🇮🇹Europe

Medical Device Regulation in Italy

Italy is a major European market for medical devices, regulated under EU MDR 2017/745 with the Ministry of Health serving as the national competent authority. Italy has a robust healthcare system and is one of the largest medical device markets in Europe. The country has historically been home to several EU Notified Bodies and maintains an extensive national device registration database.

FrameworkEU Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2017/745); Legislative Decree No. 137/2022 adapting national law to the EU MDR; In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (EU IVDR 2017/746).
Classification systemClass I / Class IIa / Class IIb / Class III
Primary agencyMinistry of Health
RegionEurope
References tracked1
Updates this year1

Sources Tracked by Qalico

Qalico continuously monitors 1 references across guidelines, regulations, and standards for Italy.

Guidelines

Ministero della Salute G Medical Devices1 ref

Device Classification

Class IClass IIaClass IIbClass III

Italy follows the EU MDR risk-based classification. Class I covers low-risk devices such as non-sterile, non-measuring instruments. Class IIa includes medium-risk devices like diagnostic ultrasound equipment. Class IIb covers higher-risk devices like infusion pumps and radiation therapy equipment. Class III includes the highest-risk devices such as drug-eluting stents and total joint replacements. Classification rules are defined in Annex VIII of the EU MDR.

Official classification guidance →

Standards & Key Principles

Applicable Standards

ISO 13485 – Quality Management Systems for Medical DevicesISO 14971 – Risk Management for Medical DevicesIEC 60601 – Safety and Performance of Medical Electrical EquipmentIEC 62304 – Medical Device Software Lifecycle ProcessesISO 10993 – Biological Evaluation of Medical DevicesEN ISO 15223-1 – Symbols for Medical Device Labels

Key Principles

  • CE marking under EU MDR 2017/745 is mandatory for all medical devices marketed in Italy.
  • National registration in the Italian medical device database is required in addition to EUDAMED.
  • Economic operators must be registered with the Ministry of Health.
  • Italy enforces specific labeling requirements including Italian language instructions for use.
  • Unique Device Identification (UDI) must comply with EU MDR timelines.

Pre-Market Requirements

Conformity Assessment

Manufacturers must complete conformity assessment procedures as outlined in the EU MDR. Class IIa, IIb, and III devices require the involvement of a designated Notified Body.

CE Marking

All devices must bear the CE mark demonstrating compliance with the EU MDR before being placed on the Italian market.

National Registration

Manufacturers and importers must register devices with the Italian Ministry of Health national medical device database prior to marketing.

Technical Documentation

Complete technical documentation including clinical evaluation reports, risk management files, and biocompatibility data must be maintained.

Post-Market Requirements

Post-Market Surveillance (PMS)

Manufacturers must implement a PMS system in accordance with EU MDR requirements to continuously monitor device safety and performance.

Vigilance Reporting

Serious incidents and field safety corrective actions must be reported to the Ministry of Health in compliance with EU MDR vigilance obligations.

Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSUR)

PSURs are required for Class IIa, IIb, and III devices summarizing PMS outcomes, trend analyses, and benefit-risk assessments.

Market Surveillance

The Ministry of Health conducts proactive market surveillance including inspections of manufacturers, importers, and distributors operating in Italy.

International Recognition & Reliance

European Union

As an EU member state, Italy fully applies the EU MDR and recognizes CE-marked devices certified by any EU-designated Notified Body.

Stay on top of regulatory changes in Italy

Qalico monitors publications from Ministry of Health in real time, surfacing updates that matter to your device category — so your team never misses a critical change.