EU IVDR & MDR Post Market Surveillance (PMS)

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EU Post Market Surveillance (PMS) under MDR & IVDR

Under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) EU 2017/745 and the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) EU 2017/746, manufacturers are required to implement and maintain a robust Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) system for all medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices, regardless of their classification. PMS activities are essential for continuously monitoring the safety and performance of devices once they are available on the market.

Quick facts about Post Market Surveillance requirements: 

  • Mandated under MDR 2017/745, Article 84
  • Mandated under IVDR 2017/746, Article 79
  • Applied to all risk classes, from Class I to Class III and Class A to D for IVDs, with specific deliverables depending on the risk classification:
    • PMS Plan is required for every device
    • PMS Report is required for Class I MDs and Class A and B IVDs.
    • PSUR Report is required for Class IIa, IIb and III MDs and Class C and D IVDs

How NAMSA Can Help You Meet Post Market Surveillance Requirements

Step 1: Define and Write your PMS Plan

The Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) Plan is a regulatory requirement under EU MDR Article 84 and IVDR Article 79, and must be included in your technical documentation as outlined in Annex III. It defines how you will proactively and systematically monitor the safety and performance of your device or IVD once it is on the market.

While the regulations specify what must be included, they don’t explain how to build a plan that meets Notified Body expectations. That’s where NAMSA can help.

Our regulatory and medical writing teams have supported manufacturers globally in developing PMS Plans that are not only compliant, but also practical and inspection-ready. We will create a PMS Plan that clearly outlines how you will:

  • Collect and assess data proactively and systematically, including complaints, vigilance reports, literature, and registry data
  • Characterize device performance and compare it to similar products on the market
  • Define indicators and thresholds to reassess the benefit-risk ratio and risk management
  • Investigate complaints and field experience using effective tools and protocols
  • Monitor trends and statistically significant increases in incident frequency or severity
  • Communicate effectively with authorities, Notified Bodies, economic operators, and users
  • Identify and initiate corrective actions, including CAPAs and field safety notices
  • Trace affected devices in case of safety actions
  • Include a PMCF or PMPF Plan, or justify why it is not applicable

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Step 2: Write your PMS Report or PSUR

Once your PMS Plan is in place, the next step is to generate the appropriate Post-Market Surveillance output—either a Post Market Surveillance Report or a Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR), depending on your device classification.

Post Market Surveillance Report (PMS Report)

Post Market Surveillance Report is simplified post-market summary required for lower-risk devices (Class I MDs and Class A/B IVDs). It must be updated when necessary and kept available for review by competent authorities.

While the format is less prescriptive than the PSUR, it still needs to demonstrate that you are actively monitoring your device’s performance and safety. NAMSA will help you prepare a PMS Report that clearly shows how you:

  • Collect and assess post-market data from complaints, user feedback, and vigilance systems
  • Summarize findings related to safety, performance, and any corrective actions taken
  • Justify the continued conformity of your device with applicable requirements
  • Document updates to your risk management and clinical/performance evaluation

Our team ensures your Post Market Surveillance Report is structured, traceable, and ready for inspection, whether you’re preparing for a routine audit or responding to a regulatory inquiry.

Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR)

The Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR) is a regulatory requirement under EU MDR Article 86 and IVDR Article 81, designed for moderate- to high-risk devices (Class IIa, IIb, III MDs and Class C/D IVDs). It provides a structured, recurring overview of a device’s safety and performance once it is on the market. At NAMSA, our regulatory and medical writing teams have supported manufacturers globally in preparing PSURs that are complete, compliant, and ready for review. We will help you develop a PSUR that clearly demonstrates how you:

  • Confirm the ongoing safety and performance of your device or IVD in real-world use
  • Analyze serious incidents, CAPAs, and trend data, including statistically significant increases in adverse events
  • Estimate patient exposure using sales data and usage assumptions, even for reusable devices
  • Compare your device’s performance to similar products on the market
  • Integrate PMCF or PMPF findings to support your benefit-risk conclusions
  • Ensure that the benefit-risk ratio remains acceptable and aligned with your risk management documentation

Whether you’re preparing your first PSUR or updating an existing one, NAMSA ensures your report is structured, evidence-based, and aligned with regulatory expectations.

Meet Our Team of IVDR Regulatory Experts

Meet the Team
  • Beatriz Rodriguez Grande, PhD

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    Regulatory Consultant and Consulting Manager
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  • Matt Royle, PhD

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    Principal Regulatory Consultant
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  • Jane Arnold-Round, MSc

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    Senior Principal Consultant, Regulatory
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  • Rachel Gibbs, BSc, PhD

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    Principal Regulatory Consultant
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  • Thomas Miramond, PhD, MSc, M-Eng.

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    Senior Regulatory Consultant
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  • Kevin Butcher

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    Principal Regulatory Consultant
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Post Market Surveillance? 

Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) is a regulatory requirement under the EU MDR (Article 83) and IVDR (Article 78) that ensures medical devices and IVDs continue to perform safely and effectively once they are on the market. It involves a proactive and systematic process to collect, analyze, and respond to real-world data—such as user feedback, complaints, and incident reports to confirm the ongoing safety and performance of the device, detect emerging risks, misuse, or off-label use, reassess the benefit-risk ratio over time, support updates to clinical or performance evaluations. Manufacturers must document their PMS activities in a PMS Plan, and depending on the device class, produce either a PMS Report or a Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR).

What is the role of PMS in risk management? 

PMS is a critical input to your risk management system. It provides real-world data that helps reassess the benefit-risk ratio, identify new or emerging risks and evaluate the effectiveness of existing risk controls. Findings from PMS may lead to updates in your risk management file, clinical evaluation, and labeling. This continuous feedback loop is essential for maintaining device safety and regulatory compliance.

Do I need to update my PMS Plan regularly? 

Yes. Your PMS Plan is a living document and should be updated whenever new risks are identified, the device is modified, market conditions change and regulatory updates occur. Regular reviews ensure your PMS activities remain relevant and effective. Notified Bodies may request evidence that your PMS Plan reflects current data sources, methods, and responsibilities.

How do I know if PMCF or PMPF is required in my PMS Plan? 

PMCF (for MDs) and PMPF (for IVDs) are required when pre-market data is limited or when additional clinical/performance evidence is needed post-market. If your device is high-risk, implantable, or based on new technology, PMCF/PMPF is likely expected. If not applicable, you must provide a clear justification in your PMS Plan.

What is the difference between a PMS Report and a PSUR? 

The PMS Report is required for low-risk devices (Class I MDs, Class A/B IVDs) and is updated as needed. The PSUR is required for moderate- to high-risk devices (Class IIa, IIb, III MDs and Class C/D IVDs) and must be submitted to the Notified Body either annually or biennially, depending on the classification.

Do I need a PMS Plan for legacy devices under MDD/IVDD? 

Yes. If your legacy device remains on the market after the MDR/IVDR application date, you must still maintain a PMS Plan and may be required to submit a PSUR depending on the classification and transition status.

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