MDEL Registration | Medical Device Establishment License

1. If you distribute or import class I to IV medical devices (including COVID-19 antigen test kits) you require a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL).
2. If you manufacture Class I medical devices in Canada (eg. shields, masks, gowns, toothbrushes, etc.), you require an MDEL.
3. If you manufacture, market, or distribute medical devices to Canadian resellers from any other country (businesses outside Canada), you require an MDEL.

Covid-19 test kits, either antigen or molecular (PCR) based, are In-Vitro Diagnostics Tests (class IV) devices. These test kits can be registered faster under the Interim Order Authorization pathway (IO).  Health Canada has published a list of medical devices that have received interim order Authorization.

• The testing device is registered with Health Canada under interim order or permanent medical device license. If the device is not registered, then this process must happen first before importation and/or distribution is permitted.
• If you intend to import and sell directly to consumers, you will need a medical device establishment license (MDEL)
• If you intend to resell these devices to a retailer or reseller, you must obtain an MDEL with the distributor activity (note that one MDEL can cover one or more activities i.e. importing and/or distributing)
• As an MDEL holder you must follow the practices and procedures based on the respective activities you plan to conduct. Standard Operating Procedures are required for your business.
• If your business generates revenue under $5 million you may qualify as a small business and your Health Canada application fees will be reduced by approximately 25%
• Health Canada fees for an MDEL are due before license issuance (Health Canada will notify you via email) and an annual renewal fee is due when you submit your license renewal each year by April 1. Please note that MDEL fees are not prorated.

• You must follow good practices by adhering to procedures and generating records
• As an MDEL holder, you must answer a series of questions from Health Canada
• You must provide responses in 3 to 5 business days.
• Health Canada conducts remote/virtual assessments of MDEL holders as soon as the MDEL is obtained.
• You must present copies of standard operating procedures related to MDEL activities

• We can confirm the class of your medical devices anddetermine whether a license is required, and confirm if they qualify for fee exception
• We will collect important information, such as device details, manufacturer quality systems qualifications, global market history, clinical or non-clinical evidence,
• etc
• We can help prepare the MDL application and, if applicable, a dossier to support your device
• We can act as your regulatory correspondent with Health Canada to answer questions on your behalf

• We can prepare and submit your MDEL application and answer all questions asked by Health Canada
• We can develop and write SOPs for your MDEL activities to ensure you have the foundational procedures to establish a sound quality management system
• We submit a small business fee reduction application form in case your business qualifies as a small business
• After you are licensed, we can conduct a routine audit of your activities and review standard operating procedure updates

• We can help complete and submit the MDEL Renewalapplication (ALR package) before April 1
• We will confirm if all supporting documents are complete and if there have been any changes to your activities since the last renewal
• We will evaluate and verify all the information to avoid refusal
• We will check if any product for which licenses are listed has not been withdrawn from the Canadian market

The MDEL is issued by Health Canada for activities of manufacturing, importing, or distributing medical devices for use in Canada.