Class A and B Loan License to Manufacture for Sale or for Distribution of Class A Class B Medical Device Registration In India

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s Directorate General of Health Services, is India’s National Regulatory Authority responsible for medical device registration.

Key Indian Medical Device Regulations:

  • The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
  • Medical Devices Rules, 2017
  • Medical Devices (Amendment) Rules, 2020

Classification of Medical Devices:

Class A (Low-Risk Devices):

  • Medical devices classified as Class A pose minimal risk.
  • Manufacturers must register with CDSCO for manufacturing and distribution.
  • Examples: Tongue depressors, stethoscopes, etc.

Class B (Low to Moderate Risk Devices):

  • Class B devices have a slightly higher risk than Class A.
  • Manufacturers require a CDSCO manufacturing license for retail or distribution.
  • Examples: Electrocardiographs, nebulizers, digital thermometers, etc.

The forms required for Manufacturing License in case of class A and B notified medical devices: 

Applicant type

Applicant Type

Application

License

Manufacturer

Form MD-4

Form MD-6

Test License

Form MD-12

Form MD-13

Fee Structure:

Subject

Fee (in rupees) INR

Manufacturing licence or loan licence to manufacture Class A (other than non-sterile and non-measuring) or Class B medical device for,-

one site manufacturing

5000

each distinct medical device

500

Test license to manufacture for clinical investigations, tests, evaluations, examinations, demonstrations, or training for each distinct medical device

500

Phases for Manufacturing License Registration

  1. Application for a Manufacturing Test License from CDSCO

A CDSCO- MD 13 (Licence to Manufacture Medical Devices for the Purposes of Clinical Investigations or Test or Evaluation or Demonstration or training) is required to produce small, high-quality medical devices for personnel testing, evaluation, demonstration, and training.

Process:

  1. NSWS Portal Registration
  2. Filling and Submitting Form MD-12
    • Complete the MD-12 application form
    • Submit the required documents
  3. Application Review and Approval

Timeline: 1–2 months (After Submission of application on the NSWS Portal)

Validity: 3 years

  1. Registration of Applicant for CDSCO Manufacturing License

To register an applicant for a CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) manufacturing license in India, follow these steps:

Create an Account on CDSCO’s SUGAM Portal

  1. Visit the SUGAM portal
  2. Click on Sign Up Here and select Manufacturer as the applicant type.
  3. Fill in the required details (company name, authorized person details, email, phone number, etc.).
  4. Upload the required documents (Company PAN, GST certificate, etc.).
  5. Submit for verification.

Process:

Step 1: Determine Medical Device Classification

  • CDSCO classifies medical devices into four categories (Class A, B, C, and D) based on risk level.
  • The classification determines the regulatory requirements and level of scrutiny.

Step 2: Prepare Technical Documentation

Ensure compliance with CDSCO requirements by compiling:

  • Device specifications
  • Safety and performance data
  • Manufacturing process details
  • Risk management reports
  • Labelling and intended use description and etc.,

Step 3: Online Application Submission

  • Submit the application form on the CDSCO portal.
  • Upload corporate details, supporting documents, company registration, QMS certificates, and technical documentation.

Step 4: Initial Review by the State Licensing Authority (SLA)

  • The SLA verifies the application for completeness.
  • If approved, the application is forwarded to a Notified Body for assessment.

Step 5: Audit by the Notified Body

  • The Notified Body reviews documents and conducts an on-site audit of the manufacturing facility.
  • The audit ensures compliance with QMS and regulatory requirements per the 4th and 5th Schedules of the Indian Medical Device Rules, 2017.

Step 6: Evaluation and Query Resolution

  • The Notified Body may raise queries or note non-conformities.
  • The applicant must address queries and implement corrective actions.

Step 7: Issuance of Form MD-11

  • After satisfactory resolution of queries, the Notified Body issues Form MD-11, documenting the audit and inspection process.

Step 8: Final Review and License Issuance

  • The SLA reviews Form MD-11 and all submitted documents.
  • If compliant, the SLA grants the manufacturing license for Class A and B medical devices.

Timeline: 150 – 160 days (After Submission of application on the CDSCO Portal)

Manufacturing License Validity: 5 years

Required Documents for Class A & B Notified Medical Devices:

  • Cover Letter
  • Fee Payment Proof
  • Firm’s Constitution Documents
  • Establishment/Site Ownership or Tenancy Agreement
  • ISO 13485 Certificate (Quality Management System)
  • Plant Master File
  • Device Master File
  • Test License

FAQ:

  1. Can a Loan Licensee sell products directly to the market?
    Yes, but they must comply with labelling, distribution, and post-market surveillance regulations as per the Medical Device Rules, 2017.
  2. What post-market surveillance responsibilities does a Loan Licensee have?
    A Loan Licensee must:
  • Report adverse events 
  • Ensure product traceability and recall procedures.
  • Submit periodic post-market surveillance data if required.

How can Medfins help you?

As a regulatory consultant, our role in the CDSCO manufacturing license registration process includes:

  1. Applicant Registration Support
  • Assisting with SUGAM portal registration and ensuring proper documentation submission.
  • Verifying the company details, manufacturing site information, and authorized signatory details.
  1. Regulatory Documentation Preparation
  • Preparing and reviewing the Manufacturing License Application (Form MD-4).
  • Assisting with the Device Master File (DMF) and Site Master File (SMF).
  • Ensuring compliance with ISO 13485 and GMP requirements.
  • Providing guidance on the risk classification of medical devices.
  1. Liaison with Regulatory Authorities
  • Coordinating with CDSCO and State FDA for approvals.
  • Handling queries, deficiency letters, and compliance responses.
  • Ensuring smooth audit/inspection readiness for Notified Body Audits.
  1. Post-Approval Compliance
  • Ensuring Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) and Adverse Event Reporting compliance.
  • Supporting renewals and modifications of licenses.