A list of recently published and updated articles regarding medical device regulatory updates from the governing bodies throughout Asia.

Thailand FDA to Decrease Registration Application Processing Times

The Thai FDA hosted a seminar for public discussion and training of the full CDST application, which was attended by Asia Actual Thailand personnel. At the event, the Thai FDA announced its intention to decrease the application pre-screening time from 30 days to 1 working day.

Thailand FDA to Improve Medical Device Advertising Review Times

In a training seminar held on January 15 and 16, 2024, by the Thai FDA on the Full Common Submission Dossier Template (CSDT), the TFDA stated their intention to improve the advertising approval process. Per the Deputy Secretary General, they plan to implement new processes meant to help expedite the approvals of advertisement applications.

Hong Kong MDD Issues New Technical Reference Document for AI-MD

On January 3, 2024, Hong Kong’s Medical Device Division (MDD) issues the Technical Reference document TR-008: Artificial Intelligence Medical Devices (AI-MD). It provides clarity for devices using AI (AI-MD) and machine learning, including Continuous Learning Capability (CLC) and the technical requirements expected for listing these medical devices on the Medical Device Administrative Control System (MDACS).

China Fully Implements UDI Requirements for Class 3 Medical Devices

Beginning January 1, 2021, the NMPA began implementing UDI requirements in China for the first batch of 69 types of medical devices in 9 categories.

Hong Kong MDD Issues Technical Reference for SaMD and SiMD

Hong Kong’s Medical Device Division has released a new technical reference document related to software medical devices (SaMD and SiMD). Released on December 29, 2023, TR-007: Software Medical Devices and Cybersecurity, aims to provide more clarity for Software in a Medical Device (SiMD) and standalone software (Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)), specifically related to definitions, classification and cybersecurity. 

Taiwan FDA Launches New ePortal for Medical Device Applications

The Taiwan FDA has implemented the premarket E-Submission Portal aimed at making it easier for manufacturers to submit their applications

China to Require All Electromedical Devices Meet Updated Standards

This adjustment will not only make the registration process cheaper and quicker for many manufacturers, it will also improve the efficiency of China’s labs to perform testing for domestic manufacturers and other devices that will still need in-country testing. While the regulatory burden for what the NMPA will consider as acceptable self-test reports is still high, this change provides manufacturers with more options.

China to Implement New Electrical Safety Standards for Medical Devices

An updated China-specific electromedical safety standard (BG 9706.1-2020) that was announced back in February of 2020 will come into full effect on May 1, 2023.

India Issues Draft Notification for Exempting Certain Class A Medical Devices

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health and Family Welfare) issued the draft Notification G.S.R. 710(E) on 20 September, 2022 that, if formalized, would exempt Class A non-measuring and non-sterile medical devices.

Thai FDA Announces New Application and Query Response Timelines

On April 4, 2022, the TFDA updated their application query response policy to expedite reviews of applications and clear out a backlog of open applications.