Medical devices are registered and categorized by class or risk as shown below, including some examples of each class:
- A Simple - Low risk, surgical instruments, tongue depressor, liquid in glass thermometer, examination light, simple wound dressing, oxygen mask, stethoscopes, and walking aids.
- B Low – Moderate risk, hypodermic needles, suction equipment, anesthetic breathing circuits, aspirator, external bone growth stimulators, hearing aids, hydrogel dressings, patient-controlled pain relief, phototherapy unit, and X-ray films.
- C Moderate – High risk, lung ventilator, orthopedic implants, baby incubator, blood oxygenator, blood bags, deep wound dressing, defibrillator, radiological therapy equipment, and ventilators
- D High risk, Pacemakers & their leads, implantable defibrillators, implantable infusion pumps, heart valves, neurological catheters, vascular prostheses & stents.
Please note: As of April 2016, Class A devices are exempt from conformity assessment in Malaysia. However, they must be registered with the MDA and must continue to meet a number of other requirements, including post-market obligations.
There are three main stages for medical device registration which are outlined below.
Stage One: Pre-Market - the manufacturer is responsible for:
Stage Two: Placement on Market
- Manufacturers or local authorized representatives (LARs) of manufacturers apply to register medical devices and establishment licenses.
- Importers and distributors are required to apply for an establishment license to import/distribute medical devices. Both must also ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practices & advertising requirements.
Stage Three: Post Market
- Establishments are required to monitor the safety and performance of products and also carry out other post-market obligations including handling complaints, recalls, and the GHTF recommendations – Medical Devices Post Market Surveillance: Content of Field Safety Notices.
- Users of medical devices are expected to use, maintain and dispose of medical devices appropriately.
- Users of certain designated medical devices will need to apply for a permit to use and operate these products.