MedTech Terms
    The authoritative reference
    All terms

    IVDR Conformity Assessment Routes

    The Annex IX, X, and XI procedures a manufacturer chooses to demonstrate IVDR compliance based on device class.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed July 25, 2026

    Definition

    Articles 48 to 50 map conformity assessment to device class. Class A (non-sterile) is self-declared. Class A sterile, B, and C follow Annex IX (quality management system plus technical documentation assessment) or Annex X (type examination) combined with Annex XI (production quality assurance). Class D requires Annex IX with notified body scrutiny plus, where applicable, EU Reference Laboratory batch verification and Common Specifications compliance.
    What the regulation says
    Article 48(1) requires manufacturers to draw up an EU declaration of conformity following the conformity assessment procedure appropriate to the class of the device.

    What this means in practice

    Under the IVDD roughly 20 percent of IVDs required notified body involvement; under IVDR that figure exceeds 80 percent. Choosing between Annex IX and X+XI is largely a QMS design decision: Annex IX aligns with ISO 13485 full-scope certification, while Annex X+XI splits type examination from production oversight.
    Common pitfalls
    • Assuming Class B and C can skip notified body review for technical documentation. Sampling per Annex IX Section 2.3 applies.
    • Overlooking the extra Class D duties in Article 48(3) to (6): EU RL batch testing, CS scrutiny, expert-panel consultation for novel devices.
    Grouped by theme
    Cited by

    Where this term appears across MedTech Terms.

    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 3 verified· last checked 2026-06-20
    EUR-Lex·1IMDRF·1RAPS·1
    1. 1
      Regulation (EU) 2017/746, Articles 48 to 50
      Verified
      EUR-Lexeur-lex.europa.eu
    2. 2
      IMDRF Documents
      Verified
      IMDRFimdrf.org
    3. 3
      RAPS Regulatory Focus
      Verified
      RAPSraps.org

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