Which devices need an SSCP?
First check whether the device is implantable. Article 2(5) covers a device intended to be introduced completely into the body, or to replace an epithelial surface or the surface of the eye, by clinical intervention and remain after the procedure. It also covers a device introduced partially by clinical intervention that is intended to remain for at least 30 days. Implantable devices can be class IIa, IIb, or III, and all three groups need an .
If the device is not implantable, check whether it is . The manufacturer classifies the device from its intended purpose and the rules in Annex VIII. When several rules or sub-rules apply, the one producing the highest class controls. The technical documentation must record the selected rule and the reason it applies.
routes include certain devices used in direct contact with the heart, central circulatory system, or central nervous system; active implants and devices that control or monitor them; breast implants and surgical meshes; total or partial joint replacements; spinal disc replacements and implants that contact the spinal column; diagnostic or therapeutic decision software whose output could lead to death or irreversible deterioration; devices that incorporate a medicinal substance with an ancillary action; certain tissue-derived, nanomaterial, and systemically absorbed substance-based devices; and active therapeutic devices such as closed-loop systems or automated external defibrillators. Annex VIII contains the complete rules.
Examples in MDCG classification guidance include prosthetic heart valves, vascular stents, cochlear implants and their accessories, breast implants, surgical meshes, total or partial joint replacements, software used to make treatment decisions for acute stroke, antibiotic bone cement, automated external defibrillators, and automated closed-loop insulin-delivery systems. Classification still depends on the intended purpose and applicable rule for the specific device.
Under Rule 8, some ancillary joint or spinal components, including certain screws, wedges, plates, and instruments, remain outside . The component still needs an if it meets the definition of an .
The gives the public an updated summary of the device's clinical data, safety, and clinical performance. The instructions for use, implant card, and advice from a healthcare professional remain separate, and the SSCP must be free of promotional claims.
- Manufacturer: prepare the from the current technical documentation, keep it accurate, manage translations, and confirm that the required versions are available before placing the device on a Member State market. For updates containing new or changed information other than strictly editorial modifications, MDCG guidance says the manufacturer should submit the updated SSCP to the with the required .
- : independently assess the device for conformity with the MDR, validate the against the required content and current technical documentation, and complete the upload step assigned to it under the applicable transition process.
- : make the public and link it to the , the identifier used to connect the SSCP to the relevant device group. As of 23 July 2026, the first four EUDAMED modules have been mandatory since 28 May 2026. MDCG 2026-4 sets temporary SSCP upload arrangements while new functionality is introduced, so teams should record who must upload each version and whether the published revision has been validated.
Which devices need an under the EU MDR?
An implantable or device needs an unless it is or . First, determine whether the device meets the EU MDR definition of an ; an implantable class IIa or IIb device still needs an SSCP. For a non-implantable device, apply the Annex VIII classification rules and prepare an SSCP if the rules place it in class III.
What does the EU MDR mean by an ?
An is intended to be introduced completely into the body, or to replace an epithelial surface or the surface of the eye, by clinical intervention and remain after the procedure. A device intended to be introduced partially by clinical intervention and remain for at least 30 days also counts as implantable. Implantable devices in class IIa, IIb, or III fall within the requirement unless they are or .
What counts as a device for the requirement?
is the highest EU MDR risk class. Apply every relevant Annex VIII rule to the device's intended purpose and characteristics; the rule producing the highest class controls. Examples include prosthetic heart valves, vascular stents, cochlear implants, breast implants, surgical meshes, total or partial joint replacements, specified spinal implants, software used for acute-stroke treatment decisions, antibiotic bone cement, automated external defibrillators, and automated closed-loop insulin-delivery systems. Other class III routes cover certain tissue-derived, nanomaterial, and systemically absorbed substance-based devices. Classification depends on the intended purpose and exact Annex VIII rule, which the technical documentation must identify.
What should an EU MDR include?
Cover eleven content groups: device and manufacturer identity; ; the manufacturer's Single Registration Number, if issued; intended purpose and patient population; device description and relevant variants; risks, undesirable effects, warnings, and precautions; and results; diagnostic or therapeutic alternatives; intended-user profile and training; applied harmonised standards and common specifications; and revision history. The detailed checklist below shows what belongs in each group.
Who prepares, validates, and publishes the ?
The manufacturer prepares and maintains the . A validates it against the MDR requirements and current technical documentation. As of 23 July 2026, MDCG 2026-4 assigns temporary upload steps while new functionality is introduced. For a new certificate registered from 28 May 2026, the notified body uploads the master SSCP with the certificate. For devices placed on the market before that mandatory-use date, manufacturers should upload the applicable SSCPs as soon as the new functionality permits and no later than 27 February 2027. The guidance describes a later move to manufacturer uploads of the master SSCP and translations when the new functionality is available.
How should a manufacturer control quality and updates?
The manufacturer is responsible for the and chooses which internal team owns the work. Source the content from current technical documentation, assign the SSCP a unique reference number, and keep it objective, readable, and free of promotional claims. Review it when the post-market clinical follow-up () evaluation report and periodic safety update report () are updated. Revise any section that is incorrect, incomplete, or out of step with the technical documentation. Record the revision, validation status, and validated language; control translation accuracy through the quality management system; and, for updates containing new or changed information other than strictly editorial modifications, MDCG guidance says the manufacturer should submit the updated SSCP to the with the required PSUR.
Where should users and patients find the ?
Article 32 requires the manufacturer to state on the label or in the instructions for use where the is available. The public version is linked in through the . The SSCP does not replace the label, instructions for use, implant card, or advice from a healthcare professional.
When does an need to be updated?
Review the whenever the evaluation report and are updated and whenever new information makes a public statement incorrect or incomplete. Common triggers include changed indications or contraindications, new residual risks or undesirable effects, revised clinical-evaluation conclusions, important vigilance or trend findings, corrective actions, and changes to the device or intended purpose that affect the summary. Record each revision and its validation status. For an update containing new or changed information other than strictly editorial modifications, MDCG guidance says the manufacturer should submit the updated SSCP to the with the required PSUR.
How should translations be controlled?
Provide the in the languages required by each Member State where the device is made available. Keep the master and translated versions under document control, verify translation accuracy through the quality management system, identify the validated language, and ensure each public version matches the current validated content. Follow the applicable transition process for uploading the master SSCP and translations.
When does an need a separate patient-facing part?
The always needs information for intended users or healthcare professionals. MDCG 2019-9 Rev.1 recommends a separate patient-facing part when the information is relevant to patients, especially for implantable devices supplied with implant cards and devices used directly by patients. Eligible Annex XVI devices should also be treated as relevant for patient information. Write the patient part in plain language, explain medical terms, and keep it separate from the professional section so each audience can find the appropriate level of detail.
Article 32 is the binding source for the SSCP trigger, manufacturer duty, notified-body validation, EUDAMED upload, public availability, and label or IFU reference.
MDCG guidance for SSCP presentation, content, validation, translations, revision history, and EUDAMED upload mechanics.
Current MDCG guidance for applying the intended-purpose criteria and Annex VIII classification rules, including class III routes and examples.
Commission overview of EUDAMED, including the mandatory use of the first four modules from 28 May 2026.
June 2026 guidance for temporary SSCP upload responsibilities, certificate-linked uploads, older certificates, and the planned move to manufacturer uploads.