ANSWERED ON THIS PAGE:
- What is Brazil INMETRO certification for medical devices?
- Which devices require INMETRO certification?
- Will our existing medical device tests meet INMETRO requirements?
Gaining INMETRO certification
Some medical devices must be certified by The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) in order to obtain National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) registration in Brazil. INMETRO certification is often required for electro-medical devices subject to IEC 60601, though it may be required for other product types as well.
Emergo by UL’s staff in Brazil has extensive experience with ANVISA registration and INMETRO certification and can help you identify the testing requirements for your device.
How INMETRO certification is affected when electrical safety testing is completed outside of Brazil
Many medical device companies located outside Brazil will have already completed IEC 60601 electrical safety testing. INMETRO certifiers typically accept electrical safety certifications from foreign testing agencies if they were performed by International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)-certified laboratories to IEC 60601 3rd edition.
All testing results must still be validated by an INMETRO certifier, but if your test results meet INMETRO’s criteria, it can help expedite the certification process.
Choose Emergo by UL to advise you on INMETRO requirements
Emergo has registered hundreds of devices in Brazil and has extensive knowledge of INMETRO requirements. Below are some of the key services we offer to medical device manufacturers:
- If you elect to do testing in Brazil, Emergo by UL can act as a liaison between you and the local INMETRO certifier as part of your medical device registration in Brazil.
- We will oversee your certification and determine if current IEC 60601 electrical safety certification (or other non-electrical certification) is likely to be accepted by the INMETRO certifier.
- If necessary, we can coordinate INMETRO testing by identifying accredited testing agencies and obtaining quotes on your behalf.
Our experienced team in Brazil can assist you with every step of the ANVISA registration process.
Frequently asked questions about INMETRO certification
How long does it take to get INMETRO certification?
The certification will generally start after you finish updating your test reports as the current IEC standards. Some certifiers allow you to work on the certification in parallel to the testing. In the latter case, the whole process would typically take 5-6 months, if no major issues are detected during the testing and certification processes.
How do I know if our testing lab is ILAC certified?
You have to know what certifying body certified the testing lab. Once you have this name, go to the ILAC website (http://ilac.org/signatory-search/) and look for the certifying body.
What are some other non-electric medical products that require INMETRO certification?
Needles, syringes, mattresses, gloves, breast implants, mechanical wheelchairs, handpieces and infusion sets.
Can the testing be done outside Brazil, or do I have to use a lab in Brazil?
For the certification of electro medical devices, the testing can be done outside of Brazil. This is the route that we most recommend. For other products such as needles, condoms, etc., in-country testing in Brazil is required.
How long is the INMETRO certificate valid?
The INMETRO certificate does not expire. However, for any updates, the INMETRO Certifier must be informed to confirm if any additional tests or an updated INMETRO Certificate must be issued.
When will I receive the INMETRO inspection?
After the certifier is chosen and the proposal is signed, the certifier will schedule the best date for the inspection to take place with the manufacturer. After this initial audit, there will be annual maintenance inspections throughout the validity of the certificate.
Who will be inspected: the legal manufacturer or the actual manufacturer?
The actual manufacturer. If there is more than one, all manufacturing sites will have to receive the inspections.
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