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    Request for Designation

    Formal mechanism to obtain a binding FDA decision on which Center will regulate a product.

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

    Definition

    An RFD is submitted to the Office of Combination Products to determine the classification of a product (drug, device, biologic, or combination) and assign the lead FDA Center based on primary mode of action.
    What the regulation says
    The FDA, under 21 CFR Part 3, outlines the process for submitting a Request for Designation (RFD) to the Office of Combination Products (OCP). This submission helps determine the regulatory classification of a medical product, such as a drug, device, biologic, or combination product, and designates the lead FDA Center for its review based on its primary mode of action. The OCP then issues a designation letter that clarifies the regulatory pathway and applicable requirements.

    What this means in practice

    Often used early in development for novel combination products to remove ambiguity about the regulatory pathway and applicable cGMP requirements.

    Examples

    • A company developing a drug-eluting stent submits an RFD to confirm it will be regulated as a device with a drug component, with CDRH as the lead center.
    • A manufacturer of a diagnostic test that also delivers a therapeutic agent files an RFD to determine if it is considered a combination product and which FDA centers will be involved.
    • A startup with a novel biologic delivered via a specialized injector submits an RFD to ensure proper classification and to identify the correct regulatory pathway under CDER or CBER.
    Common pitfalls
    • •A common pitfall is submitting an RFD too late in the development process, which can lead to costly delays if the product is misclassified.
    • •Failing to provide a clear and well-supported primary mode of action in the RFD can result in an unfavorable or delayed designation.
    • •Assuming an RFD is only for novel combination products is a mistake, as it can also be beneficial for products with unclear classifications.
    • •Not thoroughly understanding the distinctions between drug, device, and biologic classifications can lead to an inaccurate RFD submission.

    Frequently asked questions

    The primary purpose of an RFD is to obtain a formal FDA determination of a medical product's regulatory classification and the assignment of the lead FDA Center responsible for its premarket review and regulation.
    Grouped by theme

    Mentioned in recent activity

    3 entries
    Medline medical procedure kits, containing Medline Neuro Sponges, labeled as follows: 1. OPEN HEART CDS PART A, Medline Kit Number/SKU CDS840402AI; 2. OPEN HEART CDS, Medline Kit Number/SKU CDS984890V; 3. RR-NEURO VASCULAR PACK-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ0394874L; 4. VP SHUNT PACK-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ0750993M; 5. PEDI VP SHUNT ADD A PACK-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ0753933G; 6. FESS-MB PACK-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ0888159I; 7. A-V FISTULA PACK GH-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ39861C; 8. POSTERIOR LUMBAR PACK, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ42626B; 9. CV CUTDOWN PACK, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ45374F; 10. X RAY CLOSED PACK, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ48949C; 11. RFD- AAA PACK, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ54242B; 12. NEURO LAM, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ64188A; 13. LIVE OAK SINUS ENDOSCOPY PACK, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ69223; 14. FEM POP PACK, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ81423C; 15. ENS FREEFLAP PROCDURE - LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ88249; 16. OPEN HEART A&B, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ901203D; 17. NEURO ACD, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ904549F; 18. KIT VP SHUNT RFD, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ906303F; 19. ACDF-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ906681C; 20. ACDF-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ906681D; 21. ACDF-LF, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ906681F; 22. UNIVERSITY FREE FLAP, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ907196B; 23. UNIVERSITY FREE FLAP, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ907196C; 24. ENDOSCOPIC SKULL BASE, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ908362F; 25. VP SHUNT, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ909379; 26. VP SHUNT, Medline Kit Number/SKU DYNJ909379A.
    Class II· 2026-03-19
    Medline Convenience Kits: 1) ROBOTIC GYN CDS-1, Model Number: CDS982893I; 2) GYN LAPAROSCOPY CDS, Model Number: CDS983300J; 3) NHP ROBOTIC GYNE CDS, Model Number: CDS984243G; 4) ROBOTIC-LF, Model Number: CDS984543D; 5) ROBOTIC-LF, Model Number: CDS984543F; 6) ROBOTIC-LF, Model Number: CDS984543G; 7) ROBOTIC-LF, Model Number: CDS984543I; 8) GYN CDS, Model Number: CDS984860F; 9) GYN LAP PELVI, Model Number: CDS985423G; 10) GYN KIT, Model Number: DYKM1657A; 11) KIT GYN ONCOLOGY LAP, Model Number: DYKMBNDL100; 12) KIT ROBOTICS GYN, Model Number: DYKMBNDL109; 13) KIT ROBOTICS UROLOGY PROSTATE, Model Number: DYKMBNDL116D; 14) KIT ROBOTICS UROLOGY PROSTATE, Model Number: DYKMBNDL116F; 15) KIT GYN VAGINAL MAJOR, Model Number: DYKMBNDL119; 16) KIT GYN VAGINAL MAJOR, Model Number: DYKMBNDL119A; 17) KIT GYN ABDOMINAL MAJOR, Model Number: DYKMBNDL168; 18) KIT GYN ABDOMINAL MAJOR, Model Number: DYKMBNDL168A; 19) KIT THORACIC ROBOTIC LOBECTOMY, Model Number: DYKMBNDL184D; 20) KIT GYN ONCOLOGY LAP, Model Number: DYKMBNDL91; 21) KIT GYN ONCOLOGY, Model Number: DYKMBNDL92; 22) KIT GYN ONCOLOGY, Model Number: DYKMBNDL92A; 23) KIT GYN ABDOMINAL, Model Number: DYKMBNDL92C; 24) KIT GYN LAP, Model Number: DYKMBNDL94; 25) KIT GYN LAP, Model Number: DYKMBNDL94A; 26) KIT GYN LAP, Model Number: DYKMBNDL94C; 27) KIT GYN LAP, Model Number: DYKMBNDL94D; 28) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK-LF, Model Number: DYNJ0281948N; 29) PROSTATE ROBOTIC PACK, Model Number: DYNJ0347372F; 30) PROSTATE ROBOTIC PACK, Model Number: DYNJ0347372G; 31) PROSTATE ROBOTIC PACK, Model Number: DYNJ0347372I; 32) HEALTH ALL GYN LAP PACK-LF, Model Number: DYNJ28252G; 33) GYN OPERATIVE LAP PACK-LF, Model Number: DYNJ30005G; 34) OB PACK, Model Number: DYNJ32706B; 35) ROBOTIC UROLOGY-RF, Model Number: DYNJ38844N; 36) ENSEMBLE GYNE LAPAROTOMIE-LF, Model Number: DYNJ47550C; 37) GYN LAP PACK, Model Number: DYNJ47714A; 38) TASC GYN LAP, Model Number: DYNJ49191B; 39) ROBOTIC PACK, Model Number: DYNJ49705K; 40) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK, Model Number: DYNJ50348F; 41) NWH GYN LAPAROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ50439F; 42) FH LAPAROSCOPIC GYN PK-LF, Model Number: DYNJ51795F; 43) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK, Model Number: DYNJ52569B; 44) LAVH PACK, Model Number: DYNJ55862; 45) PK, GEN-LAPAROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ57607A; 46) GYN LAPAROSCOPY MRNGSD, Model Number: DYNJ58321A; 47) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK, Model Number: DYNJ63079B; 48) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK, Model Number: DYNJ63079C; 49) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK, Model Number: DYNJ63079D; 50) GYN LAPAROSCOPY PACK, Model Number: DYNJ63079F; 51) GYN DAVINCI PACK, Model Number: DYNJ64266; 52) DAVINCI PACK, Model Number: DYNJ66298D; 53) GYN LAPAROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ67269; 54) GENERAL GYN PACK, Model Number: DYNJ68710; 55) LAP GYN PACK, Model Number: DYNJ69419A; 56) LAP GYN PACK, Model Number: DYNJ69419D; 57) GYN LAPAROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ81492A; 58) PK, ROBOTIC GYN & GU-ROSE MEDI, Model Number: DYNJ81761A; 59) GYN PACK, Model Number: DYNJ83475A; 60) ROBOTIC XI PACK, Model Number: DYNJ84783; 61) GYN PACK, Model Number: DYNJ86195A; 62) GYN LAPAROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ900262A; 63) D&C HYSTEROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ901133A; 64) GYN LAPAROSCOPY, Model Number: DYNJ901559J; 65) GYN ENDOSCOPY-LF, Model Number: DYNJ901812J; 66) GYN LITHOTOMY-LF, Model Number: DYNJ902711M; 67) GENERAL ROBOTIC, Model Number: DYNJ905066B; 68) TRINITY C-SEC W/LINEN CDS, Model Number: DYNJ905269G; 69) KIT GYN LAPAROSCOPY RFD, Model Number: DYNJ906322D; 70) GYN LAP LH, Model Number: DYNJ906452C; 71) GYN LAP LH, Model Number: DYNJ906452D; 72) GYN LAP LH, Model Number: DYNJ906452F; 73) FLOYD LITH GYN, Model Number: DYNJ906926B; 74) GYN LAPAROSCOPY-MRMC, Model Number: DYNJ907753F; 75) GYN LAPAROSCOPY-SFMC, Model Number: DYNJ907771C; 76) LAP/GYN ROBOTICS, Model Number: DYNJ908887B; 77) LAP/GYN ROBOTICS, Model Number: DYNJ908887C;
    Class II· 2026-01-07
    Medline medical procedure convenience kits labeled as: 1) LAPAROSCOPY CDS-LF, REF CDS860235L; 2) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPIC, REF CDS930223M; 3) LAP CHOLE CDS, REF CDS983678K; 4) LAPAROSCOPY PELV CDS, REF CDS983679K; 5) LAP CHOLE CDS-LF, REF CDS983752M; 6) LAP CHOLE CDS-LF, REF CDS984016B; 7) LAP CHOLE KIT, REF CDS984020P; 8) LAP CHOLE-LF, REF CDS984175J; 9) LAP COLON CDS, REF CDS984849N; 10) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY CDS, REF CDS985328M; 11) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJQ9044O; 12) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY V, REF DYNJS2032F; 13) LAP CHOLE PACK, REF DYNJ26209R; 14) LAP CHOLE PACK, REF DYNJ26209S; 15) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY PACK, REF DYNJ37459D; 16) DR. BROWN LAP CHOLE PLUS SETUP, REF DYNJ42578G; 17) LAPAROSCOPY GENERAL PACK, REF DYNJ45083G; 18) LAP CHOLE PACK, REF DYNJ51785D; 19) LAPAROSCOPY PACK, REF DYNJ61652A; 20) ENDOSCOPY, REF DYNJ62133A; 21) LAP CHOLE PACK, REF DYNJ66285A; 22) LAPAROSCOPY PACK, REF DYNJ66289B; 23) LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTO, REF DYNJ67296D; 24) LAPAROSCOPY PACK, REF DYNJ68187A; 25) LAP OB PACK, REF DYNJ68741A; 26) LAP CHOLE PACK-LF, REF DYNJ81408A; 27) LAP CHOLE PACK-LF, REF DYNJ81408B; 28) LAP CHOLE PACK, REF DYNJ85318; 29) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY PACK, REF DYNJ89677; 30) LEX GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY, REF DYNJ900969J; 31) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ901126G; 32) BARIATRIC KIT, REF DYNJ901145I; 33) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY SOMC-LF, REF DYNJ901164M; 34) LAP GASTRIC SLEEVE, REF DYNJ901504L; 35) GENERAL LAP GASTRIC, REF DYNJ901827X; 36) GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY, REF DYNJ901847N; 37) LOU LAP SIGMOID COLON, REF DYNJ901848L; 38) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ901870J; 39) LEX BARIATRIC, REF DYNJ902033L; 40) BARIATRIC, REF DYNJ902515K; 41) LAP CHOLE CDS, REF DYNJ902565K; 42) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ902995I; 43) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ903163L; 44) LAP APPY, REF DYNJ903164L; 45) GENERAL SURGERY LAPAROSCOPY, REF DYNJ903733C; 46) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ904693D; 47) BARIATRIC, REF DYNJ904891N; 48) LAPAROSCOPY, REF DYNJ905071F; 49) KIT GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY MHS, REF DYNJ905390F; 50) KIT GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY MHS, REF DYNJ905390G; 51) KIT GENERAL LAPAROSCOPY WEILER, REF DYNJ905407D; 52) KIT GENERAL LAP WAKEFIELD, REF DYNJ905413A; 53) KIT GENERAL LAP WAKEFIELD, REF DYNJ905413B; 54) LAP BARIATRIC, REF DYNJ905733K; 55) KIT LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC B, REF DYNJ905856A; 56) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ906277D; 57) LAP CHOLE RFD, REF DYNJ906302D; 58) KIT LAP COLON RFD, REF DYNJ906315D; 59) GASTRIC SLEEVE, REF DYNJ906355D; 60) PROSTATECTOMY LAP ROBOTIC, REF DYNJ906805C; 61) LAP ROBOTIC SURG ONCOLOGY, REF DYNJ906824C; 62) GEN BARIATRIC, REF DYNJ907639D; 63) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ908415B; 64) LAP CHOLE, REF DYNJ908415C; 65) LAPAROSCOPIC, REF DYNJ908569B; 66) ROBOTIC GASTRIC LAP SLEEVE-LF, REF DYNJ909119G; 67) LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC ADD ON, REF DYNJ909628A; 68) BARIATRIC CENTRASTATE, REF DYNJ909817A; 69) LAP GENERAL THEDA, REF DYNJ910050; 70) LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLE PACK, REF DYNJ910139A; 71) ROBOTIC THORACIC, REF DYNJ910386; 72) BARIATRIC, REF DYNJ911017.
    Class II· 2025-12-16

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    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 3 verified· last checked 2026-06-20
    FDA·1European Commission·1IMDRF·1
    1. 1
      FDA - Medical Devices
      Verified
      FDAfda.gov
    2. 2
      European Commission - Medical Devices
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      European Commissionhealth.ec.europa.eu
    3. 3
      IMDRF Documents
      Verified
      IMDRFimdrf.org

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