Health Canada has adopted the IMDRF Table of Contents (ToC) structure for medical device submissions, streamlining dossier preparation and supporting global regulatory convergence. The updated guidance outlines requirements for pre-market and post-market submissions and clarifies expectations for electronic filing, templates and documentation. Essential reading for manufacturers targeting the Canadian market.

The MHRA has published updated guidance on clinical investigations for medical devices, detailing the requirements manufacturers must meet when planning and conducting investigations in Great Britain. The update strengthens documentation expectations, safety requirements and regulatory oversight, making it essential for all manufacturers preparing UK submissions.

The European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence for its Digital Fitness Check, a major evaluation of EU digital legislation and its impact on competitiveness, innovation and administrative burden. This review is particularly relevant for medical device manufacturers facing overlapping digital, cybersecurity and data compliance obligations across EU rules.

Swissmedic has released updated guidance on the requirements for obtaining export certificates (Free Sales Certificates) for medical devices, introducing clearer rules for manufacturers on documentation, conformity evidence, product grouping, and submission procedures. The revised framework is essential for manufacturers exporting devices to global markets that require FSCs as part of their regulatory registration.

Health Canada has released Phase II of its Medical Device Establishment Licensing (MDEL) Modernization Framework, introducing enhanced compliance expectations, strengthened oversight of foreign manufacturers, updated documentation requirements and a stronger focus on post-market safety. These changes are essential for manufacturers exporting medical devices to Canada.

The MHRA has released updated guidance for clinical investigations of medical devices in the UK, outlining new requirements for manufacturers, including application validation, safety reporting, UKCA/CE/CE UKNI considerations, and updated processes for studies in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Medical device manufacturers must review these regulatory changes to maintain compliance, ensure timely clinical investigation approvals, and prepare robust technical documentation aligned with UK and EU regulatory frameworks.

Swissmedic’s updated guidance on PSUR Signal Management sets a higher standard for pharmacovigilance in Switzerland. By aligning with EU Regulation 2019/6 and VICH GL 29, it requires manufacturers to strengthen PSUR reporting, signal evaluation, and safety data traceability. For medical device and IVD producers, this shift underscores the importance of robust post-market surveillance and regulatory readiness. Smart MDR supports companies in navigating these evolving frameworks efficiently and confidently.

The FDA has released a draft guidance aligning U.S. Quality Management System (QMS) requirements with ISO 13485:2016. This change simplifies compliance for medical device and IVD manufacturers and distributors, ensuring global harmonization and streamlined FDA premarket submissions effective February 2026.

The AI Airlock initiative, launched by the MHRA, is an innovative regulatory sandbox designed to support the development and evaluation of Artificial Intelligence medical devices (AIaMD). This controlled regulatory environment allows manufacturers of AI-based medical technology to test compliance approaches, clinical evidence and algorithmic validation prior to formal submission. With a focus on adaptive machine learning models, algorithmic security and continuous monitoring, AI Airlock represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate market access with UKCA compliance.

The MDCG has published guidance 2025-4, which clarifies the responsibilities of manufacturers of software as a medical device (MDSW) and operators of online platforms that make these apps available in the European Union. The guidance addresses the application of the MDR, the IVDR and the Digital Services Act (DSA), and reinforces labeling, traceability and transparency requirements. Smart MDR supports manufacturers and platforms in regulatory compliance and adaptation to the new obligations of the European digital market.

Health Canada has begun automatically canceling MDEL licenses for operators who have not complied with the mandatory annual review. The measure affects distributors and importers of medical devices in Canada and has serious consequences, such as interruption of operations, the need to resubmit license applications, and product retention.

The new EUDAMED Guide to the Registration of Legacy Medical Devices provides detailed and practical instructions for manufacturers operating under the MDD or AIMDD directives. The transition to MDR requires legacy devices to be identified with EUDAMED DI and EUDAMED ID, even in the absence of a UDI-DI. This registration in the EUDAMED database is essential to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain the placement of devices on the European market.

The June 2025 report on the coverage of MDR and IVDR designation codes by notified bodies provides an updated view on the availability of designated bodies for specific categories of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices. It identifies critical areas with lower coverage, such as active implantable medical devices (codes MDA 0101 to MDA 0104) and devices originating from human tissues (MDS 1002), as well as IVDs for blood and tissue typing (codes IVR 0101 to IVR 0202). For medical device manufacturers seeking certification under Regulation (EU) 2017/745 or Regulation (EU) 2017/746, analysis of these codes is essential to plan the submission of applications to notified bodies with adequate coverage.

The MHRA has published a new version of the guide to classifying borderline products with medical devices. This update clarifies the criteria used in the UK to determine whether or not a product is a medical device, with a direct impact on cosmetic products, food supplements and others with therapeutic claims. If you operate in this market, it is essential to review the declared purposes, clinical evidence and regulatory framework.

The new FDA guidance proposes improvements in the labeling of surgical hernia mesh, with the aim of reducing adverse events and facilitating device selection by healthcare professionals. Among the recommended data are mesh composition, physical characteristics and mechanical properties. The initiative applies to devices specifically indicated for hernia repair and encourages manufacturers to update the labeling in their submissions to the FDA.

The FDA's new M11 technical specification, developed within the framework of ICH, defines a structured and harmonized electronic template for clinical protocols - CeSHarP. This document promotes the international standardization of clinical trial documentation, facilitating electronic submission and regulatory interoperability between agencies such as the FDA, EMA and PMDA.

The FDA has published a new draft guidance on the transfer of 510(k) clearances, focusing on situations that do not require a new submission but do require compliance with registration, device listing and labeling update requirements. The document clarifies that the new holder must register in the FURLS/DRLM system, ensure that the 510(k) number is correctly associated with their name, and comply with UDI requirements.

A atualização da EUDAMED versão 2.15.0 introduz melhorias relevantes para o registo de dispositivos médicos e IVD, incluindo a gestão de UDI-DI, funcionalidades para Master UDI-DI em lentes de contacto, e novas opções de pesquisa no portal público. Esta versão corrige mais de 50 erros reportados pelos utilizadores, reforçando a fiabilidade da base de dados europeia de dispositivos médicos. Para os fabricantes, mandatários e importadores, é essencial rever os dados submetidos e preparar os processos internos para assegurar a conformidade com o MDR e IVDR.

The FDA has published a draft guidance establishing the mandatory use of the eSTAR electronic template for all Q-Submissions, including Pre-Submissions, within the scope of medical device regulation. This proposal aims to improve the quality, consistency and traceability of submissions made to the FDA, progressively replacing free formats with a structured, digital template.

With the publication of the preliminary SIUD manual, Anvisa has begun the official implementation of the Unique Identification of Medical Devices (UDI) system in Brazil. This system, provided for in RDC 591/2021, obliges manufacturers and legal representatives to register the UDI-DI code in the system, ensuring greater traceability and transparency in the Brazilian market. Separate submissions are required per model, with mandatory fields such as GMDN codes and technical data for the device.