What is a Medical Device?

The term Medical Device, as defined in the Food and Drugs Act, covers a wide range of health or medical instruments used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis or prevention of a disease or abnormal physical condition.

Who regulates Medical Devices in Canada?

Health Canada is the federal regulator of therapeutic products, including medical devices. Specifically, the Medical Devices Bureau (Bureau) of the Therapeutic Products Directorate at Health Canada is the Canadian federal regulator responsible for licensing medical devices in accordance with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations and the Medical Devices Regulations.

How are Medical Devices classified?

As per section 6 of the Medical Device Regulations, medical devices are classified into one of four classes where Class I represents the lowest risk devices and Class IV the highest risk devices.

A Medical Device Establishment Licence (MDEL) is a licence issued to manufacturers of Class I medical devices as well as importers or distributors of all device classes. The MDEL permits businesses to import or distribute a medical device in Canada. An MDEL provides Health Canada assurance that medical devices sold or imported into Canada meet the safety requirements set out in the Medical Devices Regulations, and that procedures are in place to protect the public should a problem with a device be identified. The MDEL listing contains information about the licensed establishment including their company ID, licence number, company name, address, authorized activities and associated class of device(s).

What is medical device compliance?

Medical device compliance ensures that your medical devices and establishments are manufactured, labelled and licensed appropriately in order to manage the risk posed to public health and safety.

When should I license my medical device?

Your medical device needs to be licensed prior to sale in Canada. Our team of experts can help license your Class I, II, III or IV medical device.

What medical devices need to be licensed in Canada?

- PPE - In vitro Diagnostics - Monitoring Devices - Surgical Equipment - Mobile Aid - Radiology - Pacemakers - Personal Care items

Who are the Canadian regulatory bodies and regulatory pathways for Medical Devices in Canada?

The regulatory bodies in Canada overseeing the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices are Health Canada, the Quality Management System (QMS), the Medical Devices Bureau (MDB), and Accreditation Canada (AC). The two major pathways for obtaining approval for medical device applications in Canada are the Premarket Approval Application (PMA) and the Medical Device License Application (MDL). Both PMA and MDL applications must comply with Canadian medical device regulations before being approved by the respective regulatory bodies.

What are the special regulations that may apply to certain Medical Devices?

Depending on the classification of a medical device, additional regulations may apply. For example, higher-risk Class III and IV medical devices require licensing from the Quality Management System (QMS) and Medical Devices Bureau (MDB). The Canadian Food and Drug Regulations may also be applicable for certain medical devices, such as those that are implantable, non-sterile, or with specific hardware or software components. It is important to review all applicable regulations to ensure compliance prior to importing, manufacturing, or selling in Canada.

Why is there a need for technical documentation, Clinical Evaluation Reports, and Quality Assurance Systems in Canada?

Technical documentation, Clinical Evaluation Reports (CERs) and quality assurance (QA) systems are essential components of medical device regulation in Canada. These documents provide assurance that a medical device is safe and effective for its intended use. Technical documentation includes technical drawings, specifications, and installation instructions, while the CER provides a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the device. The QA system ensures that product quality is maintained throughout the life cycle of a device, from manufacture to delivery. All three elements serve to ensure greater patient safety and public confidence in medical devices sold in Canada.

What are the approval processes at the Provincial, Territorial and Federal Levels in Canada for medical devices?

Provincial, territorial, and federal governments each have their own approval process for medical devices in Canada. Generally, the approval process begins with the submission of relevant documents to the appropriate regulatory body. The submitted documents are then reviewed for safety, efficacy, and quality assurance. If these criteria are met, a license may be issued and the device may be marketed or sold in Canada. Provincial governments also may have additional approval processes depending on what type of device is being registered.

What are the Medical Device Classes in Canada?

In Canada, medical devices are classified into four classes: Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV. Class I devices are considered low risk, while Class IV devices are considered high risk. The classification of a device is based on factors such as its intended use, the duration of use, and the invasiveness of the device. Each class has its own set of regulatory requirements that manufacturers and distributors must adhere to in order to sell their products in Canada.

What are class I Medical Devices?

Class I medical devices are considered low risk and are typically non-invasive. Examples of Class I devices include bandages, stethoscopes, and tongue depressors. These devices are subject to the least amount of regulatory control and do not require pre-market review by Health Canada. However, manufacturers must still comply with certain regulations and standards to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products.

What are class II Medical Devices?

Class II medical devices are considered moderate risk and are typically more invasive than Class I devices. Examples of Class II devices include powered wheelchairs, surgical gloves, and pregnancy test kits. These devices require more regulatory control than Class I devices and must undergo pre-market review by Health Canada. Manufacturers must also comply with specific regulations and standards to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products.

What are class III Medical Devices?

Class III medical devices are considered high risk and are typically used for life-sustaining or life-supporting purposes. Examples of Class III devices include implantable pacemakers, heart valves, and artificial joints. These devices require the highest level of regulatory control and must undergo pre-market review by Health Canada. Manufacturers must also comply with specific regulations and standards to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products. In addition, clinical trials may be required to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the device before it can be approved for use in Canada.

What are class IV Medical Devices?

In Canada, there is no official classification for Class IV medical devices. However, some devices that are considered high-risk and have not been classified as Class III may be subject to additional regulatory requirements. These devices may include certain types of implantable devices, such as spinal cord stimulators, or devices that use new or innovative technology. Manufacturers of these devices must work closely with Health Canada to ensure that their products meet all regulatory requirements and are safe for use by patients.

What is a Medical Device Establishment License?

A Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) is a license issued by regulatory bodies to manufacturers of medical devices. This license is required to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective for use. It is also a legal requirement for manufacturers to obtain this license before they can sell their medical devices in the market. The MDEL is an important document that demonstrates that the manufacturer has met the regulatory requirements for the production, distribution, and sale of medical devices.

What are the consequences of not having a Medical Device Establishment License?

Not having a Medical Device Establishment License can result in serious legal consequences for manufacturers. In many countries, it is illegal to manufacture, import, or distribute medical devices without this license. Manufacturers who are caught operating without a license may face fines, legal action, and even imprisonment. Additionally, not having a license can damage a manufacturer's reputation and make it difficult to do business in the industry. Patients and healthcare providers may be hesitant to use or recommend products from a manufacturer that does not have the necessary licenses and certifications.

How to obtain a Medical Device Establishment License?

The process of obtaining a Medical Device Establishment License varies depending on the country and region in which the manufacturer operates. In general, manufacturers must submit an application to the regulatory agency responsible for medical devices in their area. The application will typically require information about the manufacturer's facilities, quality control processes, and the specific medical devices they intend to manufacture or distribute. The regulatory agency will review the application and may conduct inspections of the manufacturer's facilities before granting the license. It is important for manufacturers to ensure they meet all the requirements and regulations before submitting their application to avoid delays or rejections.

What are the requirements for obtaining this license?

The requirements for obtaining a Medical Device Establishment License vary depending on the country and region in which the manufacturer operates. In general, manufacturers must demonstrate that they have adequate facilities, quality control processes, and personnel to manufacture or distribute medical devices safely and effectively. They may also need to provide information about the specific medical devices they intend to manufacture or distribute, including their intended use, design, and performance characteristics. In some cases, manufacturers may need to undergo inspections or audits to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements and regulations. It is important for manufacturers to research the specific requirements in their area and ensure they meet all the necessary criteria before submitting their application.

What is medical device labelling?

Medical device labelling refers to the information and instructions provided on a medical device, including its packaging and accompanying materials. This information is critical for ensuring the safe and effective use of the device by healthcare professionals and patients. Medical device labelling typically includes information such as the device name, intended use, instructions for use, warnings and precautions, and any necessary storage or handling instructions. Proper labelling is essential for regulatory compliance and patient safety.

Why is medical device labelling important?

Medical device labelling is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures patient safety by providing clear and accurate information about the device and how to use it properly. This can help prevent errors and adverse events, such as incorrect use or administration of the device. Additionally, proper labelling is required by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, to ensure that medical devices meet certain safety and effectiveness standards. Failure to comply with labelling requirements can result in regulatory action, including product recalls and fines. Finally, clear and accurate labelling can also help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about which devices to use and how to use them, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

What are the regulatory requirements for medical device labelling?

The regulatory requirements for medical device labelling vary depending on the country or region in which the device will be marketed. In the United States, the FDA regulates medical device labelling under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The FDA requires that medical device labels include certain information, such as the device name, intended use, warnings and precautions, and instructions for use. Additionally, the FDA may require specific labelling for certain types of devices, such as implantable devices or devices that contain hazardous materials. Other countries and regions, such as the European Union and Canada, have their own regulatory requirements for medical device labelling. It is important for manufacturers to understand and comply with all applicable regulations to ensure patient safety and avoid regulatory action.

What type of information should be included on medical device labels?

Medical device labels should include essential information to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. This information includes the device name, intended use, warnings and precautions, instructions for use, and any necessary symbols or icons. Additionally, labels may need to include information about the device's composition, storage requirements, and expiration date. It is important for manufacturers to carefully review and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements for medical device labelling to ensure patient safety and avoid regulatory action.

What are the best practices for designing and printing medical device labels?

When designing and printing medical device labels, it is important to follow best practices to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes using clear and concise language, avoiding abbreviations and acronyms, and using appropriate font sizes and styles. Labels should also be printed on durable materials that can withstand the device's intended use and storage conditions. Additionally, manufacturers should regularly review and update their labels to ensure they remain accurate and up-to-date with any changes in regulatory requirements or device specifications.

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