The time required for U.S. medical device certification and registration depends on the type of regulatory pathway chosen and the complexity of the device. Here is an overview of the typical timelines for each pathway:

1. 510(k) Premarket Notification:

   • This pathway is for Class I and Class II devices that demonstrate substantial equivalence to a predicate device. The FDA review process typically takes 90 days from the submission date, though this can vary depending on the completeness of the application and whether the FDA requests additional information. In total, the process can take 3 to 6 months if all goes smoothly.

2. Premarket Approval (PMA):

   • For Class III devices, which are considered high-risk and require more extensive data (including clinical trials), the PMA process is more complex. The FDA has 180 days to review a PMA submission, but the actual timeline can be longer. In practice, obtaining PMA approval can take 1 to 3 years depending on the need for clinical trials, follow-up inspections, and other factors.

3. De Novo Classification:

   • For devices that are novel and do not have a suitable predicate, the De Novo pathway allows for classification as Class I or II. The FDA review for a De Novo request typically takes around 150 days, though it may take longer depending on the device’s complexity and regulatory considerations. The total process may take 6 to 12 months.

4. Registration and Listing:

   • After receiving FDA clearance or approval, the device and manufacturing facility must be registered with the FDA. This registration process is typically straightforward and can take 1 to 2 weeks after clearance or approval is granted.

5. Facility Inspections:

   • For higher-risk devices or during PMA, facility inspections by the FDA can add additional time to the process, ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on scheduling and findings.

Overall, timelines for certification and registration vary based on device complexity, the regulatory pathway, and the responsiveness of both the manufacturer and the FDA. For simpler devices under 510(k), the process can take as little as 3 to 6 months, while more complex devices under the PMA route may take 1 to 3 years.

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