General safety and performance requirements Medical Devices
It is always indicated that when you bring a medical device onto the European market you have to ensure that the medical device complies to the applicable legislation. But how do you know to what requirements your medical device must comply?

Annex I general safety and performance requirements
Annex I of the Medical Devices Directive (EEC) 93/42 (MDD) and the Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) outlines a list of general safety and performance requirements. These general safety and performance requirements are the essential requirements to which your medical device must comply. The essential requirements aim to ensure to reduce risks related to the medical device as far as possible. The manufacturer must ensure that his medical device complies with the general safety and performance requirements. It is therefore advisable to fully work through the list to see which requirements apply to your medical device and which are not applicable.
Chapter one
Chapter one of the essential requirements outlines the general requirements. Here it is explained that medical devices shall be suitable for their intended purpose and that they shall also be safe and effective and shall not compromise the clinical condition of the patient. Any risks and undesirable side-effects shall be mitigated and reduced as far as possible. The residual accepted risk should weighed against the evaluated benefits.
Chapter two
Chapter two of the essential requirements discusses the requirements regarding the design and manufacture of medical devices. Here the chemical, physical and biological properties and also the labelling of the medical device are described.
Chapter three and four
The third and final chapter focusses on the information which should be supplied with the medical device. This chapter indicates the details of both the label and the instructions for use. Furthermore, it indicates the symbols used as identification.
Conclusion
It is of utmost importance to evaluate the general safety and performance requirements to determine which requirements are applicable on your medical device. Our experts are fully experienced with evaluating the general safety and performance requirements requirements for medical devices. This evaluation is part of our standard procedures with medical device regulatory projects. If any assitance or guidance is needed, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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