What You Need to Know For Registration and Wholesale of Medical Devices in Serbia
Medical devices are an essential component of healthcare systems worldwide, providing support for patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. In Serbia, medical device registration and sale are regulated by the Medical Devices Law and related bylaws.
The process of registering and selling medical devices in Serbia can be complex, but it is necessary to ensure that medical devices meet the required standards and are safe for use by patients.
Registration Process
The registration process for medical devices in Serbia is overseen by the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia (ALIMS). ALIMS is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses for medical devices that comply with the applicable regulatory requirements.
The registration process for medical devices is divided into two categories: national and EU mutual recognition. National registration applies to medical devices that are not yet registered in any EU Member State or are registered but not yet placed on the market. EU mutual recognition applies to medical devices that have already been registered in an EU Member State and are intended to be marketed in Serbia.
National Registration Process
The national registration process for medical devices in Serbia is as follows:
Applicant registration
1. The first step is for the applicant (either the manufacturer or their authorized representative) to register with ALIMS. The registration requires the submission of an application form and supporting documents such as proof of identity, business registration documents, and authorization letters, among others.
Technical documentation
2. The applicant must prepare technical documentation, including a description of the medical device, its intended use, its design, and its performance. The technical documentation must also include information on the clinical evaluation of the device, its labeling and instructions for use, and its conformity assessment procedures.
Conformity assessment
3. The applicant must ensure that the medical device meets the applicable conformity assessment procedures. The assessment procedures may include design examination, type examination, quality system assessment, and clinical evaluation, among others.
Submission of application
4. Once the technical documentation and conformity assessment procedures are complete, the applicant must submit the application to ALIMS. The application must include a summary of the technical documentation, a statement of compliance, and other supporting documents.
Review process
ALIMS reviews the application and technical documentation to ensure that the medical device complies with the applicable regulatory requirements. The review process may include an inspection of the manufacturing facilities or laboratory testing of the device.
Decision
If ALIMS approves the application, it issues a registration certificate for the medical device. The certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed upon expiry.
EU Mutual Recognition Process
The EU mutual recognition process for medical devices in Serbia is as follows:
Declaration of conformity
1. The manufacturer or authorized representative must issue a declaration of conformity indicating that the medical device meets the applicable EU regulatory requirements.
Submission of application
2. The manufacturer or authorized representative must submit the declaration of conformity and other supporting documents to ALIMS.
Review process
3. ALIMS reviews the application and supporting documents to ensure that the medical device complies with the applicable EU regulatory requirements.
Decision
4. If ALIMS approves the application, it issues a license for the medical device. The license is valid for five years and can be renewed upon expiry.
Sale of Medical Devices
Once a medical device is registered or licensed in Serbia, it can be sold and marketed to healthcare institutions and patients. The sale and marketing of medical devices are regulated by the Medical Devices Law and related bylaws, as well as the Law on Advertising of Medicines and Medical Devices (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, no. 79/2010).
The Law on Advertising of Medicines and Medical Devices prohibits the advertising of medical devices to the general public, except for medical professionals and healthcare institutions. Advertisements must be factual, accurate, and not misleading, and must not suggest that a medical device can diagnose or treat any condition for which it is not authorized.
The sale of medical devices in Serbia is subject to certain requirements. Medical devices must be labeled in the Serbian language, and the labeling must include information on the name and address of the manufacturer, the medical device’s intended use, and any special storage or handling instructions. Medical devices must also be accompanied by instructions for use in the Serbian language.
Importation of Medical Devices
Medical devices that are not manufactured in Serbia must be imported. The importation of medical devices is subject to the same regulatory requirements as the registration and sale of medical devices. The importer must obtain a license or registration certificate from ALIMS before importing medical devices into Serbia.
The importation of medical devices may also be subject to customs regulations, such as import duties and taxes. Importers should ensure that they comply with all relevant customs requirements and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
Conclusion
The registration and sale of medical devices in Serbia is a complex process that requires compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements. The Medical Devices Law and related bylaws provide the framework for the registration, licensing, and sale of medical devices in Serbia, and compliance with these regulations is necessary to ensure that medical devices are safe for use by patients.
Manufacturers, importers, and authorized representatives should familiarize themselves with the regulatory requirements for medical devices in Serbia and ensure that they have the necessary documentation and procedures in place before registering, licensing, or selling medical devices in Serbia.
ALIMS plays a crucial role in the registration and licensing of medical devices in Serbia, and manufacturers, importers, and authorized representatives should work closely with ALIMS to ensure that their applications are complete and comply with the applicable regulatory requirements.
PS. Ultimately, the registration, licensing, and sale of medical devices in Serbia are important for ensuring that patients have access to safe and effective medical devices that can improve their health outcomes. By complying with the applicable regulatory requirements, manufacturers, importers, and authorized representatives can contribute to a healthier and more prosperous Serbia.
For more information on this or any other legal, tax, or business topic, feel free to write to us at [email protected] at any time or call us at phone number +381113281914 every working day from 08:30 to 16:30.