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  • 1.  EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 23-Jun-2015 13:25
    We design and manufacture class 1 devices and I was wondering if anyone knew the ruling regarding IFUs needing to be translated into the member state language (that we wish to sell). Is this mandatory for Sweden for example and does device classification matter, or is that moot. We were wondering if we could have a hard copy IFU with our product in English (within the product packaging) and an online version with all the native languages we currently sell to on our website.

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    Gavin O'Hara
    Aspen Medical Products
    Irvine CA
    United States
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  • 2.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 23-Jun-2015 15:20
    Gavin,

    "if anyone knew the ruling regarding IFUs needing to be translated into the member state language (that we wish to sell). Is this mandatory for Sweden?"

    Yes in Swedish pursuant to the Swedish Medical Devices Act and the Ordinance.

    You may refer to https://wp.me/P2EoXX-1FX

    ____________________________________________________________
    Dr. David Lim, Ph.D., RAC, ASQ-CQA 
    President and CEO | REGULATORY DOCTOR
    Phone (Toll-Free): 1-(800) 321-8567




  • 3.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 24-Jun-2015 02:20
    Hi Gavin,

    Article 4 of the MDD states:

    4. Member States may require the information, which must be made available to the user and the patient in accordance with Annex I, point 13, to be in their national language(s) or in another Community language, when a device reaches the final user, regardless of whether it is for professional or other use.

    Most European countries require labelling to be provided in their national language(s), however some countries have exceptions for professional use only devices.

    With respect to electronic labelling, my current understanding is that, in general, electronic labelling is not accepted (without hardcopy labelling) in Europe, although I do not have much experience in this area, so perhaps someone else can provide more detail.

    Hope this helps,
    Liz

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    Elizabeth Goldstein
    Auckland
    New Zealand
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  • 4.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 24-Jun-2015 18:10
    Hi Gavin,

    Apologies for replying in bits and pieces!

    Here is a link that might be useful to you:
    http://www.moravia.com/files/download/Language_Requirements_for_EU_Medical_Device_Labels.pdf

    It was written in 2012, but it may still be a good reference for you.

    Page 2 includes a table of EU countries and their language(s) and also includes information regarding professional-use exemptions.

    "
    The majority of member states, 21, require medical device labeling to be in their official language regardless of

    whether the device is intended for layman use or professional use. However, six member states will accept labeling rovided in English as long as the device s for professional use only."

    Page 3 includes information on E-labelling.  For more information, refer to : http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:072:0028:0031:en:PDF

    As noted in a previous post, Swedish translation is expected.

    Elizabeth Goldstein
    Auckland
    New Zealand



  • 5.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 25-Jun-2015 17:50
    Hi Gavin,
    If you manufacture IVDs, please refer to MEDDEV 2.14/3, section 4. Non paper IFUs can be provided but there are rules around them.

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    Ajay Bhatia
    Salt Lake City UT
    United States
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  • 6.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 24-Jun-2015 10:33
    The requirements for e-labeling for medical devices in the EU are spelled out in EU Commission Regulation 207/2012 "on electronic instructions for use of medical devices."

    http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:072:0028:0031:en:PDF



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    Gary Cederwall
    Director, Regulatory Affairs
    Thoratec Corporation
    Pleasanton CA
    United States
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  • 7.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 24-Jun-2015 20:03
    Thank you David, Gary & Liz. Very helpful.

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    Gavin O'Hara
    Aspen Medical Products
    Irvine CA
    United States
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  • 8.  RE: EU ruling for translated IFU into member state (Sweden)

    Posted 25-Jun-2015 10:07
      |   view attached
    Hi Gavin,

    Attached document from Team-NB (The European Association for Medical devices of Notified Bodies) might also help you on determining whether or not any language requirements apply for your medical device in the EU.

    The original version of this document can be found here:
    http://www.team-nb.org/documents-2008-and-olders-documents/


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    Paul Kooijmans
    Regulatory Affairs manager
    The Netherlands