Selecting a European Authorized Representative
When selecting your European Authorized Representative, it
is essential to understand that there is more to this important
decision making process than may, at first, meet the
eye.
There are:
What exactly is an EU 'Authorized Representative' ?
- The EU Authorized Representative is given the
responsibility for maintaining the medical device manufacturers Quality Management System in
the European Union.
- The EU Authorized Representative is the legal
interface, between the EU Authorities and the non-European medical device manufacturer.
- The EU Authorized Representative is responsible for
Medical Device Reporting (MDRs) The EU Authorized Representative must be available to the
Competent Authorities (in charge of market surveillance) AT ALL TIMES, particularly in
emergencies i.e. 365 days a year, (including holidays etc.)
- The EU Authorized Representative MUST be reflected
on either the manufacturers product labeling, outer packaging and/or instructions for use.
Can be called upon, (by the manufacturer), to initiate procedures for:
- EC Type Examination.
- EC Verification.
- EC Declaration of Conformity (Class I and Class IIa
Devices).
CONSEQUENTLY, ALL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES MUST
BE AGREED UPON IN WRITING. The duties and responsibilities of those representatives should
be clearly understood by medical device manufacturers and prospective Authorized
Representatives PRIOR to any designation contract being signed or agreed upon.
It was for precisely these reasons, that MDSS was
created. Because of our long-standing experience within the medical device manufacturing
industry, we recognized that manufacturers would have the greatest difficulties in finding
a suitable Authorized Representative - one that would match the criteria and
over and above that, have sufficient qualifications in Regulatory Affairs to be able to
provide this demanding and highly responsible type of service!
CONCLUSION: Manufacturers should be careful to designate
only those Authorized Representatives who are qualified to represent the
manufacturers interests in the EEA regarding the EU Directives.
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