[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 21, Volume 8, Parts 800 to 1299]
[Revised as of April 1, 1998]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 21CFR820]

[Page 143-156]
 
                        TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS
 
CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES--(Continued)
 
PART 820--QUALITY SYSTEM REGULATION

                      Subpart A--General Provisions

Sec.
820.1  Scope.
820.3  Definitions.
820.5  Quality system.

                 Subpart B--Quality System Requirements

820.20  Management responsibility.
820.22  Quality audit.
820.25  Personnel.

                       Subpart C--Design Controls

820.30  Design controls.

                      Subpart D--Document Controls

820.40  Document controls.

                     Subpart E--Purchasing Controls

820.50  Purchasing controls.

               Subpart F--Identification and Traceability

820.60  Identification.
820.65  Traceability.

               Subpart G--Production and Process Controls

820.70  Production and process controls.
820.72  Inspection, measuring, and test equipment.
820.75  Process validation.

                    Subpart H--Acceptance Activities

820.80  Receiving, in-process, and finished device acceptance.
820.86  Acceptance status.

                    Subpart I--Nonconforming Product

820.90  Nonconforming product.

               Subpart J--Corrective and Preventive Action

820.100  Corrective and preventive action.

                Subpart K--Labeling and Packaging Control

820.120  Device labeling.
820.130  Device packaging.

      Subpart L--Handling, Storage, Distribution, and Installation

820.140  Handling.
820.150  Storage.
820.160  Distribution.
820.170  Installation.

                           Subpart M--Records

820.180  General requirements.
820.181  Device master record.
820.184  Device history record.
820.186  Quality system record.
820.198  Complaint files.

                          Subpart N--Servicing

820.200  Servicing.

                    Subpart O--Statistical Techniques

820.250  Statistical techniques.

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 351, 352, 360, 360c, 360d, 360e, 360h, 360i, 
360j, 360l, 371, 374, 381, 383.

    Source:  61 FR 52654, Oct. 7, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

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                      Subpart A--General Provisions

Sec. 820.1  Scope.

    (a) Applicability. (1) Current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) 
requirements are set forth in this quality system regulation. The 
requirements in this part govern the methods used in, and the facilities 
and controls used for, the design, manufacture, packaging, labeling, 
storage, installation, and servicing of all finished devices intended 
for human use. The requirements in this part are intended to ensure that 
finished devices will be safe and effective and otherwise in compliance 
with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act). This part 
establishes basic requirements applicable to manufacturers of finished 
medical devices. If a manufacturer engages in only some operations 
subject to the requirements in this part, and not in others, that 
manufacturer need only comply with those requirements applicable to the 
operations in which it is engaged. With respect to class I devices, 
design controls apply only to those devices listed in Sec. 820.30(a)(2). 
This regulation does not apply to manufacturers of components or parts 
of finished devices, but such manufacturers are encouraged to use 
appropriate provisions of this regulation as guidance. Manufacturers of 
human blood and blood components are not subject to this part, but are 
subject to part 606 of this chapter.
    (2) The provisions of this part shall be applicable to any finished 
device as defined in this part, intended for human use, that is 
manufactured, imported, or offered for import in any State or Territory 
of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico.
    (3) In this regulation the term ``where appropriate'' is used 
several times. When a requirement is qualified by ``where appropriate,'' 
it is deemed to be ``appropriate'' unless the manufacturer can document 
justification otherwise. A requirement is ``appropriate'' if 
nonimplementation could reasonably be expected to result in the product 
not meeting its specified requirements or the manufacturer not being 
able to carry out any necessary corrective action.
    (b) Limitations. The quality system regulation in this part 
supplements regulations in other parts of this chapter except where 
explicitly stated otherwise. In the event that it is impossible to 
comply with all applicable regulations, both in this part and in other 
parts of this chapter, the regulations specifically applicable to the 
device in question shall supersede any other generally applicable 
requirements.
    (c) Authority. Part 820 is established and issued under authority of 
sections 501, 502, 510, 513, 514, 515, 518, 519, 520, 522, 701, 704, 
801, 803 of the act (21 U.S.C. 351, 352, 360, 360c, 360d, 360e, 360h, 
360i, 360j, 360l, 371, 374, 381, 383). The failure to comply with any 
applicable provision in this part renders a device adulterated under 
section 501(h) of the act. Such a device, as well as any person 
responsible for the failure to comply, is subject to regulatory action.
    (d) Foreign manufacturers. If a manufacturer who offers devices for 
import into the United States refuses to permit or allow the completion 
of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection of the foreign 
facility for the purpose of determining compliance with this part, it 
shall appear for purposes of section 801(a) of the act, that the methods 
used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the design, 
manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, installation, or servicing of 
any devices produced at such facility that are offered for import into 
the United States do not conform to the requirements of section 520(f) 
of the act and this part and that the devices manufactured at that 
facility are adulterated under section 501(h) of the act.
    (e) Exemptions or variances. (1) Any person who wishes to petition 
for an exemption or variance from any device quality system requirement 
is subject to the requirements of section 520(f)(2) of the act. 
Petitions for an exemption or variance shall be submitted according to 
the procedures set forth in Sec. 10.30 of this chapter, the FDA's 
administrative procedures. Guidance is available from the Center for 
Devices and Radiological Health, Division of Small Manufacturers 
Assistance, (HFZ-220), 1350 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850, U.S.A., 
telephone 1-800-638-2041 or 1-301-443-6597, FAX 301-443-8818.

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    (2) FDA may initiate and grant a variance from any device quality 
system requirement when the agency determines that such variance is in 
the best interest of the public health. Such variance will remain in 
effect only so long as there remains a public health need for the device 
and the device would not likely be made sufficiently available without 
the variance.
    (f) This part does not apply to distributors of cigarettes or 
smokeless tobacco as defined in part 897 of this chapter.

Sec. 820.3  Definitions.

    (a) Act means the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended 
(secs. 201-903, 52 Stat. 1040 et seq., as amended (21 U.S.C. 321-394)). 
All definitions in section 201 of the act shall apply to the regulations 
in this part.
    (b) Complaint means any written, electronic, or oral communication 
that alleges deficiencies related to the identity, quality, durability, 
reliability, safety, effectiveness, or performance of a device after it 
is released for distribution.
    (c) Component means any raw material, substance, piece, part, 
software, firmware, labeling, or assembly which is intended to be 
included as part of the finished, packaged, and labeled device.
    (d) Control number means any distinctive symbols, such as a 
distinctive combination of letters or numbers, or both, from which the 
history of the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and distribution of a 
unit, lot, or batch of finished devices can be determined.
    (e) Design history file (DHF) means a compilation of records which 
describes the design history of a finished device.
    (f) Design input means the physical and performance requirements of 
a device that are used as a basis for device design.
    (g) Design output means the results of a design effort at each 
design phase and at the end of the total design effort. The finished 
design output is the basis for the device master record. The total 
finished design output consists of the device, its packaging and 
labeling, and the device master record.
    (h) Design review means a documented, comprehensive, systematic 
examination of a design to evaluate the adequacy of the design 
requirements, to evaluate the capability of the design to meet these 
requirements, and to identify problems.
    (i) Device history record (DHR) means a compilation of records 
containing the production history of a finished device.
    (j) Device master record (DMR) means a compilation of records 
containing the procedures and specifications for a finished device.
    (k) Establish means define, document (in writing or electronically), 
and implement.
    (l) Finished device means any device or accessory to any device that 
is suitable for use or capable of functioning, whether or not it is 
packaged, labeled, or sterilized.
    (m) Lot or batch means one or more components or finished devices 
that consist of a single type, model, class, size, composition, or 
software version that are manufactured under essentially the same 
conditions and that are intended to have uniform characteristics and 
quality within specified limits.
    (n) Management with executive responsibility means those senior 
employees of a manufacturer who have the authority to establish or make 
changes to the manufacturer's quality policy and quality system.
    (o) Manufacturer means any person who designs, manufactures, 
fabricates, assembles, or processes a finished device. Manufacturer 
includes but is not limited to those who perform the functions of 
contract sterilization, installation, relabeling, remanufacturing, 
repacking, or specification development, and initial distributors of 
foreign entities performing these functions.
    (p) Manufacturing material means any material or substance used in 
or used to facilitate the manufacturing process, a concomitant 
constituent, or a byproduct constituent produced during the 
manufacturing process, which is present in or on the finished device as 
a residue or impurity not by design or intent of the manufacturer.
    (q) Nonconformity means the nonfulfillment of a specified 
requirement.
    (r) Product means components, manufacturing materials, in- process 
devices, finished devices, and returned devices.

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    (s) Quality means the totality of features and characteristics that 
bear on the ability of a device to satisfy fitness-for-use, including 
safety and performance.
    (t) Quality audit means a systematic, independent examination of a 
manufacturer's quality system that is performed at defined intervals and 
at sufficient frequency to determine whether both quality system 
activities and the results of such activities comply with quality system 
procedures, that these procedures are implemented effectively, and that 
these procedures are suitable to achieve quality system objectives.
    (u) Quality policy means the overall intentions and direction of an 
organization with respect to quality, as established by management with 
executive responsibility.
    (v) Quality system means the organizational structure, 
responsibilities, procedures, processes, and resources for implementing 
quality management.
    (w) Remanufacturer means any person who processes, conditions, 
renovates, repackages, restores, or does any other act to a finished 
device that significantly changes the finished device's performance or 
safety specifications, or intended use.
    (x) Rework means action taken on a nonconforming product so that it 
will fulfill the specified DMR requirements before it is released for 
distribution.
    (y) Specification means any requirement with which a product, 
process, service, or other activity must conform.
    (z) Validation means confirmation by examination and provision of 
objective evidence that the particular requirements for a specific 
intended use can be consistently fulfilled.
    (1) Process validation means establishing by objective evidence that 
a process consistently produces a result or product meeting its 
predetermined specifications.
    (2) Design validation means establishing by objective evidence that 
device specifications conform with user needs and intended use(s).
    (aa) Verification means confirmation by examination and provision of 
objective evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled.

Sec. 820.5  Quality system.

    Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain a quality system that 
is appropriate for the specific medical device(s) designed or 
manufactured, and that meets the requirements of this part.

                 Subpart B--Quality System Requirements

Sec. 820.20  Management responsibility.

    (a) Quality policy. Management with executive responsibility shall 
establish its policy and objectives for, and commitment to, quality. 
Management with executive responsibility shall ensure that the quality 
policy is understood, implemented, and maintained at all levels of the 
organization.
    (b) Organization. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain an 
adequate organizational structure to ensure that devices are designed 
and produced in accordance with the requirements of this part.
    (1) Responsibility and authority. Each manufacturer shall establish 
the appropriate responsibility, authority, and interrelation of all 
personnel who manage, perform, and assess work affecting quality, and 
provide the independence and authority necessary to perform these tasks.
    (2) Resources. Each manufacturer shall provide adequate resources, 
including the assignment of trained personnel, for management, 
performance of work, and assessment activities, including internal 
quality audits, to meet the requirements of this part.
    (3) Management representative. Management with executive 
responsibility shall appoint, and document such appointment of, a member 
of management who, irrespective of other responsibilities, shall have 
established authority over and responsibility for:
    (i) Ensuring that quality system requirements are effectively 
established and effectively maintained in accordance with this part; and
    (ii) Reporting on the performance of the quality system to 
management with executive responsibility for review.

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    (c) Management review. Management with executive responsibility 
shall review the suitability and effectiveness of the quality system at 
defined intervals and with sufficient frequency according to established 
procedures to ensure that the quality system satisfies the requirements 
of this part and the manufacturer's established quality policy and 
objectives. The dates and results of quality system reviews shall be 
documented.
    (d) Quality planning. Each manufacturer shall establish a quality 
plan which defines the quality practices, resources, and activities 
relevant to devices that are designed and manufactured. The manufacturer 
shall establish how the requirements for quality will be met.
    (e) Quality system procedures. Each manufacturer shall establish 
quality system procedures and instructions. An outline of the structure 
of the documentation used in the quality system shall be established 
where appropriate.

Sec. 820.22  Quality audit.

    Each manufacturer shall establish procedures for quality audits and 
conduct such audits to assure that the quality system is in compliance 
with the established quality system requirements and to determine the 
effectiveness of the quality system. Quality audits shall be conducted 
by individuals who do not have direct responsibility for the matters 
being audited. Corrective action(s), including a reaudit of deficient 
matters, shall be taken when necessary. A report of the results of each 
quality audit, and reaudit(s) where taken, shall be made and such 
reports shall be reviewed by management having responsibility for the 
matters audited. The dates and results of quality audits and reaudits 
shall be documented.

Sec. 820.25  Personnel.

    (a) General. Each manufacturer shall have sufficient personnel with 
the necessary education, background, training, and experience to assure 
that all activities required by this part are correctly performed.
    (b) Training. Each manufacturer shall establish procedures for 
identifying training needs and ensure that all personnel are trained to 
adequately perform their assigned responsibilities. Training shall be 
documented.
    (1) As part of their training, personnel shall be made aware of 
device defects which may occur from the improper performance of their 
specific jobs.
    (2) Personnel who perform verification and validation activities 
shall be made aware of defects and errors that may be encountered as 
part of their job functions.

                       Subpart C--Design Controls

Sec. 820.30  Design controls.

    (a) General. (1) Each manufacturer of any class III or class II 
device, and the class I devices listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, shall establish and maintain procedures to control the design 
of the device in order to ensure that specified design requirements are 
met.
    (2) The following class I devices are subject to design controls:
    (i) Devices automated with computer software; and
    (ii) The devices listed in the following chart.

                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Section                              Device               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
868.6810..........................  Catheter, Tracheobronchial Suction. 
878.4460..........................  Glove, Surgeon's.                   
880.6760..........................  Restraint, Protective.              
892.5650..........................  System, Applicator, Radionuclide,   
                                     Manual.                            
892.5740..........................  Source, Radionuclide Teletherapy.   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Design and development planning. Each manufacturer shall 
establish and maintain plans that describe or reference the design and 
development activities and define responsibility for implementation. The 
plans shall identify and describe the interfaces with different groups 
or activities that provide, or result in, input to the design and 
development process. The plans shall be reviewed, updated, and approved 
as design and development evolves.
    (c) Design input. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures to ensure that the design requirements relating to a device 
are appropriate and address the intended use of the device, including 
the needs of the user and patient. The procedures shall

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include a mechanism for addressing incomplete, ambiguous, or conflicting 
requirements. The design input requirements shall be documented and 
shall be reviewed and approved by a designated individual(s). The 
approval, including the date and signature of the individual(s) 
approving the requirements, shall be documented.
    (d) Design output. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures for defining and documenting design output in terms that 
allow an adequate evaluation of conformance to design input 
requirements. Design output procedures shall contain or make reference 
to acceptance criteria and shall ensure that those design outputs that 
are essential for the proper functioning of the device are identified. 
Design output shall be documented, reviewed, and approved before 
release. The approval, including the date and signature of the 
individual(s) approving the output, shall be documented.
    (e) Design review. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures to ensure that formal documented reviews of the design 
results are planned and conducted at appropriate stages of the device's 
design development. The procedures shall ensure that participants at 
each design review include representatives of all functions concerned 
with the design stage being reviewed and an individual(s) who does not 
have direct responsibility for the design stage being reviewed, as well 
as any specialists needed. The results of a design review, including 
identification of the design, the date, and the individual(s) performing 
the review, shall be documented in the design history file (the DHF).
    (f) Design verification. Each manufacturer shall establish and 
maintain procedures for verifying the device design. Design verification 
shall confirm that the design output meets the design input 
requirements. The results of the design verification, including 
identification of the design, method(s), the date, and the individual(s) 
performing the verification, shall be documented in the DHF.
    (g) Design validation. Each manufacturer shall establish and 
maintain procedures for validating the device design. Design validation 
shall be performed under defined operating conditions on initial 
production units, lots, or batches, or their equivalents. Design 
validation shall ensure that devices conform to defined user needs and 
intended uses and shall include testing of production units under actual 
or simulated use conditions. Design validation shall include software 
validation and risk analysis, where appropriate. The results of the 
design validation, including identification of the design, method(s), 
the date, and the individual(s) performing the validation, shall be 
documented in the DHF.
    (h) Design transfer. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures to ensure that the device design is correctly translated into 
production specifications.
    (i) Design changes. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures for the identification, documentation, validation or where 
appropriate verification, review, and approval of design changes before 
their implementation.
    (j) Design history file. Each manufacturer shall establish and 
maintain a DHF for each type of device. The DHF shall contain or 
reference the records necessary to demonstrate that the design was 
developed in accordance with the approved design plan and the 
requirements of this part.

                      Subpart D--Document Controls

Sec. 820.40  Document controls.

    Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to control 
all documents that are required by this part. The procedures shall 
provide for the following:
    (a) Document approval and distribution. Each manufacturer shall 
designate an individual(s) to review for adequacy and approve prior to 
issuance all documents established to meet the requirements of this 
part. The approval, including the date and signature of the 
individual(s) approving the document, shall be documented. Documents 
established to meet the requirements of this part shall be available at 
all locations for which they are designated, used, or otherwise 
necessary, and all obsolete documents shall be promptly removed from all 
points of

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use or otherwise prevented from unintended use.
    (b) Document changes. Changes to documents shall be reviewed and 
approved by an individual(s) in the same function or organization that 
performed the original review and approval, unless specifically 
designated otherwise. Approved changes shall be communicated to the 
appropriate personnel in a timely manner. Each manufacturer shall 
maintain records of changes to documents. Change records shall include a 
description of the change, identification of the affected documents, the 
signature of the approving individual(s), the approval date, and when 
the change becomes effective.

                     Subpart E--Purchasing Controls

Sec. 820.50  Purchasing controls.

    Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to ensure 
that all purchased or otherwise received product and services conform to 
specified requirements.
    (a) Evaluation of suppliers, contractors, and consultants. Each 
manufacturer shall establish and maintain the requirements, including 
quality requirements, that must be met by suppliers, contractors, and 
consultants. Each manufacturer shall:
    (1) Evaluate and select potential suppliers, contractors, and 
consultants on the basis of their ability to meet specified 
requirements, including quality requirements. The evaluation shall be 
documented.
    (2) Define the type and extent of control to be exercised over the 
product, services, suppliers, contractors, and consultants, based on the 
evaluation results.
    (3) Establish and maintain records of acceptable suppliers, 
contractors, and consultants.
    (b) Purchasing data. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
data that clearly describe or reference the specified requirements, 
including quality requirements, for purchased or otherwise received 
product and services. Purchasing documents shall include, where 
possible, an agreement that the suppliers, contractors, and consultants 
agree to notify the manufacturer of changes in the product or service so 
that manufacturers may determine whether the changes may affect the 
quality of a finished device. Purchasing data shall be approved in 
accordance with Sec. 820.40.

               Subpart F--Identification and Traceability

Sec. 820.60  Identification.

    Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for 
identifying product during all stages of receipt, production, 
distribution, and installation to prevent mixups.

Sec. 820.65  Traceability.

    Each manufacturer of a device that is intended for surgical implant 
into the body or to support or sustain life and whose failure to perform 
when properly used in accordance with instructions for use provided in 
the labeling can be reasonably expected to result in a significant 
injury to the user shall establish and maintain procedures for 
identifying with a control number each unit, lot, or batch of finished 
devices and where appropriate components. The procedures shall 
facilitate corrective action. Such identification shall be documented in 
the DHR.

               Subpart G--Production and Process Controls

Sec. 820.70  Production and process controls.

    (a) General. Each manufacturer shall develop, conduct, control, and 
monitor production processes to ensure that a device conforms to its 
specifications. Where deviations from device specifications could occur 
as a result of the manufacturing process, the manufacturer shall 
establish and maintain process control procedures that describe any 
process controls necessary to ensure conformance to specifications. 
Where process controls are needed they shall include:
    (1) Documented instructions, standard operating procedures (SOP's), 
and methods that define and control the manner of production;
    (2) Monitoring and control of process parameters and component and 
device characteristics during production;

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    (3) Compliance with specified reference standards or codes;
    (4) The approval of processes and process equipment; and
    (5) Criteria for workmanship which shall be expressed in documented 
standards or by means of identified and approved representative samples.
    (b) Production and process changes. Each manufacturer shall 
establish and maintain procedures for changes to a specification, 
method, process, or procedure. Such changes shall be verified or where 
appropriate validated according to Sec. 820.75, before implementation 
and these activities shall be documented. Changes shall be approved in 
accordance with Sec. 820.40.
    (c) Environmental control. Where environmental conditions could 
reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on product quality, the 
manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to adequately 
control these environmental conditions. Environmental control system(s) 
shall be periodically inspected to verify that the system, including 
necessary equipment, is adequate and functioning properly. These 
activities shall be documented and reviewed.
    (d) Personnel. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
requirements for the health, cleanliness, personal practices, and 
clothing of personnel if contact between such personnel and product or 
environment could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on 
product quality. The manufacturer shall ensure that maintenance and 
other personnel who are required to work temporarily under special 
environmental conditions are appropriately trained or supervised by a 
trained individual.
    (e) Contamination control. Each manufacturer shall establish and 
maintain procedures to prevent contamination of equipment or product by 
substances that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect 
on product quality.
    (f) Buildings. Buildings shall be of suitable design and contain 
sufficient space to perform necessary operations, prevent mixups, and 
assure orderly handling.
    (g) Equipment. Each manufacturer shall ensure that all equipment 
used in the manufacturing process meets specified requirements and is 
appropriately designed, constructed, placed, and installed to facilitate 
maintenance, adjustment, cleaning, and use.
    (1) Maintenance schedule. Each manufacturer shall establish and 
maintain schedules for the adjustment, cleaning, and other maintenance 
of equipment to ensure that manufacturing specifications are met. 
Maintenance activities, including the date and individual(s) performing 
the maintenance activities, shall be documented.
    (2) Inspection. Each manufacturer shall conduct periodic inspections 
in accordance with established procedures to ensure adherence to 
applicable equipment maintenance schedules. The inspections, including 
the date and individual(s) conducting the inspections, shall be 
documented.
    (3) Adjustment. Each manufacturer shall ensure that any inherent 
limitations or allowable tolerances are visibly posted on or near 
equipment requiring periodic adjustments or are readily available to 
personnel performing these adjustments.
    (h) Manufacturing material. Where a manufacturing material could 
reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on product quality, the 
manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for the use and 
removal of such manufacturing material to ensure that it is removed or 
limited to an amount that does not adversely affect the device's 
quality. The removal or reduction of such manufacturing material shall 
be documented.
    (i) Automated processes. When computers or automated data processing 
systems are used as part of production or the quality system, the 
manufacturer shall validate computer software for its intended use 
according to an established protocol. All software changes shall be 
validated before approval and issuance. These validation activities and 
results shall be documented.

Sec. 820.72  Inspection, measuring, and test equipment.

    (a) Control of inspection, measuring, and test equipment. Each 
manufacturer shall ensure that all inspection, measuring, and test 
equipment, including mechanical, automated, or electronic

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inspection and test equipment, is suitable for its intended purposes and 
is capable of producing valid results. Each manufacturer shall establish 
and maintain procedures to ensure that equipment is routinely 
calibrated, inspected, checked, and maintained. The procedures shall 
include provisions for handling, preservation, and storage of equipment, 
so that its accuracy and fitness for use are maintained. These 
activities shall be documented.
    (b) Calibration. Calibration procedures shall include specific 
directions and limits for accuracy and precision. When accuracy and 
precision limits are not met, there shall be provisions for remedial 
action to reestablish the limits and to evaluate whether there was any 
adverse effect on the device's quality. These activities shall be 
documented.
    (1) Calibration standards. Calibration standards used for 
inspection, measuring, and test equipment shall be traceable to national 
or international standards. If national or international standards are 
not practical or available, the manufacturer shall use an independent 
reproducible standard. If no applicable standard exists, the 
manufacturer shall establish and maintain an in-house standard.
    (2) Calibration records. The equipment identification, calibration 
dates, the individual performing each calibration, and the next 
calibration date shall be documented. These records shall be displayed 
on or near each piece of equipment or shall be readily available to the 
personnel using such equipment and to the individuals responsible for 
calibrating the equipment.

Sec. 820.75  Process validation.

    (a) Where the results of a process cannot be fully verified by 
subsequent inspection and test, the process shall be validated with a 
high degree of assurance and approved according to established 
procedures. The validation activities and results, including the date 
and signature of the individual(s) approving the validation and where 
appropriate the major equipment validated, shall be documented.
    (b) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for 
monitoring and control of process parameters for validated processes to 
ensure that the specified requirements continue to be met.
    (1) Each manufacturer shall ensure that validated processes are 
performed by qualified individual(s).
    (2) For validated processes, the monitoring and control methods and 
data, the date performed, and, where appropriate, the individual(s) 
performing the process or the major equipment used shall be documented.
    (c) When changes or process deviations occur, the manufacturer shall 
review and evaluate the process and perform revalidation where 
appropriate. These activities shall be documented.

                    Subpart H--Acceptance Activities

Sec. 820.80  Receiving, in-process, and finished device acceptance.

    (a) General. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures for acceptance activities. Acceptance activities include 
inspections, tests, or other verification activities.
    (b) Receiving acceptance activities. Each manufacturer shall 
establish and maintain procedures for acceptance of incoming product. 
Incoming product shall be inspected, tested, or otherwise verified as 
conforming to specified requirements. Acceptance or rejection shall be 
documented.
    (c) In-process acceptance activities. Each manufacturer shall 
establish and maintain acceptance procedures, where appropriate, to 
ensure that specified requirements for in-process product are met. Such 
procedures shall ensure that in-process product is controlled until the 
required inspection and tests or other verification activities have been 
completed, or necessary approvals are received, and are documented.
    (d) Final acceptance activities. Each manufacturer shall establish 
and maintain procedures for finished device acceptance to ensure that 
each production run, lot, or batch of finished devices meets acceptance 
criteria. Finished devices shall be held in quarantine or otherwise 
adequately controlled until released. Finished devices shall not be 
released for distribution until:

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    (1) The activities required in the DMR are completed;
    (2) the associated data and documentation is reviewed;
    (3) the release is authorized by the signature of a designated 
individual(s); and
    (4) the authorization is dated.
    (e) Acceptance records. Each manufacturer shall document acceptance 
activities required by this part. These records shall include:
    (1) The acceptance activities performed;
    (2) the dates acceptance activities are performed;
    (3) the results;
    (4) the signature of the individual(s) conducting the acceptance 
activities; and
    (5) where appropriate the equipment used. These records shall be 
part of the DHR.

Sec. 820.86  Acceptance status.

    Each manufacturer shall identify by suitable means the acceptance 
status of product, to indicate the conformance or nonconformance of 
product with acceptance criteria. The identification of acceptance 
status shall be maintained throughout manufacturing, packaging, 
labeling, installation, and servicing of the product to ensure that only 
product which has passed the required acceptance activities is 
distributed, used, or installed.

                    Subpart I--Nonconforming Product

Sec. 820.90  Nonconforming product.

    (a) Control of nonconforming product. Each manufacturer shall 
establish and maintain procedures to control product that does not 
conform to specified requirements. The procedures shall address the 
identification, documentation, evaluation, segregation, and disposition 
of nonconforming product. The evaluation of nonconformance shall include 
a determination of the need for an investigation and notification of the 
persons or organizations responsible for the nonconformance. The 
evaluation and any investigation shall be documented.
    (b) Nonconformity review and disposition. (1) Each manufacturer 
shall establish and maintain procedures that define the responsibility 
for review and the authority for the disposition of nonconforming 
product. The procedures shall set forth the review and disposition 
process. Disposition of nonconforming product shall be documented. 
Documentation shall include the justification for use of nonconforming 
product and the signature of the individual(s) authorizing the use.
    (2) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for 
rework, to include retesting and reevaluation of the nonconforming 
product after rework, to ensure that the product meets its current 
approved specifications. Rework and reevaluation activities, including a 
determination of any adverse effect from the rework upon the product, 
shall be documented in the DHR.

               Subpart J--Corrective and Preventive Action

Sec. 820.100  Corrective and preventive action.

    (a) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for 
implementing corrective and preventive action. The procedures shall 
include requirements for:
    (1) Analyzing processes, work operations, concessions, quality audit 
reports, quality records, service records, complaints, returned product, 
and other sources of quality data to identify existing and potential 
causes of nonconforming product, or other quality problems. Appropriate 
statistical methodology shall be employed where necessary to detect 
recurring quality problems;
    (2) Investigating the cause of nonconformities relating to product, 
processes, and the quality system;
    (3) Identifying the action(s) needed to correct and prevent 
recurrence of nonconforming product and other quality problems;
    (4) Verifying or validating the corrective and preventive action to 
ensure that such action is effective and does not adversely affect the 
finished device;
    (5) Implementing and recording changes in methods and procedures 
needed to correct and prevent identified quality problems;

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    (6) Ensuring that information related to quality problems or 
nonconforming product is disseminated to those directly responsible for 
assuring the quality of such product or the prevention of such problems; 
and
    (7) Submitting relevant information on identified quality problems, 
as well as corrective and preventive actions, for management review.
    (b) All activities required under this section, and their results, 
shall be documented.

                Subpart K--Labeling and Packaging Control

Sec. 820.120  Device labeling.

    Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to control 
labeling activities.
    (a) Label integrity. Labels shall be printed and applied so as to 
remain legible and affixed during the customary conditions of 
processing, storage, handling, distribution, and where appropriate use.
    (b) Labeling inspection. Labeling shall not be released for storage 
or use until a designated individual(s) has examined the labeling for 
accuracy including, where applicable, the correct expiration date, 
control number, storage instructions, handling instructions, and any 
additional processing instructions. The release, including the date and 
signature of the individual(s) performing the examination, shall be 
documented in the DHR.
    (c) Labeling storage. Each manufacturer shall store labeling in a 
manner that provides proper identification and is designed to prevent 
mixups.
    (d) Labeling operations. Each manufacturer shall control labeling 
and packaging operations to prevent labeling mixups. The label and 
labeling used for each production unit, lot, or batch shall be 
documented in the DHR.
    (e) Control number. Where a control number is required by 
Sec. 820.65, that control number shall be on or shall accompany the 
device through distribution.

Sec. 820.130  Device packaging.

    Each manufacturer shall ensure that device packaging and shipping 
containers are designed and constructed to protect the device from 
alteration or damage during the customary conditions of processing, 
storage, handling, and distribution.

      Subpart L--Handling, Storage, Distribution, and Installation

Sec. 820.140  Handling.

    Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to ensure 
that mixups, damage, deterioration, contamination, or other adverse 
effects to product do not occur during handling.

Sec. 820.150  Storage.

    (a) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for 
the control of storage areas and stock rooms for product to prevent 
mixups, damage, deterioration, contamination, or other adverse effects 
pending use or distribution and to ensure that no obsolete, rejected, or 
deteriorated product is used or distributed. When the quality of product 
deteriorates over time, it shall be stored in a manner to facilitate 
proper stock rotation, and its condition shall be assessed as 
appropriate.
    (b) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures that 
describe the methods for authorizing receipt from and dispatch to 
storage areas and stock rooms.

Sec. 820.160  Distribution.

    (a) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for 
control and distribution of finished devices to ensure that only those 
devices approved for release are distributed and that purchase orders 
are reviewed to ensure that ambiguities and errors are resolved before 
devices are released for distribution. Where a device's fitness for use 
or quality deteriorates over time, the procedures shall ensure that 
expired devices or devices deteriorated beyond acceptable fitness for 
use are not distributed.
    (b) Each manufacturer shall maintain distribution records which 
include or refer to the location of:
    (1) The name and address of the initial consignee;
    (2) The identification and quantity of devices shipped;
    (3) The date shipped; and
    (4) Any control number(s) used.

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Sec. 820.170  Installation.

    (a) Each manufacturer of a device requiring installation shall 
establish and maintain adequate installation and inspection 
instructions, and where appropriate test procedures. Instructions and 
procedures shall include directions for ensuring proper installation so 
that the device will perform as intended after installation. The 
manufacturer shall distribute the instructions and procedures with the 
device or otherwise make them available to the person(s) installing the 
device.
    (b) The person installing the device shall ensure that the 
installation, inspection, and any required testing are performed in 
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and procedures and shall 
document the inspection and any test results to demonstrate proper 
installation.

                           Subpart M--Records

Sec. 820.180  General requirements.

    All records required by this part shall be maintained at the 
manufacturing establishment or other location that is reasonably 
accessible to responsible officials of the manufacturer and to employees 
of FDA designated to perform inspections. Such records, including those 
not stored at the inspected establishment, shall be made readily 
available for review and copying by FDA employee(s). Such records shall 
be legible and shall be stored to minimize deterioration and to prevent 
loss. Those records stored in automated data processing systems shall be 
backed up.
    (a) Confidentiality. Records deemed confidential by the manufacturer 
may be marked to aid FDA in determining whether information may be 
disclosed under the public information regulation in part 20 of this 
chapter.
    (b) Record retention period. All records required by this part shall 
be retained for a period of time equivalent to the design and expected 
life of the device, but in no case less than 2 years from the date of 
release for commercial distribution by the manufacturer.
    (c) Exceptions. This section does not apply to the reports required 
by Sec. 820.20(c) Management review, Sec. 820.22 Quality audits, and 
supplier audit reports used to meet the requirements of Sec. 820.50(a) 
Evaluation of suppliers, contractors, and consultants, but does apply to 
procedures established under these provisions. Upon request of a 
designated employee of FDA, an employee in management with executive 
responsibility shall certify in writing that the management reviews and 
quality audits required under this part, and supplier audits where 
applicable, have been performed and documented, the dates on which they 
were performed, and that any required corrective action has been 
undertaken.

Sec. 820.181  Device master record.

    Each manufacturer shall maintain device master records (DMR's). Each 
manufacturer shall ensure that each DMR is prepared and approved in 
accordance with Sec. 820.40. The DMR for each type of device shall 
include, or refer to the location of, the following information:
    (a) Device specifications including appropriate drawings, 
composition, formulation, component specifications, and software 
specifications;
    (b) Production process specifications including the appropriate 
equipment specifications, production methods, production procedures, and 
production environment specifications;
    (c) Quality assurance procedures and specifications including 
acceptance criteria and the quality assurance equipment to be used;
    (d) Packaging and labeling specifications, including methods and 
processes used; and
    (e) Installation, maintenance, and servicing procedures and methods.

Sec. 820.184  Device history record.

    Each manufacturer shall maintain device history records (DHR's). 
Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to ensure that 
DHR's for each batch, lot, or unit are maintained to demonstrate that 
the device is manufactured in accordance with the DMR and the 
requirements of this part. The DHR shall include, or refer to the 
location of, the following information:
    (a) The dates of manufacture;
    (b) The quantity manufactured;

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    (c) The quantity released for distribution;
    (d) The acceptance records which demonstrate the device is 
manufactured in accordance with the DMR;
    (e) The primary identification label and labeling used for each 
production unit; and
    (f) Any device identification(s) and control number(s) used.

Sec. 820.186  Quality system record.

    Each manufacturer shall maintain a quality system record (QSR). The 
QSR shall include, or refer to the location of, procedures and the 
documentation of activities required by this part that are not specific 
to a particular type of device(s), including, but not limited to, the 
records required by Sec. 820.20. Each manufacturer shall ensure that the 
QSR is prepared and approved in accordance with Sec. 820.40.

Sec. 820.198  Complaint files.

    (a) Each manufacturer shall maintain complaint files. Each 
manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for receiving, 
reviewing, and evaluating complaints by a formally designated unit. Such 
procedures shall ensure that:
    (1) All complaints are processed in a uniform and timely manner;
    (2) Oral complaints are documented upon receipt; and
    (3) Complaints are evaluated to determine whether the complaint 
represents an event which is required to be reported to FDA under part 
803 or 804 of this chapter, Medical Device Reporting.
    (b) Each manufacturer shall review and evaluate all complaints to 
determine whether an investigation is necessary. When no investigation 
is made, the manufacturer shall maintain a record that includes the 
reason no investigation was made and the name of the individual 
responsible for the decision not to investigate.
    (c) Any complaint involving the possible failure of a device, 
labeling, or packaging to meet any of its specifications shall be 
reviewed, evaluated, and investigated, unless such investigation has 
already been performed for a similar complaint and another investigation 
is not necessary.
    (d) Any complaint that represents an event which must be reported to 
FDA under part 803 or 804 of this chapter shall be promptly reviewed, 
evaluated, and investigated by a designated individual(s) and shall be 
maintained in a separate portion of the complaint files or otherwise 
clearly identified. In addition to the information required by 
Sec. 820.198(e), records of investigation under this paragraph shall 
include a determination of:
    (1) Whether the device failed to meet specifications;
    (2) Whether the device was being used for treatment or diagnosis; 
and
    (3) The relationship, if any, of the device to the reported incident 
or adverse event.
    (e) When an investigation is made under this section, a record of 
the investigation shall be maintained by the formally designated unit 
identified in paragraph (a) of this section. The record of investigation 
shall include:
    (1) The name of the device;
    (2) The date the complaint was received;
    (3) Any device identification(s) and control number(s) used;
    (4) The name, address, and phone number of the complainant;
    (5) The nature and details of the complaint;
    (6) The dates and results of the investigation;
    (7) Any corrective action taken; and
    (8) Any reply to the complainant.
    (f) When the manufacturer's formally designated complaint unit is 
located at a site separate from the manufacturing establishment, the 
investigated complaint(s) and the record(s) of investigation shall be 
reasonably accessible to the manufacturing establishment.
    (g) If a manufacturer's formally designated complaint unit is 
located outside of the United States, records required by this section 
shall be reasonably accessible in the United States at either:
    (1) A location in the United States where the manufacturer's records 
are regularly kept; or
    (2) The location of the initial distributor.

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                          Subpart N--Servicing

Sec. 820.200  Servicing.

    (a) Where servicing is a specified requirement, each manufacturer 
shall establish and maintain instructions and procedures for performing 
and verifying that the servicing meets the specified requirements.
    (b) Each manufacturer shall analyze service reports with appropriate 
statistical methodology in accordance with Sec. 820.100.
    (c) Each manufacturer who receives a service report that represents 
an event which must be reported to FDA under part 803 or 804 of this 
chapter shall automatically consider the report a complaint and shall 
process it in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 820.198.
    (d) Service reports shall be documented and shall include:
    (1) The name of the device serviced;
    (2) Any device identification(s) and control number(s) used;
    (3) The date of service;
    (4) The individual(s) servicing the device;
    (5) The service performed; and
    (6) The test and inspection data.

                    Subpart O--Statistical Techniques

Sec. 820.250  Statistical techniques.

    (a) Where appropriate, each manufacturer shall establish and 
maintain procedures for identifying valid statistical techniques 
required for establishing, controlling, and verifying the acceptability 
of process capability and product characteristics.
    (b) Sampling plans, when used, shall be written and based on a valid 
statistical rationale. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain 
procedures to ensure that sampling methods are adequate for their 
intended use and to ensure that when changes occur the sampling plans 
are reviewed. These activities shall be documented.