SFDA Medical Device Registration In Saudi Arabia

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Bio-Standards: Your Compliance Partner
  • More than 14 years of experience in dealing with Saudi Arabian regulations.
  • Comprehensive solutions for both importers and exporters.
  • Comprehensive services, from preparation to entering the Saudi market.
We help you unlock the Saudi market for you
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your devices meet all requirements.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your devices meet all requirements.
  • Medical Market Access: Streamline registration and approval processes.
  • Expertise & Guidance: Every step of the way, from planning to success.

SFDA Medical Device Registration Process in Saudi Arabia

A Technical File Assessment (TFA) is required for market authorization by the Saudi FDA, whereas the SFDA has implemented its own classification system for medical devices. Registration in the Saudi Arabia does not require prior approval in the country of origin, and approval in the reference country is not required for MDMA registration. However, proof of approval in other markets is required for registration.

SFDA Medical Device Registration Requirements

Through the SFDA's Unified Electronic System, or GHAD, all application documents are submitted electronically. The following documentation must accompany SFDA submissions in English:

1. Specifications (including accessories) of the device
  • Trade name (in English and Arabic if the device is intended for lay use)
  • Model name(s)/number(s), catalog number(s), etc. (For software, the major version number may be used for this purpose)
  • Device description
  • The intended purpose
  • Classification
  • Evidence of approval in other countries, if available

2. Labeling
  • Labels and packaging; power supply labels, where applicable
  • Instructions for use (IFU) or a justification letter, if not available
  • Information on storage, transportation, installation, maintenance and disposal (may refer to IFU).
  • Barcodes
    • Currently only required for lay-use devices
    • See the Unique Device Identification (UDI) section for information about SFDA's implementation of UDI requirements for all devices.
  • Proposed advertising material
  • For software, the SFDA generally requests an explanation of the version digits (e.g., which digit represents a significant/major change, and which digit indicates a minor change).

3. Design and manufacturing information
  • Bill of materials
  • Description of device function and assembly
  • Technical specifications
  • Manufacturing process flow

4. Essential principles checklist
  • Declaration of Conformity – See Annex 14 of MDS-REQ 1 for a template.

5. Analyzing and managing the benefits and risks
  • Procedure
  • Risk management plan
  • Risk analysis
  • Risk management report

6. Product verification and validation
  • Pre-clinical data
  • Clinical data

7. Post-market surveillance plan

8. In the case of Class A medical devices or Class A and B IVDs, a periodic safety update report (or post-market surveillance report) is required.

The above is an abbreviated summary of information and documents that must be included in the Technical Documentation File submitted for MDMA registration for most devices (In order to submit to the SFDA, medical devices not classified as IVDs, sterile, measuring, reusable surgical instruments, and/or novel must meet abbreviated requirements, as described in MDS-REQ 1.)

Saudi Arabia Medical Device Registration - FAQ

What documents are needed for Saudi FDA Registration for Medical Devices?
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requires a complete technical file for the medical device consisting mainly of the product's detailed description, design & manufacturing process, verification & validation of essential principles of safety and performance, risk management, quality management system, and post-market surveillance.
What is required to be eligible to start the registration process for Medical Devices with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)?
Overseas manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Representative (AR) to be able to apply for their medical device registration. Local manufacturers are required to obtain a medical device manufacturing license from the Saudi FDA to apply for registration. 
When can we start the renewal process of the Medical Device Marketing Authorization (MDMA) license?
You can initiate the renewal process with the Saudi FDA 90 days before the expiry date of the license.
How does the Saudi FDA classify the risk of Medical Devices?
Saudi FDA has identified 22 rules for Medical Devices and 7 rules for Invitro Diagnostic devices (IVDs) in MDS-G008 to determine the risk class of the products. It is mainly depending on the duration of use and how far the product is invasive to the human body.

Timeline

Validity

Renewal / Update

Bio-Standards: Your Compliance Partner
  • More than 14 years of experience in dealing with Saudi Arabian regulations.
  • Comprehensive solutions for both importers and exporters.
  • Comprehensive services, from preparation to entering the Saudi market.
We help you unlock the Saudi market for you
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your devices meet all requirements.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your devices meet all requirements.
  • Medical Market Access: Streamline registration and approval processes.
  • Expertise & Guidance: Every step of the way, from planning to success.

SFDA Medical Device Registration Process in Saudi Arabia

A Technical File Assessment (TFA) is required for market authorization by the Saudi FDA, whereas the SFDA has implemented its own classification system for medical devices. Registration in the Saudi Arabia does not require prior approval in the country of origin, and approval in the reference country is not required for MDMA registration. However, proof of approval in other markets is required for registration.

SFDA Medical Device Registration Requirements

Through the SFDA's Unified Electronic System, or GHAD, all application documents are submitted electronically. The following documentation must accompany SFDA submissions in English:

1. Specifications (including accessories) of the device
  • Trade name (in English and Arabic if the device is intended for lay use)
  • Model name(s)/number(s), catalog number(s), etc. (For software, the major version number may be used for this purpose)
  • Device description
  • The intended purpose
  • Classification
  • Evidence of approval in other countries, if available

2. Labeling
  • Labels and packaging; power supply labels, where applicable
  • Instructions for use (IFU) or a justification letter, if not available
  • Information on storage, transportation, installation, maintenance and disposal (may refer to IFU).
  • Barcodes
    • Currently only required for lay-use devices
    • See the Unique Device Identification (UDI) section for information about SFDA's implementation of UDI requirements for all devices.
  • Proposed advertising material
  • For software, the SFDA generally requests an explanation of the version digits (e.g., which digit represents a significant/major change, and which digit indicates a minor change).

3. Design and manufacturing information
  • Bill of materials
  • Description of device function and assembly
  • Technical specifications
  • Manufacturing process flow

4. Essential principles checklist
  • Declaration of Conformity – See Annex 14 of MDS-REQ 1 for a template.

5. Analyzing and managing the benefits and risks
  • Procedure
  • Risk management plan
  • Risk analysis
  • Risk management report

6. Product verification and validation
  • Pre-clinical data
  • Clinical data

7. Post-market surveillance plan

8. In the case of Class A medical devices or Class A and B IVDs, a periodic safety update report (or post-market surveillance report) is required.

The above is an abbreviated summary of information and documents that must be included in the Technical Documentation File submitted for MDMA registration for most devices (In order to submit to the SFDA, medical devices not classified as IVDs, sterile, measuring, reusable surgical instruments, and/or novel must meet abbreviated requirements, as described in MDS-REQ 1.)

Saudi Arabia Medical Device Registration - FAQ

What documents are needed for Saudi FDA Registration for Medical Devices?
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requires a complete technical file for the medical device consisting mainly of the product's detailed description, design & manufacturing process, verification & validation of essential principles of safety and performance, risk management, quality management system, and post-market surveillance.
What is required to be eligible to start the registration process for Medical Devices with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)?
Overseas manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Representative (AR) to be able to apply for their medical device registration. Local manufacturers are required to obtain a medical device manufacturing license from the Saudi FDA to apply for registration. 
When can we start the renewal process of the Medical Device Marketing Authorization (MDMA) license?
You can initiate the renewal process with the Saudi FDA 90 days before the expiry date of the license.
How does the Saudi FDA classify the risk of Medical Devices?
Saudi FDA has identified 22 rules for Medical Devices and 7 rules for Invitro Diagnostic devices (IVDs) in MDS-G008 to determine the risk class of the products. It is mainly depending on the duration of use and how far the product is invasive to the human body.

Timeline

Validity

Renewal / Update

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"We've been with Bio-Standards for years, they're simply the best in the Saudi market. Professional, cooperative, and always meeting deadlines flawlessly. Their expertise with Saudi FDA requirements is unmatched. Highly recommended for medical device companies."

Sami N. Yousef, Managing Director

Centennial Medical Establishment

"We collaborated with Bio-Standards to secure our MDMA Class IIa (Class B) medical devices license. The team's excellent coordination made the process seamless and efficient. We obtained the license within 2 months and the AR license within a few weeks. Looking forward to future collaborations with the Bio-Standards team!"

Perminder Rupra, CEO

Elipse Health Limited (United Kingdom)

"In the past three years, we have entrusted all the Regulatory business to Bio-Standards. I believe this was the right decision due to Bio-Standards' good reputation, Quality of Performance, Caring team, and Vast experience."

CEO

ALMADAR MEDICAL

"Bio-Standards has been very responsive and extremely attentive to detail when it comes to the documents or content needed for successful registration of our products on the Saudi market. Much appreciated."

Frank Rooijakkers

KANEKA PHARMA EUROPE NV

"We certify that the services provided by BIO-STANDARDS LLC in Al Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for SFDA product registration are good & satisfactory. We appreciate their swift efforts in registering our products."

Amrit Gill

Allengers

"It's truly a big surprise for us! We really appreciate the effort you all made for this tight project. Thank you very much!"

Jelly , Regulatory Affairs

NingboSoundway Medical Appliances Co , Ltd

"We really appreciate all the efforts Bio-Standards has made in assisting Mindray with regulatory affairs in Saudi Arabia. So far, the services provided by Bio-Standards for Mindray have been really nice and professional."

Tracey Hao

SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

"We are eager to continue our collaboration with your company. The work you did last year was outstanding, and we are grateful for it!"

Yan

PMLS Upstream Marketing Department of Mindray

"We've been with Bio-Standards for years, they're simply the best in the Saudi market. Professional, cooperative, and always meeting deadlines flawlessly. Their expertise with Saudi FDA requirements is unmatched. Highly recommended for medical device companies."

Sami N. Yousef, Managing Director

Centennial Medical Establishment

"We collaborated with Bio-Standards to secure our MDMA Class IIa (Class B) medical devices license. The team's excellent coordination made the process seamless and efficient. We obtained the license within 2 months and the AR license within a few weeks. Looking forward to future collaborations with the Bio-Standards team!"

Perminder Rupra, CEO

Elipse Health Limited (United Kingdom)

"In the past three years, we have entrusted all the Regulatory business to Bio-Standards. I believe this was the right decision due to Bio-Standards' good reputation, Quality of Performance, Caring team, and Vast experience."

CEO

ALMADAR MEDICAL

"Bio-Standards has been very responsive and extremely attentive to detail when it comes to the documents or content needed for successful registration of our products on the Saudi market. Much appreciated."

Frank Rooijakkers

KANEKA PHARMA EUROPE NV

"We certify that the services provided by BIO-STANDARDS LLC in Al Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for SFDA product registration are good & satisfactory. We appreciate their swift efforts in registering our products."

Amrit Gill

Allengers

"It's truly a big surprise for us! We really appreciate the effort you all made for this tight project. Thank you very much!"

Jelly , Regulatory Affairs

NingboSoundway Medical Appliances Co , Ltd

"We really appreciate all the efforts Bio-Standards has made in assisting Mindray with regulatory affairs in Saudi Arabia. So far, the services provided by Bio-Standards for Mindray have been really nice and professional."

Tracey Hao

SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

"We are eager to continue our collaboration with your company. The work you did last year was outstanding, and we are grateful for it!"

Yan

PMLS Upstream Marketing Department of Mindray

"We've been with Bio-Standards for years, they're simply the best in the Saudi market. Professional, cooperative, and always meeting deadlines flawlessly. Their expertise with Saudi FDA requirements is unmatched. Highly recommended for medical device companies."

Sami N. Yousef, Managing Director

Centennial Medical Establishment

"We collaborated with Bio-Standards to secure our MDMA Class IIa (Class B) medical devices license. The team's excellent coordination made the process seamless and efficient. We obtained the license within 2 months and the AR license within a few weeks. Looking forward to future collaborations with the Bio-Standards team!"

Perminder Rupra, CEO

Elipse Health Limited (United Kingdom)

"In the past three years, we have entrusted all the Regulatory business to Bio-Standards. I believe this was the right decision due to Bio-Standards' good reputation, Quality of Performance, Caring team, and Vast experience."

CEO

ALMADAR MEDICAL

"Bio-Standards has been very responsive and extremely attentive to detail when it comes to the documents or content needed for successful registration of our products on the Saudi market. Much appreciated."

Frank Rooijakkers

KANEKA PHARMA EUROPE NV

"We certify that the services provided by BIO-STANDARDS LLC in Al Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for SFDA product registration are good & satisfactory. We appreciate their swift efforts in registering our products."

Amrit Gill

Allengers

"It's truly a big surprise for us! We really appreciate the effort you all made for this tight project. Thank you very much!"

Jelly , Regulatory Affairs

NingboSoundway Medical Appliances Co , Ltd

"We really appreciate all the efforts Bio-Standards has made in assisting Mindray with regulatory affairs in Saudi Arabia. So far, the services provided by Bio-Standards for Mindray have been really nice and professional."

Tracey Hao

SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

"We are eager to continue our collaboration with your company. The work you did last year was outstanding, and we are grateful for it!"

Yan

PMLS Upstream Marketing Department of Mindray

"We've been with Bio-Standards for years, they're simply the best in the Saudi market. Professional, cooperative, and always meeting deadlines flawlessly. Their expertise with Saudi FDA requirements is unmatched. Highly recommended for medical device companies."

Sami N. Yousef, Managing Director

Centennial Medical Establishment

"We collaborated with Bio-Standards to secure our MDMA Class IIa (Class B) medical devices license. The team's excellent coordination made the process seamless and efficient. We obtained the license within 2 months and the AR license within a few weeks. Looking forward to future collaborations with the Bio-Standards team!"

Perminder Rupra, CEO

Elipse Health Limited (United Kingdom)

"In the past three years, we have entrusted all the Regulatory business to Bio-Standards. I believe this was the right decision due to Bio-Standards' good reputation, Quality of Performance, Caring team, and Vast experience."

CEO

ALMADAR MEDICAL

"Bio-Standards has been very responsive and extremely attentive to detail when it comes to the documents or content needed for successful registration of our products on the Saudi market. Much appreciated."

Frank Rooijakkers

KANEKA PHARMA EUROPE NV

"We certify that the services provided by BIO-STANDARDS LLC in Al Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for SFDA product registration are good & satisfactory. We appreciate their swift efforts in registering our products."

Amrit Gill

Allengers

"It's truly a big surprise for us! We really appreciate the effort you all made for this tight project. Thank you very much!"

Jelly , Regulatory Affairs

NingboSoundway Medical Appliances Co , Ltd

"We really appreciate all the efforts Bio-Standards has made in assisting Mindray with regulatory affairs in Saudi Arabia. So far, the services provided by Bio-Standards for Mindray have been really nice and professional."

Tracey Hao

SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

"We are eager to continue our collaboration with your company. The work you did last year was outstanding, and we are grateful for it!"

Yan

PMLS Upstream Marketing Department of Mindray