Medical Devices
Device Labeling
Please note: as of October 1, 2002, FDA charges fees for review of Premarket Notification 510(k)s and Premarket Approvals
Introduction to Medical Device Labeling
Label vs. Labeling
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) develops and administers regulations under authority granted by laws passed by Congress that apply to food, drugs, cosmetics, biologics, radiation-emitting electronic products, and medical devices. Labeling regulations pertaining to medical devices are found in the following Parts of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
| General Device Labeling - In Vitro Diagnostic Products - Investigational Device Exemptions - Good Manufacturing Practices - General Electronic Products - |
The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) is the law under which the FDA takes action against regulated products. Specifically:
Section 201(k) defines "label" as a:
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"display of written, printed, or graphic matter upon the immediate container of any article..."
The term "immediate container" does not include package liners. Any word, statement, or other information appearing on the immediate container must also appear "on the outside container or wrapper, if any there be, of the retain package of such article, or is easily legible through the outside container of wrapper."
Section 201(m) defines "labeling" as:
- "all labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter
The term "accompanying" is interpreted liberally to mean more than physical association with the product. It extends to posters, tags, pamphlets, circulars, booklets, brochures, instruction books, direction sheets, fillers, etc. "Accompanying" also includes labeling that is brought together with the device after shipment or delivery for shipment in interstate commerce.
(1) upon any article or any of its containers or wrappers, or
(2) accompanying such article" at any time while a device is held for sale after shipment or delivery for shipment in interstate commerce.
Advertising
According to an appellate court decision: "Most, if not all advertising, is labeling. The term 'labeling' is defined in the FFDCA as including all printed matter accompanying any article. Congress did not, and we cannot, exclude from the definition printed matter which constitutes advertising."
Additional Labeling Topics
Device Advice Labeling Topics
General Labeling Guidance Documents
- Labeling - Regulatory Requirements for Medical Devices (FDA 89-4203)
- Write it Right
- Device Labeling Guidance #G91-1 (blue book memo)
- Guidance on Medical Device Patient Labeling; Final Guidance for Industry and FDA Reviewers
- Guidance on Labeling for Laboratory Tests; Draft
- Human Factors Principles for Medical Device Labeling
- Electronic Labeling: Section 206 of the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA) (New section 502(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) Electronic Labeling for Prescription Devices Intended for Use in Health Care Facilities - #G03-1
- Rx Labeling: Alternative to Certain Prescription Device Labeling Requirements
Natural Rubber (Latex) Labeling