Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

MDR: Proposal for a delay due to Covid-19

The deadline of 26 May 2020 should have been the date: The European Commission's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) was supposed to come into force. Due to the Corona crisis, the European Commission is now submitting a proposal to postpone the implementation deadline.

Other organisations had already called for this step:

Medical device manufacturers have repeatedly questioned whether the deadline can be met, as there is still a lack of Notified Bodies. The introduction of laws to ensure compliance with the new product standards was also critical in terms of timing (we reported).

In a press release of 23 March 2020, MedTech Europe called for a postponement of the introduction date for MDR and IVDR. Their proposal: Six months after the crisis has been overcome, the implementation should be resumed.

In a letter of 24 March 2020, six Members of the European Parliament address the lack of resources caused by the current crisis in the following areas:

  • Approval of clinical trials
  • Notification and auditing of Notified Bodies
  • Manufacturing

The Members of Parliament are calling to maintain the current system for regulating medical devices. Health systems across Europe need all their resources to deal with the corona crisis.

The proposal for postponement should be submitted in early April and implemented as soon as possible. This information is according to a Q&A session at the European Commission press conference of 25 March 2020.


Sources:

MedTech Europe: Press release

European Commission: Letter of the European Parliament

European Commission: Q&A Press conference Covid-19 and MDR

 

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be interested in the following articles:

EMA: Q&A Paper on Measures to Prevent Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Medicinal Products

EMA: Q&A Paper on Measures to Prevent Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Medicinal Products

The EMA has published a new Q&A paper on technical and organisational measures to prevent microbial contamination of non-sterile medicinal products.
Read more
When APS Fail and First Air is at Risk

When APS Fail and First Air is at Risk

At the PDA Good Aseptic Manufacturing Conference 2026, Alberto Gonzales (Takeda) discussed challenges and practical solutions related to aseptic process simulations (APS). Anna Campanella (Takeda) and Hussein Bachir (Franz Ziel) explored how first air protection in aseptic processing can be compromised by equipment design, glove interventions, and operator activities.
Read more
Why is import authorisation necessary for medicinal products entering the EU?

Why is import authorisation necessary for medicinal products entering the EU?

Read more
FDA: Updated Compliance Program for Preapproval Inspections

FDA: Updated Compliance Program for Preapproval Inspections

The FDA has revised its Compliance Program 7346.832, “Preapproval Inspections”. The updated program describes the planning, conduct and evaluation of preapproval inspections (PAIs) for New Drug Applications (NDAs) and Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs).
Read more
EMA: Revised Q&A MRA EU-USA

EMA: Revised Q&A MRA EU-USA

The EMA has updated its Questions and Answers on the EU-US Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). The update follows the completion of the FDA's assessment of all EU authorities responsible for GMP inspections of veterinary medicinal products on 29 May 2026.
Read more
WHO: Draft on Regulatory Ovesight of Disposal of Medical Products

WHO: Draft on Regulatory Ovesight of Disposal of Medical Products

WHO published a draft consultation document on regulatory oversight of disposal of medical products throughout the lifecycle.
Read more
Previous
Next