SFDA Medical Device Registration
The SFDA has established rigorous guidelines for medical device regulation. To successfully enter the Saudi Arabian market, manufacturers must secure SFDA Approval through the Medical Device Market Authorization (MDMA) process.
SFDA Medical Device Registration & Regulations:
KSA (kingdom of Saudi Arabia) has been rated in the top 20 economically competitive countries in the world. SFDA is regulatory authority for medical devices and IVDs sold and distributed in Saudi Arabia. MDMA approval is needed to place your devices in Saudi Arabia market. SFDA reviews MDMA applications to prepare your submission carefully. Saudi Arabia updated their medical device regulations between 2019 to 2022, which affected device classification and changed concept and content of the MDMA (high risk application). Due to the changes and updated guidance previously approved devices, IVDs, medical supplies must comply with new regulations. As a medical device regulatory consultant, we always keep an eye on changes in regulations and current updates so that we can serve better to our clients.
SFDA Medical Device Registration and Approval Process:
Following are the Steps to Register your Medical Devices:
1. Medical Device Classification:
SFDA device classification | Risk class | MDR rule |
A | low | I |
A-sterile | Low-medium | Is |
A-Measuring functions | Low –medium | Im |
A-Reusable surgical instrument | Low-Medium | Ir |
B | Low-Medium | IIa |
C | Medium -High | IIb |
D | High | III |
The SFDA is also adopting the European medical device regulation IVDR:
SFDA medical devices class | Risk class | Classification rule |
A | Low | A |
B | Moderate | B |
C | Moderate-High | C |
D | High | D |
- Appointment of AR If Needed
Authorized representatives (AR) need to be registered and approved by SFDA. The legal manufacturers have two options one is to assign their local distributor and second one is to assign a consulting office who can provide more power and freedom to the legal manufacturer in market. Low risk medical devices don’t need AR.
- Apply to MDMA and Medical device registration:
Medical device manufacturers need to register their device with SFDA and obtain a certificate from MDMA (Medical Device Market Authorization) as per the MDIR (Medical Device Interim Regulations) Saudi Arabia. MDMA is needed for high-risk devices whereas low risk devices (non- sterile, non-measuring) don’t require prolonged MDMA.
Comprehensive Technical Documentation & SFDA Compliance Requirements
Achieving successful SFDA Approval requires more than just an application; it demands a complete and meticulous assembly of technical documentation that aligns with Saudi Food and Drug Authority standards. The MDMA submission process is highly detailed, requiring manufacturers to provide a proven Technical File that includes clinical evaluation reports, risk management files according to ISO 14971, and evidence of a robust Quality Management System (QMS) such as ISO 13485.
Furthermore, the official SFDA guidelines now place a significant emphasis on Post-Market Surveillance (PMS). Once you secure your SFDA Approval, the responsibility of the legal manufacturer and the Authorized Representative (AR) continues. You must implement an expert system for vigilance reporting and adverse event monitoring within the Kingdom. Our premier regulatory team ensures that your documentation is not only audit-ready but also seamlessly integrated with the latest GHTF (Global Harmonization Task Force) principles adopted by the Saudi authorities. By addressing these critical technical nuances early in the process, we accelerate your market entry and mitigate the risk of costly regulatory delays or submission rejections.
How We Help You With Regulatory Services:
If you are a new manufacturer or already active commercially, we Team of Operon Strategist ensure compliance and efficient regulatory support through
- Providing Assistance in regulatory processes
- Providing Guidance for QMS establishments
- We help our clients with design and development & GAP analysis for products and companies.
- We create technical files for submission.
- Provide proper response and submission to SFDA inquiries
- Follow up till regulatory approval.
We provide expert regulatory support to secure your SFDA Approval with proven efficiency. We also provide medical device consultation for India, Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UK, South Africa, Oman, Iran & Egypt. Feel free to contact us.