Notified body number 11!
The notified body (NB) designation is moving along. Congratulation to NSAI. We have to note the scope NSAI shows as one of the smaller notified bodies. It includes active implantable medical devices. Well Done!
However, we like to congratulate all NBs who have made it to the Nando Website as of today.
Early this year it was communicated that 3 more notified bodies are in the pipeline. After DNV GL Presafe and NSAI we are waiting for the third one to be published. We may not see a big wave and we may see the majority of NBs notified after May 26 – the application date of the MDR!
This means that the additional transition as provided by MDR Article 120 (3) is the norm and not the exception.
What else is there to note:
1. BSI UK is still listed and will stay on the list because the Brexit deal provides for business is as usual - at least until the end of this year (see MDSS N&V here).
2. The notified bodies must train all the auditors and experts to the MDR requirements. They must be reviewed in regards to their qualification and experience (see MDR Annex VII). This is a lot more cumbersome as with the directive. Clients reported that their auditor stated that they would not come back due to their lack of qualification under the MDR. I guess someone may ask the question whether those were actually qualified under the MDD!
3. Even before quoting the service the NB shall conduct a preliminary verification that the product is covered by the MDR and the classification (Annex VII 4.2 d).
4. Article 50 requires the Notified Body to publish the list of their standard fees. This will be interesting to see whether you will be able to estimate the final cost and Annex VII requires to have all costs fixed in procedures for the different activities. How can a notified body know what resources it takes if the service was never applied! This only can mean high estimates of fees in the beginning and we only can hope that some of the prices communicated may drop in the near future upon the actual experience.
There is a lot more to say. Be aware of the NB requirement in MDR Annex VII to be prepared for the new NB process.
The below is a screenshot from the Nando website.