New version of the Borderline Classification Manual published – OUTDATED see Qarad’s newsitem 2018/10/30

This is article is outdated: The 20th version of the Borderline Classification Manual became available in October 2018.

The European Commission’s Classification and Borderline Expert Group published a new revision of the “Manual on borderline and classification in the community regulatory framework for medical devices.” This 19th version includes all previously listed cases as well as the following new cases:

1. MEDICAL DEVICE/IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL DEVICE – MEDICAL INTENDED PURPOSE

1.21. Rugby helmet
1.22. Autopsy saw
1.23. UV flow germicidal lamp
1.24. Water filter

4. BORDERLINE MEDICAL DEVICE – MEDICINAL PRODUCT

4.22. Bone void fillers containing animal growth factors
4.23. Weight management products

8. CLASSIFICATION

8.30. Whole body and partial body cryotherapy chambers

Borderline cases are considered to be those cases where it is not clear from the outset whether a given product is a medical device, an in vitro diagnostic medical device, an active implantable medical device or not. Or alternatively, borderline cases are those cases where the product falls within the definition of a medical device but is excluded from the Directives by their scope. Where a given product does not fall within the definition of medical device or is excluded by the scope of the Directives, other Community and/or national legislation may be applicable.

What does this mean to you?

The manual only serves as a tool, the views expressed in it are not legally binding, and only represents the common understanding of the Medical Devices Directive and the In-Vitro Diagnostics Directive between European national Competent Authorities and industry stakeholders. The manual may be referred to in product status or classification rationales, for example.

The manual is focused on the Directives and the definitions and classification pathways set forth therein, thus it has limited value to the Medical Devices Regulation and In-Vitro Diagnostics Regulation.