Expert advice

Medical devices are classified according to the level of risk to the user, how and where the device will be used, whether it depends on a power source, how long it will be used and other characteristics.

Based on the level of risk to the user, the devices are divided into the following classes:

  • Class I – low risk;
  • Class IIa – medium risk;
  • Class IIb – high risk; and
  • Class III – highest risk.

Based on where and how the devices will be used, they are divided into invasive and non-invasive medical devices, and based on whether or not the device depends on a power source, it is classified as either an active or passive medical device.

As of 26 May 2021, the placing on the market, making available on the market or putting into service medical devices, their accessories and products without an intended medical purpose listed in Annex XVI of the Regulation (EU) 2017/745 became subject to the Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices.

In vitro diagnostic medical devices are also medical devices. Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices became applicable on May 2022.

Regulation (EU) 2017/746 introduces a system for classifying in vitro diagnostic medical devices into Classes A, B, C and D, taking into account the intended purpose of the devices and the risks associated with them:

  • Class A – the lowest level of risk to the user;
  • Class B;
  • Class C;
  • Class D – the highest level of risk to the user.

Most devices in higher risk classes (Class B, C and D) compliant with Regulation (EU) 2017/746 will, under the new legislation, require the involvement of a notified body in the conformity assessment and the obtaining of an EU certificate.

Defintition in article 2 of both regulations defines the manufacturer as a natural or legal person who manufactures or fully refurbishes a device or has a device designed, manufactured or fully refurbished, and markets that device under its name or trademark.

As the competent authority for medical devices, the JAZMP also provides expert advice in the field of medical devices on the basis of Article 12 of the Medical Devices Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia [Uradni list RS], No. 98/09) on expert advice only according to Medical Devices Act.

PROVISION OF EXPERT ADVICE

On the basis of an application by the applicant, the JAZMP provides expert advice in relation to: 

  • the translation of the instructions for use and labelling of medical devices;
  • the differentiation between medical devices and other products;
  • the classification of medical devices.

Expert advice is provided on the basis of a written application, which must include: 

  • applicant details;
  • manufacturer details;
  • details of the manufacturer’s authorised representative if the manufacturer is not established in the EU;
  • details of the representative of the manufacturer or the legal representative (if applicable);
  • product name;
  • product description (composition);
  • principal intended purpose of the product;
  • intended use of the product;
  • instructions for use of the product;
  • promotional material for the product.

It is recommended to enclose as much of the promotional material with the application as possible (advertising material, proposed wrapping or outer packaging, etc.). Ensure that the application is in the form of a letter written in Slovenian and enclose the instructions for use of the device in Slovenian or English. If the promotional material for the product is only available in English, please enclose it with the application – there is no need to provide a Slovenian translation.

The written application may be submitted by the manufacturer of the product, by the manufacturer’s authorised representative if the manufacturer is not established in the EU, or by the representative of the manufacturer or the legal representative if the applicant is not the manufacturer of the product. Please note that the application must be accompanied by the relevant authorisations.

On the basis of the application, the JAZMP will issue an opinion on:

  • the translation of the instructions for use and labelling of medical devices;
  • the differentiation between medical devices and other products;
  • the classification of medical devices

In issuing its opinion, the JAZMP takes into account:

COSTS OF PROCEDURE

The fees for expert advice are defined in Article 4 of the Rules on fees in the field of medical devices (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia [Uradni list RS], No. 24/19):

  • for expert advice relating to the translation of instructions for use and labelling of a medical device (1,500 characters per page, without spaces) – 50 points;
  • for expert advice relating to the differentiation between medical devices and other products – 200 points;
  • for expert advice relating to the appropriate classification of medical devices – 250 points.

The fees are specified in points. The value of one point is EUR 5 excluding value added tax (VAT). The amount of the fee is the point value multiplied by the number of points.

The applicant pays the fee after receiving the notice of due payment or the notification on the payment method from the JAZMP.

The JAZMP sends a notification on the payment method to the email address indicated by the applicant in the application form. The applicant must pay the fee within 15 days to the sub-account of the JAZMP.

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