SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

FDA is announcing the availability of a final guidance entitled “Unique Device Identification: Policy Regarding Compliance Dates for Class I and Unclassified Devices, Direct Marking, and Global Unique Device Identification Database Requirements for Certain Devices.” On September 24, 2013 (78 FR 58786), FDA published a final rule establishing a unique device identification system designed to adequately identify devices through distribution and use (the UDI Rule). Phased implementation of the regulatory requirements set forth in that final rule is based on a series of established compliance dates based primarily on device classification.

The UDI Rule requires a device to bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and packages unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20), and special labeling requirements apply to stand-alone software regulated as a device (21 CFR 801.50). The UDI Rule also requires that data pertaining to the key characteristics of each device required to bear a UDI be submitted to FDA's GUDID (§ 830.300 (21 CFR 830.300)). In addition, the UDI Rule added 21 CFR 801.18, which requires certain dates on device labels to be in a standard format. For devices that: (1) must bear UDIs on their labels and (2) are intended to be used more than once and reprocessed between uses, 21 CFR 801.45 requires the devices to be directly marked with a UDI. Compliance dates for these labeling, GUDID submission, standard date format, and direct marking requirements can be found in the preamble to the UDI Rule (78 FR 58815-58816). For more information about UDI compliance dates, please see the UDI web page, available at: https://www.fda.gov/​medical-devices/​unique-device-identification-system-udi-system/​compliance-dates-udi-requirements.

This final guidance supersedes the guidance: “Unique Device Identification: Policy Regarding Compliance Dates for Class I and Unclassified Devices and Certain Devices Requiring Direct Marking, Immediately In Effect Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff” (“2020 UDI Compliance Policy Guidance”), issued July 1, 2020 (85 FR 39477). This guidance explains FDA's compliance policy regarding GUDID submission requirements under § 830.300 for certain class I devices considered consumer health products and describes how a labeler of a class I device can determine whether its device is within the scope of that policy. With respect to class I devices that are consumer health products, as described in the guidance, FDA believes that the entry of UDI data into GUDID, especially given the frequent changes to the Universal Product Codes (UPCs) serving as the UDIs for these devices, is burdensome to stakeholders. Further, FDA considered the public health benefit of GUDID submission for consumer health products and the risks to public health if GUDID submission is not provided for these devices. After reviewing available postmarket information, such as medical device reports and recall data for class I devices, FDA has a better understanding of the devices and device characteristics for which GUDID information is particularly useful in evaluating and improving device safety throughout a product lifecycle, as well as those for which GUDID information may be less important in this regard. Based on this analysis, at this time, FDA does not intend to enforce the GUDID submission requirements under § 830.300 for consumer health products. We are implementing this change in policy through guidance to allow FDA and stakeholders an opportunity to fully assess its impact on public health. FDA may consider amending its regulations on this subject in the future.

In addition, the final guidance explains that we intend to extend our existing compliance policy regarding GUDID submission requirements for class I and unclassified devices, other than I/LS/LS devices, regardless of whether they are consumer health products, for an additional 75 calendar days. In the 2020 UDI Compliance Policy Guidance, FDA stated that we did not intend to enforce the GUDID submission requirements under § 830.300 for class I and unclassified devices, other than I/LS/LS devices, before September 24, 2022. At this time, in light of the considerations described in the guidance, FDA does not intend to enforce the GUDID submission requirements under § 830.300 for class I and unclassified devices, other than I/LS/LS devices, before December 8, 2022.

This guidance finalizes the draft guidance entitled “Select Updates for Unique Device Identification: Policy Regarding Global Unique Device Identification Requirements for Certain Devices.” A notice of availability of the draft guidance appeared in the Federal Register of October 14, 2021 (86 FR 57154). FDA considered comments received and revised the guidance as ( printed page 43989) appropriate in response to the comments, including further clarifying which devices are considered consumer health products.

The portion of this guidance describing the 75-day extension of FDA's existing compliance policy regarding GUDID submission requirements for class I and unclassified devices, other than I/LS/LS devices, is being implemented without prior public comment because the Agency has determined that prior public participation is not feasible or appropriate (see section 701(h)(1)(C) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 371(h)(1)(C)) and 21 CFR 10.115(g)(2)). FDA has determined that this is a less burdensome policy that is consistent with public health. Although this policy is being implemented immediately without prior comment, FDA will consider all comments received and revise the guidance document as appropriate.

This guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The guidance represents the current thinking of FDA on “Unique Device Identification: Policy Regarding Compliance Dates for Class I and Unclassified Devices, Direct Marking, and Global Unique Device Identification Database Requirements for Certain Devices.” It does not establish any rights for any person and is not binding on FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach if it satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

II. Electronic Access

Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the guidance may do so by downloading an electronic copy from the internet. A search capability for all Center for Devices and Radiological Health guidance documents is available at https://www.fda.gov/​medical-devices/​device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/​guidance-documents-medical-devices-and-radiation-emitting-products. This guidance document is also available at https://www.regulations.gov, https://www.fda.gov/​regulatory-information/​search-fda-guidance-documents, or https://www.fda.gov/​vaccines-blood-biologics/​guidance-compliance-regulatory-information-biologics. Persons unable to download an electronic copy of “Unique Device Identification: Policy Regarding Compliance Dates for Class I and Unclassified Devices, Direct Marking, and Global Unique Device Identification Database Requirements for Certain Devices” may send an email request to CDRH-Guidance@fda.hhs.gov to receive an electronic copy of the document. Please use the document number 17029 and complete title to identify the guidance you are requesting.

III. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

While this guidance contains no new collection of information, it does refer to previously approved FDA collections of information. Therefore, clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521) is not required for this guidance. The previously approved collections of information are subject to review by OMB under the PRA. The collections of information in the following FDA regulations, guidance, and forms have been approved by OMB as listed in the following table: