What is the IVDR?
According to the European Commission (EC), the In Vitro Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) is a new regulation which will create a robust, transparent, and sustainable regulatory framework that improves clinical safety and creates fair market access for manufacturers and healthcare professionals. The EC states that the IVDR brings EU legislation into line with technical advances, changes in medical science and progress in law-making. IVDR has binding legal enforcement throughout all EU member states and it sets higher standards for quality and safety of IVD devices. For further information on the IVDR, please visit the European Commission website.
What is the timing?
In 2022 the EU will begin to enforce the transition from the current In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive 98/79/EC (IVDD) to the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) for clinical diagnostic applications.
On 26 May 2022 the IVDR becomes effective, meaning after that date any new IVD devices placed on the market must be CE-marked according to IVDR.
A recent amendment by the commission to the implementation of the IVDR allows some existing products (excluding class A non-sterile devices) to continue to be placed on the market in compliance with the IVDD. The length of the extension is dependent on risk class.