Medical devices

Production of medical devices is a strictly regulated business. In almost all countries, and for most medical products, there are requirements and standards to which manufacturers need to show compliance.

The Medical Devices Directive (MDD) applies to all general medical devices not covered by the Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive or the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive. In order to be compliant with MDD, you need to classify your products correctly. The MDD divides products into different classes, based on risk and intended use, which again determines the relevant conformity assessment procedure. For products classified with medium to high degree of risk, the MDD requires a conformity assessment procedure involving a notified body, such as DNV - Business Assurance. 

How can we help? 

The Medical Devices Directive (MDD) applies to all general medical devices not covered by the Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive or the In vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive. To be compliant with MDD, you need to classify your products correctly. In order to obtain medical device approval in the EU, medical devices must be correctly classified. The MDD divides products into different classes, based on risk and intended use, which determines the relevant conformity assessment procedure.

For products classified with medium to high degree of risk (class Is, Im, IIa, IIb and III) the Medical Device Directive requires a conformity assessment procedure involving a notified body.

Relevant Legislation

Medical Devices Directive – 93/42/EEC MDD and subsequent amendments.

Products within the Scope of MDD

Article 1 of the Directive defines a ‘medical device’ to mean any instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, material or other article, whether used alone or in combination, including the software intended by its manufacturer to be used specifically for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes and necessary for its proper application, intended by the manufacturer to be used for human beings for the purpose of: 

  • diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of disease;
  • diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury or handicap;
  • investigation, replacement or modification of the anatomy or of a physiological process;
  • control of conception;

and which does not achieve its principal intended action in or on the human body by pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means, but which may be assisted in its function by such means;  

In addition, the scope includes an ‘accessory,’ which means an article which whilst not being a device is intended specifically by its manufacturer to be used together with a device to enable it to be used.

Basic Technical Concepts

The Medical Devices Directive outlines the minimum requirements for ensuring the safety and performance characteristics for Medical Devices in the European market.  It is founded on the following basic principles:

  • The Essential Health and Safety Requirements – Annex I – which outlines the necessary precautions and requirements to be considered in the design, manufacturer and use and disposal of Devices.
  • Classification of Devices and Conformity Assessment Procedures based on the level of Risk inherent in the Device
  • Control of Production to ensure Conformity to Type
  • Monitoring and Vigilance

Manufacturers of Medical Devices should demonstrate conformity to all requirements listed within the Directive, Recommendations and Implementing Regulations, in addition to the requirements in subsequent guideline documents (MEDDEVs).  Navigating the conformity assessment landscape can be difficult and DNV provide a range of pre-assessment services to help manufacturers identify and understand the requirements.

For many of the common techniques and product types there exist harmonised standards, listed in the reference links below.  While use of a harmonised standard is not always mandatory, it is highly recommended as it represents best practice and technical state of the art, which can be used as a presumption of conformity to the relevant part of the directive.  If a manufacturer chooses not to follow a harmonised standard, they must be able to demonstrate clearly how the product meets the relevant safety or performance requirements.

Compliance Route

The compliance routes available to be able to CE mark your device, in accordance with the Medical Devices Directive, depend on the classification of your device.

It is not practical or feasible to apply the most rigorous conformity assessment process to all types of devices. Instead a graduated level of control is applied which categorises devices based on the level of inherent risk or potential hazards.

Correct classification is therefore critical before commencing a compliance assessment. Guidance on correct classification of your device can be found in the European Commission Guidance Document MEDDEV 2.4/1 - Classification of Medical Devices.

Irrespective of the classification, all devices must still conform to the basic principles of the directive (the Essential Health & Safety Requirements); be subject to reporting requirements under the vigilance system, and, bare a CE mark.

Class I Devices:

Class I Devices follow a Self-Declaration of Conformity route, unless the device is sold as sterile (Class Is) or has a measurement function (Class Im.) In these cases, the involvement of a Notified Body is required.

Class IIa and IIb Devices:

Class IIa and IIb Devices require the services of a Notified Body to approve the Declaration of Conformity through a conformity assessment.

Class III Devices:

Class III Devices represent the highest risk and are usually evaluated by a specialist team of assessors within the notified body. 

Several different conformity assessment routes are available to the manufacturer, based on their preference and individual requirements.  The most common approach is usually Annex II.  Once you have been issued with a certificate by the Notified Body, you may affix CE marking to your device and place it on the market.  Most member states also require you to register your device with the relevant national authorities.

Compliance Routes Graphic (Click to open larger version)

Conformity Assessment Routes – MDD Class IIa

Conformity Assessment Routes – MDD Class IIa

Conformity Assessment Routes – MDD Class IIb


Conformity Assessment Routes – MDD Class IIb 


Conformity Assessment Routes – MDD Class III 


Conformity Assessment Routes – MDD Class III

What services do we offer?

We offer notified body services through our joint-venture operation DNV Nemko Presafe AS as a notified body for all medical devices under the quality modules of the Medical Devices Directive, annexes II, V and VI. We can assess and certify your quality system so that you can affix the CE mark to your products according to MDD.

Our services include:

  • Pre-Assessment and Gap-Assessment Services, especially useful for first-time manufacturers designing a product intended for certification under the MDD.
  • Technical documentation/file or design dossier assessment/review for CE marking of Medical Devices.
  • Quality assurance (Production and/or Full) equivalent to ISO 13485

We generally carry out the CE assessments at customers’ premises. We can also provide guidance and interpretation of the directive related to your products and provide training for better understanding of the directive.  We are a member of The European Association Medical devices of Notified Bodies (Team NB) and have offices around the world who are involved in CE marking of medical equipment.