Local Regulatory Experts
Connect with regulatory affairs consultancies specializing in this region.
Qualtech Consulting Corporation
Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, Germany, Korea, Thailand, USA
A specialized medical device consulting firm offering a one-stop solution for complex global regulatory challenges. We offer real-time regulatory and clinical support, local representation, and QMS services across 13 markets, ensuring efficient market entry and compliance.
Registrar Corp
Hampton, Virginia (HQ), Shenzhen, China, London, United Kingdom, Paris, France, Madrid, Spain, Hyderabad, India, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel Aviv, Israel, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Cape Town, South Africa
A global FDA compliance firm assisting businesses in the food, medical device, drug, and cosmetic industries with registration, U.S. Agent services, labeling, and regulatory software solutions.
ARQon Pte. Ltd.
Singapore (HQ), Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Switzerland, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, India, Sri Lanka
We are a premier regulatory consultancy firm specializing in medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2014, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services ranging from product development strategy and clinical trials to product registration and post-market surveillance. With a team of experts possessing vast experience in regulatory authorities and industry, we bridge the gap between scientific innovation and regulatory compliance, ensuring patient safety while fostering medical advancement. The company also provides unique business matching services through its ATTOPOLIS platform and training through the International Medical Device School.
EPSI GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
Singapore (HQ), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Bangkok, Thailand, Hanoi, Vietnam, Manila, Philippines, Shanghai, China
We provide end-to-end regulatory solutions covering all classes of medical devices and IVDs in major APAC markets, especially the ASEAN region (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines) and major Northeast Asian markets (China, Korea, Japan). Services include classification, registration, local authorized representation, quality management system (QMS) implementation/auditing (ISO 13485/local GMP), and post-market surveillance. Their local presence minimizes market entry risks and time-to-market.
September 16, 2025
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Medical Device License Maintenance: Mandatory Amendments for Post-Approval Changes
Vietnam Medical Device License Maintenance: Mandatory Amendments for Post-Approval Changes
License maintenance is a critical and often unique consideration for medical device manufacturers in Vietnam. Unlike jurisdictions like the U.S. or Europe, where certain changes can be documented retrospectively, Vietnam typically requires formal regulatory action before a modified device can be imported or sold. This is governed by the principles laid out in Decree 98/2021.
The Requirement for Mandatory Amendments
In Vietnam, changes made to a registered medical device or its production process generally require an amendment to the existing Market Authorization (MA) License. This proactive approach is mandatory to ensure customs clearance and maintain market access.
Failure to obtain the required amendment before importing the updated device can result in customs clearance delays or potentially the suspension of market activities.
Changes Requiring a License Amendment
Manufacturers must notify the Ministry of Health (MoH) and submit an application for amendment for the following types of changes:
- Administrative Changes:
- Change to the address of the product owner or the local License Holder.
- Change to the name of the License Holder.
- Change to either the name or the address of the product manufacturer (a change to both may require a new registration).
- Product/Packaging Changes:
- Changes to the product packaging (specifically for IVDs).
- Changes to the labels and Instructions for Use (IFU), provided that the product's fundamental indication or intended purpose remains unchanged.
- Other Changes:
- Changes to the warranty establishments.
The Amendment Process
The notification of the change should include:
- A formal notification letter detailing the modifications.
- All relevant supporting documents related to the change (e.g., revised certificates, updated labels, etc.).
The local License Holder plays an indispensable role in managing this process, as they are the legally responsible entity for filing the amendment application and ensuring compliance with the updated documentation before the new product version enters the country.
Important Notice: The interpretation of what constitutes a 'permissible' modification versus a 'significant' change that requires a completely new registration can vary. Manufacturers should always consult with their local regulatory professional to determine the correct pathway to maintain continuous compliance.
Related Articles
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Medical Device Registration: Decree 98, MA License, and Transitioning Market
Vietnam’s medical device regulation, overseen by the **IMDA** under the MoH, is transitioning under **Decree No. 98/2021**. All devices require a **Market Authorization (MA) License**, which does not expire. Foreign manufacturers must appoint a local **Registration Holder**. Class A and B devices are immediately listed through a notification process, while Class C and D devices face significant delays but can utilize **Reference Country approval** (US, EU, Australia, etc.) for an expedited review.
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam IVD Device Registration: Decree 98 and the Transition to Medical Device Status
Vietnam’s In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) regulation is under a major transition, consolidating all IVD products under the medical device framework (Decree 98/2021). IVD components are now classified (A to D) based on risk. All classes require a **Market Authorization (MA) License**, which does not expire. Class A/B receive immediate administrative approval, while Class C/D utilize the **Reference Country approval** pathway to expedite the lengthy technical review process.
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Medical Device Classification: GHTF Risk Levels and Registration Holder Responsibility
Medical device classification in Vietnam follows the **GHTF guidelines** and is based on the intended use, risk, and invasiveness, categorizing devices from lowest to highest risk as **Class A, B, C, and D**. Under the new regulations (Decree 98/2021), the responsibility for classifying the product has shifted from a certified third party to the **Registration Holder** as part of the market authorization application.
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Medical Device Grouping: Simplifying MA Licenses under Circular 39/2016 Guidelines
Vietnam allows for the grouping of multiple medical device variations under a single **Market Authorization (MA) License** application, guided by **Circular 39/2016 (Appendix II)**. The primary grouping categories are **Single Family, System, IVD Test Kit, and IVD Cluster**. All grouped devices must share the same product owner, intended purpose, and typically a common proprietary name, streamlining the registration process and saving costs for manufacturers.
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Local Labeling Requirements: Mandatory Vietnamese and Secondary Labeling After Customs
Medical device labeling in Vietnam is governed by **Decree 43/2017** and **Decree 111/2021**. While imported products can have international labels for customs clearance, all devices must be labeled in **Vietnamese** before reaching the end user. This usually requires a **secondary label** to be affixed after importation, including mandatory details such as the product name, License Holder's name and address, and the circulation/MA license number.
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Medical Device Advertising: Mandatory Public Portal Submission and Content Requirements
Under **Decree 98/2021 (Article 62)**, all medical device advertising materials (print, internet, video), including those for healthcare professionals and the public, must be **uploaded to the MoH public portal** before market placement. After uploading, a unique number is generated, which must be displayed on the advertising material. Failure to comply or meet MoH requirements can lead to removal from the market.
Approximately 5 minutes
Vietnam Medical Device Importing and Customs Clearance: Roles and Common Delays
The Vietnamese customs clearance process requires a separation between the **Market Authorization (MA) License Holder** and the **Importer**. The License Holder must provide an authorization letter and the MA License to the licensed Importer to clear the shipment. Common causes of customs delays include inconsistent **HS Codes** across shipments, discrepancies between declared value and shipment value, and inconsistencies between the registered product label and the actual physical label.