predicate Table:

The Predicate Table submitted as a part of the MD-14 outlines medical devices that are substantially equivalent to your device, as detailed in the Clinical Evaluation Report. We need to keep in mind that a substantially equivalent predicate are ones where the medical device is similar in material, intended use and design to the registering one.

If the product does not have predicate device available in India then we should apply in FORM MD 26 to meet regulatory compliance. A special investigation team set by CDSCO reviews this in all aspects specifically focusing on clinical investigation carried out by the manufacturers prior to granting medical device approval in India.

Other Documents

The remaining required MD-14 documents for registration in India by the CDSCO for medical devices are typically available if the manufacturer has approval from a Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) country. The table on the left lists the requirements based on the classification, allowing manufacturers to leverage their existing documents when applying for the MD-15 Import License.

Steps to Apply for a Medical Device Import License

Step 1

Authorize the Indian Agent with Power of Attorney

This legal document grants the Indian Agent the authority to act on behalf of the foreign manufacturer to apply for the MD-14 and in all matters related to the import of the medical device and apply for medical device registration in India

Step 2

Complete the MD-14 Application form on the SUGAM portal through the Indian Agent

The SUGAM portal in India is the online system used by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for submission and processing of MD-14 documents related to medical device registrations.

Step 3

Submit the necessary documents based on the device classification once the MD-14 form is generated

These MD-14 documents include technical, clinical, predicate, quality management system information required for regulatory review by the CDSCO to access and grant approval in India for importing into the Country

Step 4

Pay the required fees

The CDSCO fees are determined based on the classification of the medical device and must be paid to proceed with the MD-14 application review.

Step 5

Respond to any queries from the regulatory authorities

The CDSCO may request additional information or clarification during the MD-14 review process, and timely responses are crucial to avoid delays in documentation and review process

Step 6

Undergo a review by the Medical Device Advisory Committee (MDAC) for novel products

The MDAC team of the CDSCO assesses the safety and efficacy of novel medical devices, providing recommendations for their approval should the predicate not match. This helps obtain the MD-15 Import License in India for the medical devices

Step 7

Obtain the Import License using Form MD-15

Once the MD-14 application is approved, the CDSCO issues the MD-15 Import License, allowing the medical device to be legally imported into India and the registration process is considered to be complete

Step 8

Begin the process of exporting the medical devices to India

With the CDSCO Import License in hand, the manufacturer can start shipping their medical devices to Indian distributors or directly to healthcare providers.

Steps to Apply for a Medical Device Import License

Step 1

Authorize the Indian Agent with Power of Attorney

This legal document grants the Indian Agent the authority to act on behalf of the foreign manufacturer to apply for the MD-14 and in all matters related to the import of the medical device and apply for medical device registration in India

Step 2

Complete the MD-14 Application form on the SUGAM portal through the Indian Agent

The SUGAM portal in India is the online system used by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for submission and processing of MD-14 documents related to medical device registrations.

Step 3

Submit the necessary documents based on the device classification once the MD-14 form is generated

These MD-14 documents include technical, clinical, predicate, quality management system information required for regulatory review by the CDSCO to access and grant approval in India for importing into the Country

Step 4

Pay the required fees

The CDSCO fees are determined based on the classification of the medical device and must be paid to proceed with the MD-14 application review.

Step 5

Respond to any queries from the regulatory authorities

The CDSCO may request additional information or clarification during the MD-14 review process, and timely responses are crucial to avoid delays in documentation and review process

Step 6

Undergo a review by the Medical Device Advisory Committee (MDAC) for novel products

The MDAC team of the CDSCO assesses the safety and efficacy of novel medical devices, providing recommendations for their approval should the predicate not match. This helps obtain the MD-15 Import License in India for the medical devices

Step 7

Obtain the MD-15 Import License using Form MD-14

Once the MD-14 application is approved, the CDSCO issues the MD-15 Import License, allowing the medical device to be legally imported into India and the registration process is considered to be complete

Step 8

Begin the process of exporting the medical devices to India

With the CDSCO Import License in hand, the manufacturer can start shipping their medical devices to Indian distributors or directly to healthcare providers.

Why Morulaa as your Import License Holder

Importing medical devices in India requires a knowledgeable firm experienced with the CDSCO’s Medical Device Rules, 2017, and Indian Customs. Choosing Morulaa gives you access to India’s largest Independent Importer. Depending on your product type, additional licenses like the Electronic Waste Disposal License, BIS Certificate for batteries, PC & PNDT certificate for ultrasound devices, and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board certification for X-ray products may be needed.

An Independent Importer simplifies labeling, manages inventory efficiently, and ensures last-mile delivery across India. Whether launching products, transferring licenses, or changing distribution partners, appointing Morulaa as your Authorized Indian Agent minimizes supply chain disruptions and leverages our expertise.

Choosing Morulaa as your Import License Holder offers several benefits:

Why Morulaa as your Import License Holder

Importing medical devices in India requires a knowledgeable firm experienced with the CDSCO’s Medical Device Rules, 2017, and Indian Customs. Choosing Morulaa gives you access to India’s largest Independent Importer. Depending on your product type, additional licenses like the Electronic Waste Disposal License, BIS Certificate for batteries, PC & PNDT certificate for ultrasound devices, and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board certification for X-ray products may be needed.

An Independent Importer simplifies labeling, manages inventory efficiently, and ensures last-mile delivery across India. Whether launching products, transferring licenses, or changing distribution partners, appointing Morulaa as your Authorized Indian Agent minimizes supply chain disruptions and leverages our expertise.

Choosing Morulaa as your Import License Holder offers several benefits:

Let’s Talk

Request your free proposal. Call us today, or fill out the form and we will get right back to you!

Let’s Talk

Request your free proposal. Call us today, or fill out the form and we will get right back to you!