In January 2025, Health Canada published a new guide on the use of recognized standards to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations. The document guides manufacturers in preparing submissions, updates and lifecycle management of applicable standards.

The new MDCG 2025-6 guide, published in June 2025, clarifies the joint application of the AI Act and the European MDR/IVDR regulations for medical devices and IVDs with artificial intelligence systems. The document addresses classification, risk management, life cycle, technical documentation and post-market monitoring. Smart MDR supports manufacturers in integrating these requirements into their quality management system and preparing for audits.

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 Revision 3 of NIST SP 800-61, published in April 2025, redefines incident response as an integral part of cyber risk management, now aligned with the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. The guide covers everything from preparation and detection to recovery and continuous improvement. Smart MDR supports medical device manufacturers and SaMDs in implementing incident response processes in line with the requirements of the MDR, IVDR, FDA and international standards such as NIST.

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.

Version 7.3.1 of the MIR form, published by the European Commission on June 4, 2025, introduces new requirements for reporting serious incidents involving medical devices and IVDs.

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.

The FDA 's new guidance on the Q-Submission Program offers practical guidelines for manufacturers who intend to request formal feedback or technical meetings during the planning or review of regulatory submissions for medical devices and IVDs.

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.

MedTech Europe 's new practical guide to the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) provides key guidance for medical device manufacturers and IVDs. The correct assignment of EMDN codes is mandatory for registering devices with EUDAMED and for demonstrating compliance with the MDR and IVDR.

The FDA 's recent decision to expand the use of unannounced inspections at manufacturing facilities outside the United States has relevant implications for medical device and drug manufacturers exporting to the US market. This approach requires manufacturers to maintain robust quality systems, permanently updated documentation and a culture of continuous compliance.

Australia's TGA has published a new version of its regulatory guidance for IVD companion diagnostics (CDx), with a direct impact on medical device manufacturers and sponsors of drugs and biologics. The document describes the legal framework, clinical and analytical assessment criteria, classification, ARTG submission requirements and the use of in-house developed CDx.

The European Union's AI Act establishes new legal obligations for all organizations that develop or use artificial intelligence systems. Article 4 of the AI Act, applicable since February 2, 2025, requires companies to ensure an adequate level of AI literacy among their employees and service providers.