Extending the Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) transition period aims to ensure that patients can access safe, high-quality medical devices.
Overwhelming support
The EU Parliament has overwhelmingly voted to extend the Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) transition period.
The extension will see the May 26, 2024, deadline postponed until 2027 for higher-risk Class III and implantable IIb devices, and May 2028 for lower-risk Class I, IIa and other IIb devices. The aim is to ensure that patients can access safe, high-quality medical devices.
Reasons behind the proposed extension
The pandemic, raw material shortages due to the Ukraine conflict and larger workloads for Notified Bodies (NBs) have increased the risk of potential shortages while straining market readiness. Furthermore, national experts, industry groups and other stakeholders have voiced to the EC major concerns about products being taken off the market if nothing is done about the MDR transition period deadline.
Supporting the transition
Dr Geofrey De Visscher, Head of SGS NB 1639, said: “We welcome the extension to the MDR implementation period. Our concerns, and those of our customers, have been heard.
“We are looking forward to the detailed measures to be taken and released as guidance. An extension will mean that we can better help customers transition their high-quality products to the MDR effectively, without risking a lack of availability in the market.
“It is likely that derogation and market surveillance audits will bridge the gap between old certificates expiring and the issuance of new ones.”
Designation and why SGS?
In May 2021, MDR officially replaced the Medical Device Directive (MDD) to enhance safety for European patients through a more robust and transparent framework. This change also brings medical device regulations in line with technical advances, changes in medical science and progress in law-making.
Our Belgian NB was designated a European MDR NB by the European Commission and Belgian Competent Authority (FAMHP) under MDR (EU) 2017/745 in December 2021.
With existing approval under the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) scheme, we are one of the few companies that can provide certification services for medical devices across the whole of Europe.
More information on our medical devices services.
To start your MDR CE certification process, fill out our questionnaire.
For further information, please contact:
Jason Hulbert
Associate Marketing Manager
Knowledge
t: +44 7912 426878
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
