Technical Cooperation Programme, Version 2.0 (TCP II) remains valid until 2021
May 14, 2020: Technical Cooperation Programme, Version 2.0 (TCP II) on exchange of medical device quality management system regulation and ISO 13485 audit reports remain valid until 2021.
Owing to COVID-19 situation, the on-site auditing and witness audits are waiting for arrangements based on overseas travelling constraints.
Currently, the Technical Cooperation Programme on Exchange of Medical Device GMP and ISO 13485 Audit Reports between EU AIMD/MDD/IVDD Notified Body Partners and R.O.C. TFDA Authorized Medical Device GMP Auditing Organization, Version 2.0 (Known as TCP II) remains valid.
In response to the forthcoming regulations on Taiwan Medical Devices Act and new application date for the new European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) announced by EC, the TCP II is expected to upgrade to TCP III by 25 May 2021.
Overview of Taiwan’s regulatory system
As per the provisions under the Taiwan’s Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, a pre-market approval of medical devices is necessary prior to market entry in Taiwan. A Quality System Documentation (QSD) registration for the manufacturing facility is required in addition to medical device registration (exempted for Class I [non-sterile] medical devices) that meets Taiwan’s good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements.
What is TCP?
In order to streamline the product registration process for medical devices that have received prior EU approval, the Republic of China (R.O.C.) Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) Authorized Medical Device GMP Auditing Organizations and EU Medical Device Regulation(MDR)/ In-vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) Notified Body Partners have entered into a Technical Cooperation Program (TCP). It enables independent third-party organizations partnered with TCP to issue ISO 13485 certificate and audit report to TFDA on behalf of the medical device manufacturers (located in EU) thereby replacing the requirement to submit QMS and easing the medical device registration process in Taiwan.
The first stage of assessment process including its qualifications and quality management system review is in progress. All applicants need to go through the second stage assessment (including on-site auditing and witness audits) before successfully becoming a partner of TCPIII. An EU MDR/IVDR Notified Body could successfully become a partner of TCP III once the assessment was completed and get the agreement signed.