Medical devices encompass a vast array of products with different technologies, product lifecycles, complexity, intended users, and environments of use. Many devices are reusable and need preventive maintenance and repair during their useful life. For these devices, proper servicing is critical to their continued safe and effective use. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the distinction between "servicing" and "remanufacturing" of a device. Most notably, remanufacturing has implications for the regulatory responsibilities of entities performing these activities.

This draft guidance is intended to help clarify whether activities performed on devices are likely "remanufacturing." Such clarification is intended to help provide consistency and better understanding of applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This draft guidance also includes recommendations for information that should be included in labeling to help assure the continued quality, safety, and effectiveness of devices that are intended to be serviced over their useful life. In drafting this guidance, FDA considered objective evidence and information learned from the Agency's activities discussed in this draft guidance.