The current Regulatory scenario for medical devices in the United Kingdom (UK) is governed by the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No. 618, as amended), also known as the UK MDR 2002. This framework was originally based on the European Union (EU) Directives, but following the UK’s exit from the EU, there have been changes to how medical devices are regulated in Great Britain (GB), comprising England, Wales, and Scotland.
Here are the key points with respect to the current Regulatory scenario for medical devices in the UK:

Post the Brexit scenario, the Regulatory landscape for medical devices in the United Kingdom (UK) underwent a profound metamorphosis, significantly impacting manufacturers aiming to introduce their products. As the UK made an exit from the European Union (EU), there was a shift from Conformité Européenne (CE) marking to UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking. However, presently, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) still allows the placing of CE-marked devices on the UK market.

The European medical devices market, being the second largest in the world, is majorly driven by a growing patient population, technological advancements, and increasing healthcare expenditure. However, when it comes to expanding the medical device business into the European geography, a complex web of regulations and recent geopolitical changes adds an extra layer of challenge.

Europe is the busiest region with evolving Regulatory landscape, as Brexit compliance, application of the EU MDR, transition to UKCA marking, and upcoming IVDR deadline take the front seat. All these dynamics have kept the Regulatory professionals on their toes. The UKCA mark came into effect on January 1, 2021, and the CE marked devices have a grace period until July 31, 2023, to eventually transition to the UKCA mark.

Intending to curb the spread of COVID-19, the MHRA extended the free PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) scheme, which was initially introduced in March 2020. The scheme intends to protect the health and social care providers, and community pharmacies, and public sector organizations from COVID-19, by providing easy access to PPE in the volume required.

With the Brexit commencement, from Jan 1, 2021, there have been a lot of changes in the UK’s medical devices regulations, which the executive Regulatory Authority in the UK – MHRA has devised. Medical device manufacturers willing to enter the UK market especially, England, Scotland and Wales, will have to follow the applicable MHRA UK regulations.

While some changes have come into effect immediately, others have a grace period for compliance. What are those changes, and how are they affecting the medical device landscape in the UK? Let’s decode.  

It is well known that from January 1, 2021, medical devices to be placed on the UK market are obliged to follow a new Regulatory regime. Currently, the UK market is a witness to many Regulatory changes, with the impact of Brexit. The UK’s existing Regulatory Authority, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has taken over the European Union (EU) responsibilities, ultimately changing the UK regulations.

As the Brexit deadline is fast approaching, the occurrence of a no-deal Brexit is likely. In this context, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the UK has updated its no-deal Brexit guidance on the regulation of medicines, medical devices, and respective clinical trials. According to the update, medical device manufacturers wishing to place a device in the UK market must have a ‘UK Responsible Person’ to register their devices with the MHRA, as similar to the European Union (EU) authorized representative.