Top 40 IMDRF Technical Documents for Medical Devices
The International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) is a global organization on a mission—a mission to enhance the safety and quality of medical devices and promote global public health by providing guidance and recommendations to regulatory authorities.
Since its formation in 2011, the organization has released over forty guidance documents that serve as a benchmark for the medical device industry. These documents cover a wide range of topics, including quality management systems, regulatory assessments, software as a medical device (SaMD), unique device identification (UDI), and many more, all of them providing crucial information on regulatory requirements, standards, and best practices.
In this blog, we will be highlighting the top 40 IMDRF technical documents that every medical device professional should be aware of. Inside you’ll find descriptions of each technical document, its contents, who it’s intended for, and its authoring group. You’ll also be provided with publication dates and links to the relevant document download.
Whether you're a quality manager, regulatory affairs specialist, or an auditor, knowing and understanding these documents are essential for staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards and compliance requirements.
IMDRF Code
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Technical Document
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IMDRF Standards Liaison Program Framework |
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Machine Learning-enabled Medical Devices: Key Terms and Definitions |
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Medical Devices: Post-Market Surveillance: National Competent Authority Report Exchange Criteria and Report Form |
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Requirements for Regulatory Authority Recognition of Conformity Assessment Bodies Conducting Medical Device Regulatory Reviews |
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Assessment and Decision Process for the Recognition of a Conformity Assessment Body Conducting Medical Device Regulatory Reviews |
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Competence and Training Requirements for Regulatory Authority Assessors of Conformity Assessment Bodies Conducting Medical Device Regulatory Reviews |
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Regulatory Authority Assessment Method for Recognition and Surveillance of Conformity Assessment Bodies Conducting Medical Device Regulatory Reviews |
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Terminologies for Categorized Adverse Event Reporting (AER): terms, terminology and codes |
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Principles and Practices for Medical Device Cybersecurity |
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Definitions for Personalized Medical Devices |
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Personalized Medical Devices - Regulatory Pathways |
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Clinical Investigation |
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Clinical Evaluation |
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Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up Studies |
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Clinical Evidence - Key Definitions and Concepts |
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Principles of Labelling for Medical Devices and IVD Medical Devices |
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Non-In Vitro Diagnostic Device Market Authorization Table of Contents (nIVD MA ToC) |
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In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Market Authorization Table of Contents (IVD MA ToC) |
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Principles of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Medical Devices Classification |
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Assembly and Technical Guide for IMDRF Table of Contents Submissions |
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Optimizing Standards for Regulatory Use |
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Essential Principles of Safety and Performance of Medical Devices and IVD Medical Devices |
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Competence, Training, and Conduct Requirements for Regulatory Reviewers |
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Tools for Assessing the Usability of Registries in Support of Regulatory Decision-Making |
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Methodological Principles in the Use of International Medical Device Registry Data |
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Principles of International System of Registries Linked to Other Data Sources and Tools |
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Common Data Elements for Medical Device Identification |
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Requirements for Medical Device Auditing Organizations for Regulatory Authority Recognition |
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Medical Device Regulatory Audit Reports |
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MDSAP Assessment and Decision Process for the Recognition of an Auditing Organization |
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Competence and Training Requirements for Auditing Organizations |
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Regulatory Authority Assessor Competence and Training Requirements |
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Guidance for Regulatory Authority Assessors on the Method of Assessment for MDSAP Auditing Organizations |
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Software as a Medical Device (SaMD): Application of Quality Management System |
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Software as a Medical Device (SaMD): Key Definitions |
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Software as a Medical Device (SaMD): Clinical Evaluation |
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Software as a Medical Device: Possible Framework for Risk Categorization and Corresponding Considerations |
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UDI Guidance: Unique Device Identification (UDI) of Medical Devices |
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Unique Device Identification system (UDI system) Application Guide |
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Medical Device Regulatory Review Report: Guidance Regarding Information to be Included |
IMDRF/Standards WG/N72
What's in this guidance document? This document outlines the IMDRF Standards Liaison Program, a framework to establish and maintain the responsibilities associated with liaison relationships to regulatory authorities and standards development organizations. It contains principles, objectives, and guidelines, as well as definitions for roles and responsibilities of Liaison Officer and IMDRF Management Committee.
Who is this guidance for? Though the framework refers to the IMDRF’s liaison roles within ISO and IEC Technical Committees, the concepts within this document are relevant to anyone interested in the improvement of standards development or the push for global harmonization.
Authoring group: Standards Working Group
Publication date: May 13, 2022
Link to guidance: IMDRF/Standards WG/N72
IMDRF/AIMD WG/N67
What's in this guidance document? This document establishes relevant terms and definitions relating to Machine Learning-enabled Medical Devices (MLMD) as a way to promote consistency, support global harmonization efforts, and provide a foundation for the development of future guidelines related to MLMD.
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the development, distribution, or regulation of MLMD.
Authoring group: Artificial Intelligence Medical Devices (AIMD) Working Group
Publication date: May 9, 2022
Link to guidance: IMDRF/AIMD WG/N67
IMDRF/NCAR WG/N14
What's in this guidance document? This document is a revision of GHTF SG2 N57 Medical Devices Post Market Surveillance: Content of Field Safety Notices, and contains guidance on a two-way communication system involving confidential information for serious public health issues, as well as the procedures and forms for exchange of reports between IMDRF members.
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the National Competent Authority report (NCAR) Exchange Program, a working group used to exchange information relating to significant concerns or potential trends that individual authorities have observed in their jurisdictions but have not yet resulted in recalls or Field Safety Corrective Actions (FSCAs).
Authoring group: National Competent Authority Report Working Group
Publication date: May 5, 2022
Link to guidance: IMDRF/NCAR WG/N14
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N59
What's in this guidance document? The document provides guidelines and requirements for regulatory authorities to recognize Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) that conduct medical device regulatory reviews. The document covers the recognition process for CABs, including the assessment of their technical competence, impartiality, and integrity. It also includes requirements for the management system and quality management system of the conformity assessment bodies, as well as the assessment of their performance.
Who is this guidance for? It is intended for regulatory authorities that are responsible for recognizing conformity assessment bodies that conduct medical device regulatory reviews. The document is also intended for CABs that wish to be recognized by regulatory authorities to conduct medical device regulatory reviews.
Authoring group: Global Regulatory Policy Working Group
Publication date: April 20, 2020
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N59
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N66
What's in this guidance document? This document is part of a series intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the review process for marketing of medical devices. It includes explanations for the assessment process and outcomes, including the method to “grade and manage” nonconformities resulting from a recognized Regulatory Authority’s assessment of a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved or interested in the process for conducting marketing review(s) of medical devices and IVD medical devices, such as device developers or individuals performing regulatory reviews.
Authoring group: IMDRF Good Regulatory Review Practices Working Group
Publication date: July 1, 2021
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N66
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N63
What's in this guidance document? The document provides guidance on the competence and training requirements for regulatory authority assessors of conformity assessment bodies conducting medical device regulatory reviews. It covers the knowledge, skills, and experience required of assessors in order to ensure they are able to competently evaluate and assess the conformity of medical devices to regulatory requirements.
Who is this guidance for? The guidance document is for regulatory authorities, conformity assessment bodies, and other stakeholders involved in the assessment and regulation of medical devices. It is intended to provide a common understanding and consistent application of the principles of competence and training for assessors conducting medical device regulatory reviews.
Authoring group: IMDRF GRRP Working Group
Publication date: September 25, 2020
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N63
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N61
What's in this guidance document? This document contains guidance on the method for assessing and recognizing Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) that conduct medical device regulatory reviews.
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for regulatory authorities, CABs, and other stakeholders involved in the medical device regulatory process.
Authoring group: IMDRF GRRP Working Group
Publication date: September 25, 2020
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N61
IMDRF/AE WG/N43
Who is this guidance for? This guidance document is intended for use by manufacturers and other stakeholders involved in the reporting, analysis, and assessment of adverse events associated with medical devices. It is also intended to be used by regulatory authorities and other organizations involved in the oversight of medical device safety. The document is intended to be used in conjunction with other IMDRF guidance documents related to AER, such as the IMDRF Adverse Event Case Report Form and the IMDRF AER Categorization Algorithm.
Authoring group: International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) Adverse Event Working Group (AE WG)
Publication date: April 20, 2020
Link to guidance: IMDRF/AE WG/N43
IMDRF/CYBER WG/N60
Who is this guidance for? The document is intended to provide guidance for manufacturers, regulators, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the development, deployment, and use of medical devices.
Authoring group: Medical Device Cybersecurity Working Group
Publication date: April 20, 2020
Link to guidance: IMDRF/CYBER WG/N60
IMDRF/PMD WG/N49
What's in this guidance document? This document provides definitions to identify and describe different categories of devices that are produced for the use of a particular individual, and also to define some other terms that are relevant to defining these types of devices.
Who is this guidance for? It is intended for anyone involved in the development or regulatory review of personalized medical devices.
Authoring group: IMDRF Personalized Medical Devices
Publication date: November 7, 2018
Link to guidance: IMDRF/PMD WG/N49
IMDRF/PMD WG/N58
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the development, marketing, or regulatory review of personalized medical devices.
Authoring group: IMDRF Personalized Medical Devices
Publication date: April 20, 2020
Link to guidance: IMDRF/PMD WG/N58
IMDRF MDCE WG/N57
Who is this guidance for? This guidance document is intended for manufacturers and sponsors of medical devices, as well as regulatory authorities and other stakeholders involved in the evaluation and approval of medical devices.
Authoring group: : Medical Device Clinical Evaluation Working Group
Publication date: October 10, 2019
Link to guidance: IMDRF MDCE WG/N57
IMDRF MDCE WG/N56
Who is this guidance for? This guidance document is intended for manufacturers and sponsors of medical devices, as well as regulatory authorities and other stakeholders involved in the evaluation and approval of medical devices.
Authoring group: Medical Device Clinical Evaluation Working Group
Publication date: October 10, 2019
Link to guidance: IMDRF MDCE WG/N56
IMDRF/MDCE WG/N65
What's in this guidance document? This document provides guidance on the design, implementation, and appropriate use of Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up (PMCF) studies. It includes details on the requirements, objectives, design, and implementation of PMCF studies.
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the post-marketing of medical devices, whether that means device developers, clinical researchers, quality professionals, or regulatory authorities auditing post-market activities.
Authoring group: Medical Device Clinical Evaluation Working Group
Publication date: May 20, 2021
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDCE WG/N65
IMDRF MDCE WG/N55
Who is this guidance for? This guidance document is intended for manufacturers and sponsors of medical devices, as well as regulatory authorities and other stakeholders involved in the evaluation and approval of medical devices.
Authoring group: Medical Device Clinical Evaluation Working Group
Publication date: October 10, 2019
Link to guidance: IMDRF MDCE WG/N55
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N52
What's in this guidance document? This document outlines the principles of labelling for medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices. It includes information on the content and format of labels, as well as the regulatory requirements that apply to labelling.
Who is this guidance for? The document is intended for manufacturers of medical devices and IVDs, as well as regulatory agencies, or anyone else involved in the regulatory review of medical device labelling.
Authoring group: IMDRF Good Regulatory Review Practices
Publication date: March 21, 2019
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N52
IMDRF/RPS WG/N9
What's in this guidance document? This document provides an internationally harmonized, modular, format for use when filing medical device submissions to regulatory authorities for market authorization.
Who is this guidance for? It is intended for anyone preparing or reviewing medical devices submissions.
Authoring group: Regulated Product Submissions Table of Contents Working Group
Publication date: March 21, 2019
IMDRF/RPS WG/N13
Who is this guidance for? It is an industry-wide applicable document, specifically for those involved with the in-vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD) market authorization submission process.
Authoring group: Regulated Product Submissions Table of Contents Working Group
Publication date: March 21, 2019
Link to guidance : IMDRF/RPS WG/N13
IMDRF/IVD WG/N64
Who is this guidance for? This guidance document is for manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the classification and regulation of IVD medical devices. It is intended to provide a common understanding and consistent application of the principles of classification for IVD devices
Authoring group: Medical Device Clinical Evaluation Working Group
Publication date: January 21, 2021
Link to guidance: IMDRF/IVD WG/N64
IMDRF/RPS WG/N27
Who is this guidance for? This industry-wide technical document is intended for anyone involved in the submission process for medical devices, particularly for individuals who are interested in the push for global harmonization of standards.
Authoring group: Regulated Product Submissions Table of Contents WG
Publication date: March 20, 2019
Link to guidance: IMDRF/RPS WG/N27
IMDRF/Standards WG/N5
What's in this guidance document? This document provides strong recommendations to regulatory authorities, standardization development organizations, and other relevant stakeholders for improving standards for use in medical device regulatory activities. It includes suggestions for the development of standards, optimization and harmonization of standards, and the communication of regulatory authorities and other stakeholders.
Who is this guidance for? This guidance is directed primarily at all those who participate directly in the standards development process, as well as all individuals interested in the application of standards to support regulatory frameworks.
Authoring group: IMDRF Standards Working Group
Publication date: November 12, 2018
Link to guidance: IMDRF/Standards WG/N5
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N47
What's in this guidance document? This document provides globally harmonized guidance to follow in the design and manufacturing of medical devices in order to ensure that they are safe and perform as intended. It includes essential definitions, guidelines, and principles to be followed by any medical device manufacturer.
Who is this guidance for? It is intended for use by regulatory authorities, conformity assessment bodies, industry and other stakeholders involved in establishing an economic and effective approach to the control of medical devices in the interest of public health.
Authoring group: IMDRF Good Regulatory Review Practices Group
Publication date: November 7, 2018
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N47
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N40
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for regulatory authorities, regulatory review bodies, and relevant stakeholders in the medical device industry.
Authoring group: IMDRF Good Regulatory Review Practices
Publication date: March 16, 2017
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N40
IMDRF/Registry WG/N46
Who is this guidance for? It is intended for registry organizations that want their data to be considered in regulatory decision-making.
Authoring group: Patient Registries Working Group
Publication date: March 27, 2018
Link to guidance: IMDRF/Registry WG/N46
IMDRF/Registry WG/N42
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for regulatory authorities, medical device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the use of medical device registry data.
Authoring group: IMDRF Registry Working Group
Publication date: March 16, 2017
Link to guidance: IMDRF/Registry WG/N42
IMDRF/Registry WG/N33
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for regulatory authorities, medical device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the linking of medical device registry data with other data sources and tools.
Authoring group: IMDRF Registry Working Group
Publication date: September 30, 2016
Link to guidance: IMDRF/Registry WG/N33
IMDRF/RPS WG/N19
Who is this guidance for? This document suggests a harmonized standard of tracking pre-market devices at the point of its initial regulatory submission. As such, it is intended for medical device manufacturers and regulatory authorities around the world.
Authoring group: IMDRF RPS Working Group
Publication date: March 24, 2016
IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N3
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for medical device auditing organizations and regulatory authorities involved in the recognition of medical device auditing organizations for the MDSAP.
Authoring group: IMDRF MDSAP Working Group
Publication date: March 24, 2016
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N3
IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N24
Who is this guidance for? It is intended for both medical device manufacturers and regulatory authorities, alike. It could also be beneficial for stakeholders in the improvement of regulatory audit programs worldwide.
Authoring group: IMDRF MDSAP Working Group
Publication date: October 2, 2015
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N24
IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N11
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved or interested in AO and other individuals performing regulatory audits.
Authoring group: IMDRF MDSAP Working Group
Publication date: October 20, 2021
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N11
IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N4
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the audits and decision making functions for assessing conformity with regulatory requirements for medical device manufacturers.
Authoring group: IMDRF MDSAP Working Group
Publication date: October 20, 2021
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N4
IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N6
What's in this guidance document? This document is part of a series intended to implement the concept of a Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). Specifically, this document is intended to specify competence and training requirements that shall be demonstrated and maintained by recognized regulatory authorities for personnel involved in medical device regulatory audits and decision making.
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the audits and decision making functions for assessing conformity with regulatory requirements for medical device manufacturers.
Authoring group: IMDRF MDSAP Working Group
Publication date: October 21, 2021
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N6
IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N8
What's in this guidance document? This document provides guidance to the Regulatory Authority assessors when conducting the assessment of an Auditing Organization according to the method presented in IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N5, chapter 6. It includes guidance on processes like management, use of external resources, analysis, auditing, and certification.
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for regulatory authorities involved in the recognition and monitoring of medical device auditing organizations.
Authoring group: IMDRF MDSAP Working Group
Publication date: October 2, 2015
Link to guidance: IMDRF/MDSAP WG/N8
IMDRF/SaMD WG/N23
What's in this guidance document? The document provides guidance on the application of quality management systems to software as a medical device (SaMD). It covers topics such as software development, testing, and maintenance. The aim of the document is to ensure that SaMD products are developed and maintained in a manner that ensures their safety and effectiveness.
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for software developers, medical device manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the development and maintenance of SaMD products.
Authoring group: SaMD Working Group
Publication date: October 2, 2015
Link to guidance: IMDRF/SaMD WG/N23
IMDRF/SaMD WG/N10
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for software developers, medical device manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the development and classification of SaMD products.
Authoring group: SaMD Working Group
Publication date: December 18, 2013
Link to guidance: IMDRF/SaMD WG/N10
IMDRF/SaMD WG/N41
Who is this guidance for? This document is relevant to anyone involved in SaMD products. However, it does not contain key definitions for basic terms, so it is best utilized by those who are already familiar with this industry.
Authoring group: Software as a Medical Device Working Group
Publication date: September 21, 2017
Link to guidance: IMDRF/SaMD WG/N41
IMDRF/SaMD WG/N12
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for software developers, medical device manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the development and classification of SaMD products.
Authoring group: SaMD Working Group
Publication date: September 18, 2014
Link to guidance: IMDRF/SaMD WG/N12
IMDRF/UDI WG/N7
Who is this guidance for? This document is intended for medical device manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of UDI systems for medical devices.
Authoring group: UDI Working Group
Publication date: December 18, 2013
Link to guidance: IMDRF/UDI WG/N7
IMDRF/UDI WG/N48
What's in this guidance document? This document is to be used as a supplement to the IMDRF UDI Guidance (IMDRF/WG UDI/N7) which was developed as a high-level conceptual framework containing the basic core concepts of a UDI system.
Who is this guidance for? Anyone involved in the global medical device manufacturing market, as UDI is fast on its way to becoming a requirement throughout the world.
Authoring group: IMDRF UDI Working Group
Publication date: March 21, 2019
Link to guidance: IMDRF/UDI WG/N48
IMDRF/GRRP WG/N71
Who is this guidance for? This document applies to all medical devices except IVD medical devices and does not apply specifically to products that do not meet the definition of a medical device in this guidance; however, the contents and approach within this guidance may be relevant to document your evaluation that a product is not a medical device.
Authoring group: Good Regulatory Review Practices
Publication date: February 7, 2023
Link to guidance: IMDRF/GRRP WG/N71
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Top 40 IMDRF Guidance Technical Documents for Medical Devices
