There is a common misconception that only manufacturers need to comply with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 and/or the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) . However, MDR/IVDR defines the roles and the responsibilities of “Economic Operators” which includes Importers, Distributors, Authorized Representatives and Manufacturers.

An Importer means any natural or legal person established within the Union that places a device from a third country (meaning outside EU) on the Union market and is designated by this symbol on the labelling. The Importer must also register their company in the  European Database on Medical Devices (EUDAMED).

A Distributor means any natural or legal person in the supply chain, other than the manufacturer or the importer, that makes a device available on the market, up until the point of putting into service. EUDAMED registration is not required.

An Authorized Representative (EC-REP) is any natural or legal person established within the Union that acts as the manufacturer’s regulatory representative in the Union and as the point of contact between the manufacturer and the National Competent Authorities. The EC-REP is designated by this symbol on the labelling.

MDR/IVDR Article 13 describes many of the general obligations of importers. One of the fundamental tasks for an importer is to ensure that the medical devices they import and/or distribute bear the CE mark. They are also responsible for labelling their name, address, or trademark on the device alongside the manufacturer’s information. The importer must also make sure that an Authorized Representative is appointed and they are required to report incidents or adverse events to relevant authorities or notified bodies.

They are also responsible for ensuring correct storage and handling of medical devices and maintaining documentation, such as certificates of conformity, shipping documents, and others. Additionally, importers must establish procedures for monitoring the performance and safety of the medical devices they import. The importer must verify that devices are registered in EUDAMED and ensure a Unique Device Identification (UDI) has been assigned where applicable.

Distributors must follow similar rules to importers, as outlined in MDR/IVDR Article 14. One key difference is that while distributors also need to ensure correct labeling according to MDR/IVDR, they are not required to label the products with their own information. Distributors must establish processes to ensure the integrity and reliability of their supply chain. This includes conducting due diligence on manufacturers and suppliers to verify compliance with MDR requirements.

Apart from the general obligations, Article 16 of the MDR/IVDR also specifies that importers and distributors must have an appropriate quality management system in place that complies with the requirements. Additionally, they may be subject to local Competent Authority requirements in some scenarios.

In summary, distributors and importers in the MedTech industry carry vital responsibilities. They ensure compliance with regulations and facilitate the safe and effective distribution of medical devices to healthcare providers and patients. Each stakeholder plays a crucial role in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining product traceability throughout the supply chain.

The below is a condensed list of the requirements for Importers and Distributors. The list does not encompass all of the requirements so please refer to MDR/IVDR for the complete text.

The Importer shall:

• Ensure that the devices they place on the market bear the CE marking.
• Ensure that devices are accompanied by the required information, are labeled in accordance with the Regulation, and have been assigned a UDI where applicable.
• Verify that devices are registered in EUDAMED.
• Ensure that storage or transport conditions comply with the conditions set by the manufacturer, when under their responsibility.
• Inform the authorities if they suspect that a device has been falsified, poses a serious risk to health, or is non-compliant.
• Add their name, registered trade name or trade mark, registered place of business, and contact address either on the device or its packaging, or in a document accompanying the device.
• Keep a register of complaints, non-conforming devices, recalls, and withdrawals, and escalate non-compliance to authorities.
• Cooperate with authorities by providing samples or granting access to the devices.

The Distributor shall:

• Verify that the devices have been CE marked, that an EU Declaration of Conformity has been drawn up, and that labels and instructions for use in acceptable languages are available.
• Verify that the importer’s name is indicated on each device or in the accompanying documentation, and that the device bears a UDI.
• Ensure that storage or transport conditions comply with the conditions set by the manufacturer, when under their responsibility.
• Inform other economic operators and authorities if they suspect that a device has been falsified or poses a serious risk to health.
• Keep a register of complaints, non-conforming devices, recalls, and withdrawals.
• Cooperate with authorities by making all the documentation and information they have at their disposal available, and provide samples or grant access to the devices if requested.

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