Overview
EN ISO 20417:2026, titled Medical devices - Information to be supplied by the manufacturer (ISO 20417:2026), is a European and international standard developed jointly by CEN and ISO. This standard establishes comprehensive requirements for the information that medical device manufacturers must provide with their products and accessories. It covers universally applicable requirements for medical device identification, labelling, packaging, marking, and accompanying documentation, ensuring that devices are safely and effectively used across diverse healthcare environments.
This standard applies to all medical devices and accessories as defined in its scope, but recognizes that local regulatory authorities or specific product standards may impose additional or differing requirements. EN ISO 20417:2026 serves as a foundational document, enabling consistency in the communication of vital information related to medical device safety and performance.
Key Topics
- Identification and Labeling: The standard outlines what information must appear on a medical device, its label, or its packaging. This includes the manufacturer’s identification, unique device identifiers, model and catalogue numbers, and information regarding safe use.
- Accompanying Information: Requirements for documentation such as instructions for use, technical descriptions, and electronic documentation are included, detailing how this information should support safe handling, maintenance, installation, and disposal.
- Language and Symbols: Guidance is provided on the use of appropriate languages, country identifiers, and internationally recognized graphical symbols to ensure clarity and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
- Packaging Requirements: Specifies marking and information elements for primary and secondary packaging, addressing aspects such as storage conditions, expiry dates, and sterility.
- Special Circumstances: Includes considerations for detachable components, information for lay users, and packaging for non-professional use.
- Legibility and Durability: Mandates that all supplied information remains clear and legible throughout the product’s intended lifespan, with some example methods for assessment provided in an annex.
- Applicability and Precedence: Clarifies the relationship between this general standard and more specific product or group standards, indicating that the latter take precedence in case of conflict.
Applications
EN ISO 20417:2026 is intended for use by manufacturers of medical devices and accessories, as well as importers and distributors who manage product labelling and documentation within the European market and worldwide. Practical applications include:
- Product Development: Guiding design teams to ensure product information meets international regulatory requirements.
- Quality Management: Supporting compliance within ISO 13485-based quality management systems by defining mandatory documentation for product release.
- Regulatory Submissions: Providing a rational basis for the information included in submissions to regulatory authorities in various jurisdictions.
- Post-Market Surveillance: Ensuring traceability, recall capability, and effective communication with end users through robust labelling and documentation.
- Translation and Localization: Enabling consistent translation practices to accommodate different language and country requirements.
- Digital Health Solutions: Addressing the rise of electronic documentation and digital labelling, supporting innovative methods for delivering product information.
Related Standards
When implementing EN ISO 20417:2026, organizations should also consider the following related standards and guidance documents:
- ISO 14971:2019 - Medical devices - Application of risk management to medical devices
- ISO 15223-1:2021 - Medical devices - Symbols to be used with medical device labels, labelling and information to be supplied
- ISO 7000 / IEC 60417 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment
- ISO 13485:2016 - Medical devices - Quality management systems
- Regulation (EU) 2017/745 & 2017/746 - EU Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations
- IMDRF / GHTF Labelling Principles - International best practices for medical device labelling and accompanying information
By adhering to EN ISO 20417:2026, manufacturers ensure that all users-from healthcare professionals to lay persons-receive critical, standardized information needed for the safe and effective use of medical devices across global markets.
