MedTech Terms
    The authoritative reference
    All terms
    RegulatoryRegulated PathwaysMDL

    Health Canada Medical Device Licence

    Authorization required to import or sell Class II, III, or IV medical devices in Canada.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed May 5, 2026

    Definition

    Health Canada's Medical Devices Bureau issues MDLs under the Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282). Class I devices require an MDEL (Medical Device Establishment Licence) instead.

    What this means in practice

    Canada was the first MDSAP-mandatory country: a current MDSAP certificate from an Auditing Organization is required to obtain or maintain an MDL for Class II–IV devices.

    Cross-references

    Uses

    Concepts or artefacts this term builds on.

    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 3 verified· last checked 2026-05-09
    Health Canada·1RAPS·1FDA·1
    1. 1
      Medical Devices Regulations
      Verified
      Health Canadalaws-lois.justice.gc.ca
    2. 2
      RAPS Regulatory Focus
      Verified
      RAPSraps.org
    3. 3
      FDA - Medical Devices
      Verified
      FDAfda.gov

    Inline markers like [1] jump to the matching reference above.