European Union · Medical Devices

EU MDR Classification

A practical guide to EU MDR Classification for medical devices sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it
Medical devices placed on the EU market; Software and accessories qualifying as medical devices
Authority
Notified bodies and national competent authorities
Legal basis
Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR)
Local representative
Yes — an EU authorised representative is required for non-EU manufacturers
Timeline
Before market placement; depends on the conformity assessment route
Cost
Notified body and assessment fees vary widely
If you do not comply
Withdrawal, recall, and enforcement action

Who needs this

Documents you need

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

How to comply

  1. Classify the device under MDR rules
  2. Implement the quality management system
  3. Involve a notified body where required
  4. Apply CE marking and register in EUDAMED

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: EU MDR Classification — European Union
Product category: Medical Devices
Authority: Notified bodies and national competent authorities
Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR)

Documents we already have:
  1. Technical file
  2. Clinical evaluation
  3. Quality management system documentation
  4. UDI information

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under EU MDR Classification in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before market placement; depends on the conformity assessment route.

Notified body and assessment fees vary widely.

Common rejection reasons

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

How are devices classified?

MDR uses classes I, IIa, IIb, and III based on risk, with separate rules for certain devices.

When is a notified body required?

Generally for class IIa and higher, and for certain class I devices.

What is UDI?

The Unique Device Identification system identifies devices through distribution and is linked to EUDAMED.

How long does EU MDR Classification take?

Before market placement; depends on the conformity assessment route.

How much does EU MDR Classification cost?

Notified body and assessment fees vary widely.

What happens if I sell without it?

Withdrawal, recall, and enforcement action.

Who regulates EU MDR Classification in the European Union?

Notified bodies and national competent authorities.

Related requirements

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