At the April 2nd DTAB meeting, the DCGI presented a proposal to regulate all medical devices over a 42-month period. Non-Notified devices would require registration in a phased in approach. This would allow an 18-month voluntary registration period after which class A and B devices would have 12 months to obtain an Import License (MD Form 15) prior to importation.  Class C and D devices would have 24 months to meet the same requirement.

Implementation could happen quickly. The proposed plan closely matches details that were discussed at a meeting hosted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) held on February 8, 2019 with industry stakeholders.  Once the plan is endorsed by the DTAB, the MOHFW is expected to establish the implementation date quickly. Perhaps as early as the third quarter of 2019.

Voluntary registration would involve typical administrative documents such as reference country approval certificate, ISO 13485 certificate, etc.  The voluntary Registration Certificate carries no processing fee and no expiry date.  However, once registered the local license holder would be required notify the CDSCO and Materiovigilance Programme of India (MvPi) of Serious Adverse Events (SEA) occurring in India.

The CDSCO review process to generate a MD Form 15 typically takes 6 to 9 months with 6 to 8 weeks of application preparation. To be safe, manufacturers should begin the MD Form 15 application process 12 months before any deadline.

Manufacturers of non-Notified medical devices are advised to evaluate their products of interest for India and begin to build their application files for a Registration Certificate and Import License.

Asia Actual is available to answer questions or help register your devices when the new requirements take effect. Contact us to arrange an initial conversation.