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ISO 13485 Certification

Medical Devices

If you're looking to start your certification journey, read on. To learn more about the standard and the benefits of ISO 13485, visit the standards page.

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Quality Management Systems for Medical Devices 

ISO 13485 certification can help build confidence in your organisation by showing that your Quality Management System (QMS) has been independently audited against an internationally recognised standard for medical device quality.  

The ISO 13485 standard sets out requirements for organisations involved in the design, manufacture, installation and servicing of medical devices, supporting compliance with regulatory frameworks and maintaining high product quality. 

Being certified to ISO 13485 could strengthen your credibility with customers and partners, support regulatory and supply chain requirements, and help you compete in regulated markets. 

What Is ISO 13485 Certification?

It is an independent audit and certification that checks whether your QMS meets the requirements of the standard. ISO 13485 certification is widely recognised across the medical device sector and may be requested by customers, supply chain partners, or specified in contracts. 

Being certified can give customers and other stakeholders confidence that your approach to medical device quality has been independently reviewed and demonstrates commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. 

Who Needs Certification?

ISO 13485 certification can be valuable for organisations across the medical device supply chain that want to demonstrate evidence of an audited Quality Management System. This may include:

  • Medical device manufacturers looking to support customer, supply chain, and relevant regulatory requirements in the UK, EU, US, and other markets.
  • Contract manufacturers producing devices or components on behalf of brand owners.
  • Suppliers of components, materials, or services to device manufacturers.
  • Distributors and importers where ISO 13485 supports their activities, customer requirements, or regulatory obligations.
  • Organisations providing installation, servicing, or sterilisation services.

What Are the Benefits of ISO 13485?

Achieving ISO 13485 certification offers numerous advantages, including:

Product-quality-assurance

Product Quality Assurance

Regulatory-compliance

Comply with regulations

Enhanced-Trust

Boosted Customer Confidence

Optimised-processes-documentation

Optimised Processes & Documentation

Effective-risk-management

Effective Risk Management

Global-Recognition

Global Market Access

Improved productivity

Continuous Improvement

Enhanced-Supplier-Relationships

Enhanced Supplier Relationships

Efficient Market Surveillance

Competitive advantage

Competitive Edge

Win more business

More Business Opportunities

Submit government tenders

Industry Recognition

Integrating ISO 13485 With Other Standards  

ISO 13485 can be implemented alongside other Management System Standards, including: 

Where relevant to an organisation’s activities, these management systems can be coordinated to support consistent governance while retaining the specific requirements of each standard. 

ISO 13485 Certification Process and Timeline

Getting ISO 13485 certified follows a clear two-stage audit process. Our experienced auditors will review your QMS against the requirements of the standard.

STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Application and quote

Tell us about your organisation, sites, and scope, and we’ll provide a quote. 

Stage 1 audit

We review key QMS information and your readiness for Stage 2, giving you clear feedback on any areas of concern that could become nonconformities during the Stage 2 Audit.

Stage 2 audit

Our auditors take a detailed look at how your QMS works in practice and whether it meets ISO 13485 requirements. This is normally carried out on-site, with remote audit methods used where appropriate. 

Certification and surveillance

If the certification requirements are met and a positive certification decision is made, your ISO 13485 certificate is issued. Your three-year certification cycle then includes regular surveillance audits. 

The time needed depends on your organisation’s size, complexity, and the maturity of your QMS.  

Our in-house Client Success Team will keep you informed throughout the process and help coordinate the practical arrangements. 

ISO 13485 Certification Process and Timeline

Getting ISO 13485 certified follows a clear two-stage audit process. Our experienced auditors will review your QMS against the requirements of the standard.

STEP 1
Application and quote

Tell us about your organisation, sites, and scope, and we’ll provide a quote. 

STEP 2
Stage 1 audit

We review key QMS information and your readiness for Stage 2, giving you clear feedback on any areas of concern that could become nonconformities during the Stage 2 Audit. 

STEP 3
Stage 2 audit

Our auditors take a detailed look at how your QMS works in practice and whether it meets ISO 13485 requirements. This is normally carried out on-site, with remote audit methods used where appropriate. 

STEP 4
Certification and surveillance

If the certification requirements are met and a positive certification decision is made, your ISO 13485 certificate is issued. Your three-year certification cycle then includes regular surveillance audits. 

The time needed depends on your organisation’s size, complexity, and the maturity of your QMS.

Our in-house Client Success Team will keep you informed throughout the process and help coordinate the practical arrangements. 

What do we look at during the ISO 13485 audit? 

Our impartial auditors will look at how your QMS works in practice and whether it meets the relevant requirements of ISO 13485. 

They will review aspects such as: 

  • How your organisation manages quality and risk in the areas covered by your QMS. 
  • Design and development controls, where these apply to your scope. 
  • Traceability of devices, components, and materials where required. 
  • Complaint handling, feedback, and regulatory reporting processes. 
  • Supplier controls and purchasing processes. 
  • Documented procedures, records, and the medical device file. 
  • Internal audits, management review, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA). 

ISO 13485 Training

If you want to build your understanding of ISO 13485, we have a suitable online training course. It provides a practical introduction to the standard, its key requirements, and medical device quality management, helping you and your team become more familiar with ISO 13485.

How Much Does ISO 13485 Certification Cost?

There’s no fixed price for ISO 13485 certification – your quote reflects the audit time your organisation actually needs. Four of the main factors that can shape your quote are:

Organisation size

The number of people working within your certification scope is a key driver of audit duration, which in turn shapes the overall fee.

Number of sites

The number, location, and activities of sites within scope can affect the audit approach and duration. Multi-site arrangements may be possible where the relevant requirements are met.

Scope and complexity

What your organisation does can affect the audit time and approach, including whether activities such as design and development or sterile device production are within scope.

Existing certification

If you already hold ISO 13485 with another certification body, transferring follows a different route to certifying from scratch.

Want an accurate figure? Tell us about your organisation and we’ll explain the next steps, with no obligation.

Request a Quote

 

These are some of the main factors we consider when preparing your quote. Tell us about your organisation, and we will explain the next steps, with no obligation.

Your ISO 13485 Certification Questions Answered

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