Switzerland Medical Device Registration Overview
Switzerland is a prominent leader in medical technology innovations. After, exiting from the EU’s single market, it developed its regulatory framework – Medical Device Ordinance (MedDo) and In Vitro Diagnostic Devices Ordinance (IVDO). This ordinance was outlined in line with the European Directives, but later it was revised and aligned with the European Union Medical Devices Regulations (EU MDR) 2017/745 and In Vitro Diagnostic Devices Regulations (IVDR) 2017/746. The MedDO came into effect on May 26, 2021, while the IVDO came into effect on May 26, 2022. Foreign medical device manufacturers must appoint a Swiss authorised representative (CH-REP) to help them comply with Switzerland medical device registration guidelines.
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Regulatory Authority: Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Product (Swissmedic)![]()
Regulation: Medical Device Ordinance (MedDO)and In Vitro Diagnostic Device Ordinance (IvDO)![]()
Regulatory Pathway: Notification![]()
Authorized Representative (AR): Swiss Authorized Representative (CH-REP)![]()
QMS Requirement: ISO 13485:2016![]()
Assessment of Technical Data: Designated Body![]()
Validity of License: Five (05) Years![]()
Labeling Requirements: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; Labeling Must Be Provided in German, French and Italian![]()
Submission Format: Online![]()
Language: German, French and Italian
Medical Device Classification
The medical device classification in Switzerland is similar to the EU MDR’s classification system. The devices are classified into four (04) classes – Class I, IIa, IIb and III. The Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) guidelines for medical devices and in-vitro devices classification rules are also applicable under the Ordinance.
Freyr provides comprehensive services for Medical Device Classification for Switzerland as well.
Switzerland Authorised Representative (Swiss AR/CH-Rep) Services
Foreign medical devices or IVDs must appoint a Swiss Authorized Representative before placing the products in Switzerland. The manufacturer and the representative must have an agreement in place. The Swiss Authorized Representative for a medical device will act on behalf of the Swiss manufacturer and as the key contact person for Swissmedic and associated Authorities. The Swiss Representative shall be a natural person or can be a legal entity. The Swiss Authorized Representative (AR) is responsible for product safety and is liable for product defects. The Swiss AR must appoint a Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRRC).
Medical Device Registration
Similar to EU MDR and EU IVDR, under Swiss Ordinance the medical device is required to undergo conformity assessment with the notified body and obtain certification.
Freyr supports the manufacturers with medical registration services. In addition, it also supports end-to-end regulatory services.
Swissmedic Notification Requirements for Medical Devices
| Type of Device | What has to be done? | Responsible Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Class I devices according to the EU MDR 2017/745 and Directive 93/42/EEC are those that fall under the Classes I, IIa, Iib or III | Via notification form and product list template | Swiss manufacturers |
| Custom made devices | Via notification form | Swiss manufacturers, Ars, importers / distributors |
| Systems and procedure packs | Via notification form | Swiss based assemblers |
| MD – Devitalized human tissue | Via notification form | AR, legal manufacturer |
| Device products | Via notification form | Legal manufacturers, Ars, importers / distributors |
| Repacked or relabeled medical devices | Via notification form and product list template | Swiss importers / distributors |
| Medical devices manufactured and used in health institutions | Via notification form | Swiss health institutions |
Swissmedic Notification Requirements for IVDs
| Type of Device | What has to be done? | Responsible Entity |
|---|---|---|
| IVD | Via notification form | Authorized representatives or Swiss manufacturers |
| Self-testing IVDs, other IVDs | Via notification form | Individual |
| IVD manufactured in-house by the producing or partner company | Via notification form | Swiss manufacturers |
Switzerland Medical Device
Freyr Expertise
- Swiss Authorized Representative Services
- Medical Device Ordinance (MedDO) Compliance
- In Vitro Diagnostic Device Ordinance (IvDO) Compliance
- Swissmedic Device and IVD Notifications
- Swissmedic Registrations
- Device Information and Label Translations
- Gap Analysis – MedDO and IvDO
