1. INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
1.1. Purpose Medical devices undergo changes as part of their product life cycle. This guidance document is intended to aid registrants in determining whether a Change Notification has to be submitted for a medical device that is registered on the Singapore Medical Device Register (SMDR). Under the Health Products (Medical Devices) Regulations 2010 (Regulations), registrants are required to notify changes concerning registered medical devices to the Authority.
1.2. Background
1.2. Background Medical devices are classified into four risk classes (A to D) based on the classification rules set out in GN-13: Guidance on the Risk Classification of General Medical Devices and GN-14: Guidance on the Risk Classification of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices. Class A represents the lowest risk medical devices and Class D represents the highest risk medical devices. These guidelines to Change Notification are based on the principles of safety, quality and efficacy of medical devices supplied in Singapore. Changes to a medical device can affect its safety, quality or efficacy and must be approved prior to the modified device being supplied in Singapore, unless otherwise indicated.
1.3. Scope
1.3. Scope This guidance document applies to all medical devices registered on the SMDR. It sets out points for consideration by the registrant when a registered medical device is in the process of modification. Owing to the various possible scenarios for changes made to a device, it is not the intention of this guidance document to describe every permutation and type of change that can occur. The registrant and/or the product owner may contact the Medical Devices Cluster, for further clarification regarding the classification of specific changes to a registered medical device. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 6 of 60 This guidance document is also applicable to situations when a registered device undergoes any changes or proposed changes, including labelling changes, as a result of a reportable Adverse Event (AE) or an on-going Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA).
1.4. Definitions
1.4. Definitions Definitions that do not indicate they are set out in the Health Products Act (Act) or Regulations are intended as guidance in this document. These definitions are not taken verbatim from the above legislation and should not be used in any legal context. These definitions are meant to provide guidance in layman terms. ACCESSORY: An article that is intended specifically by its product owner to be used together with a particular medical device to enable or assist that device to be used in accordance with its intended purpose. An accessory typically is intended to be used for one or more of the purposes as described in the definition of medical device and therefore should be considered a medical device. CONTROL MECHANISM: for the purpose of this guidance document, a means for verifying or checking that the specifications or outputs of the medical device meet a standard or predetermined result. LABEL (as set out in the Act): in relation to a health product or an active ingredient, means any written, printed or graphic representation that appears on or is attached to the health product or active ingredient or any part of its packaging, and includes any informational sheet or leaflet that accompanies the health product or active ingredient when it is being supplied. INTENDED PURPOSE/INTENDED USE (as set out in the Regulations): in relation to a medical device or its process or service, means the objective intended use or purpose, as reflected in the specifications, instructions and information provided by the product owner of the medical device. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 7 of 60 R6 ► MACHINE LEARNING-ENABLED MEDICAL DEVICE (MLMD) (as defined in IMDRF/AIMD WG/N67): A medical device that uses machine learning (ML), in part or in whole, to achieve its intended medical purpose. ◄ MEDICAL DEVICE: means a medical device as described in the First Schedule of the Act. R6 ► MEDICAL DEVICE SINGLE AUDIT PROGRAM (MDSAP): Medical Device Single Audit Program administered by The International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). ◄ OPERATING PRINCIPLE: For the purpose of this guidance document, the means by which a medical device produces or brings about a desired or appropriate effect. PRODUCT OWNER (as set out in the Regulations): in relation to a health product, means a person who — • supplies the health product under his own name, or under any trade mark, design, trade name or other name or mark owned or controlled by him; and • is responsible for designing, manufacturing, assembling, processing, labelling, packaging, refurbishing or modifying the health product, or for assigning to it a purpose, whether those tasks are performed by him or on his behalf. QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: for the purpose of this guidance document, means certification to ISO 13485 or its equivalent. REGISTRANT (as set out in the Act): in relation to a registered health product, means the person who applied for and obtained the registration of the health product under the Act. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 8 of 60 R6 ► STANDALONE MEDICAL MOBILE APPLICATION (also known as SOFTWARE AS MEDICAL DEVICE (SaMD) in IMDRF context): a software and/or mobile application that is intended to function by itself and are not intended for use to control or affect the operation of other hardware medical devices. ◄ INDIRECT CONTACT: In relation to the nature of body contact of medical device, includes devices that contact the blood path at one point and serve as a conduit for entry into the vascular system. E.g. blood transfusion tubes, blood bags, etc. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 9 of 60
2. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDANCE
2. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDANCE When several simultaneous changes are being implemented on a registered device, this guidance document should be used to assess each change separately. If a Change Notification is required, the registrant shall describe how the modified device differs from the previously registered device (or device type) using Annex 2. Registrants are reminded that the determination of documents and the category of Change Notification (e.g. notification, technical) should be made through reference to all change types for the registered device included in the application. Changes to accessories of registered medical devices will also come within the purview of this document. Some changes that will NOT qualify for Change Notification and require the submission of a NEW Pre-market Product Registration include: • Change to the intended purpose of a registered medical device; • Change to the risk classification of a registered medical device; • Addition of model(s) that do not fulfil the grouping criteria, including permissible variants, as listed in the GN-12 guidance documents on Grouping of Medical Devices for Product Registration; • Change to the medicinal substance in a device that incorporates a medicinal product in an ancillary role; • Addition of medical devices with device proprietary names different from the registered devices, into a device listing. Unless the devices with different proprietary names qualify to be listed together under one SMDR listing based on GN-12 guidance documents on Grouping of Medical Devices for Product Registration. The registrant and/or the product owner should contact the Medical Devices Cluster (MDC), if there are any queries on whether a change in the registered device may require a new product registration. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 10 of 60 CATEGORIES OF CHANGES Changes to registered medical devices that require the submission of a Change Notification are classified into four categories namely: 1) Technical Changes for Class C and D medical devices affect the safety, quality or efficacy of these medical devices. These require HSA’s approval prior to implementation of the change(s) in Singapore. 2) Review Changes (closed list of changes) for Class B medical devices affect the safety, quality or efficacy of these medical devices. These require HSA’s approval prior to implementation of the change(s) in Singapore and are as follows: (i) R6 ► Change(s) to indications for use of the registered medical device (except editorial, rephrasing and/or reduction of indications for use not arising due to device safety, quality or efficacy concerns); ◄ (ii) R6 ►Addition of new model(s) (except addition of new models falling under 6Aii/6Aiiiof the Flowchart 6A) to a registered medical device listing; ◄ (iii) R6 ► Removal and/or revision (except revision due to editorial or rephrasing) of warnings, precautions, contraindications and/or adverse events ◄; (iv) Modification of approved method of use. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 11 of 60 3) Administrative Changes include: R7 ► Changes to the administrative documents and information submitted at the point of registration of the medical device as well as all other changes to device particulars which are published on public SMDR listing that fall under 6Aii/6Aiii of the Flowchart 6A. These require HSA’s approval prior to implementation of the change(s) in Singapore. ◄ 4) Notification Changes may be implemented immediately upon receipt of the acknowledgement email from HSA after submission via SHARE. These changes are as follows: (i) Change to delete or remove device particulars which are published on public SMDR listing; (ii) All other changes which do not fall under Administrative, Technical or Review changes, unless specified under section 2.3 (Changes that do not require submission of Change Notification). If the change is in the context of, or is a consequence of a reportable Adverse Events (AEs) or Field Safety Corrective Actions (FSCAs), implementation of such changes can only proceed after the FSCA/local AE cases have been reported to MDC. Notification Changes may be bundled together and notified to HSA in one change notification application. Alternatively, such changes could also be submitted together with the next Review/Technical change of the registered device (whichever comes first). While bundling Notification changes, any such change shall be submitted within a maximum of 6 months from the point of first implementation, globally. Prior to implementation of notification changes in Singapore, companies shall maintain relevant inventory records on file to ensure traceability of the changes as part of their QMS requirements. Bundled Notification Changes do not apply to: MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 12 of 60 - R6 ► MLMD which incorporates Generative AI and continuous learning capabilities ◄ - changes to the drug substance/medicinal product of combination products - AE/FSCA related changes ◄ NOTE: ‘Notification’ changes which are incorrectly classified will be rejected upon review and further supply of the affected device will be prohibited. Subsequent supply will be subject to approval of the change in the correct Change Notification category. Table 1 - Categories of Change Notification for Class B, C and D listings Risk Classification Technical Changes Review Changes Administrative Changes Notifications Class B ✓* ✓ ✓ Class C ✓ ✓ ✓ Class D ✓ ✓ ✓ *Closed list of changes R6 ►
2.1. Class A Medical Devices
2.1. Class A Medical Devices Change notification should not be submitted for changes pertaining to Class A medical devices (e.g addition of Class A medical devices to registered device listings, changing of identifiers of Class A listed medical devices). Class A medical devices are to be listed under the Class A Medical Device Database. While Class A medical devices are exempted from product registration, dealers’ licensing and post-market regulatory requirements remain applicable. For more information on Class A medical devices, refer to GN-22 Guidance for Dealers on Class A Medical Devices Exempted from Product Registration. ◄ MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 13 of 60
2.2. Changes to Medical Devices due to an AE and/or FSCA
2.2. Changes to Medical Devices due to an AE and/or FSCA Changes to medical devices may arise from the occurrence of AEs or FSCAs. The proposed changes to the medical devices in these situations are intended to have an impact on the safety, quality and/or efficacy of the medical device. Documents and information to be submitted in support of proposed changes may include the following information: • Product owner’s Field Safety Notice (FSN) or Dear ‘Healthcare Professional’ Letter (DHCPL) and/or other risk communication documents; • Product owner’s Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE); • Product owner’s Root Cause Analysis (RCA); • Product owner’s Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) to reduce likelihood of recurrence of device issue; • Product owner’s CAPA effectiveness/ validation. If there is no change to the aforementioned documents submitted under FSCA reporting, applicant is not required to re-submit them in the Change Notification application. The FSCA reference number should be indicated within the Annex 2 to GN-21: Summary Table of Change Notification for reference. In situations where some of the above documents have yet to be submitted to HSA, or where further information is required, HSA may request for them. Determination of the appropriate change category for Change Notification applications submitted in the context of, or as a consequence of or arising from open reportable AEs or on-going FSCAs shall be based on the type of change as per the flowcharts in the Section 3 of this document. Changes submitted in the context of, or as a consequence of or arising from open reportable AEs or on-going FSCAs would require prior approval from HSA before implementation. This clause applies to all registered medical devices regardless of the category of change selected. Exception to this clause shall require the MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 14 of 60 registrant to possess a written advice (e.g. acknowledgement email) from HSA that states otherwise. ◄
2.3. Changes which do not require Submission of Change Notification
2.3. Changes which do not require Submission of Change Notification The following specified change(s) would not require the submission of Change Notification to HSA: • Labelling changes that only involve changes in layout, colour, font sizes and design, without change in prominence of precautions, warnings, contraindications and/or adverse events. • Labelling changes that involve the addition and/or removal of languages not required by the Authority. • Labelling changes that involve the addition/removal of reference agency approvals (e.g. CE Marking). • Labelling changes that involves the update of distributor information, including EU authorised representative, and which does not affect the device listing information. • Labelling changes that involves the addition/change or removal of barcodes, and which does not change the device listing information. • Labelling changes that involve the addition of a Unique Device Identifier (UDI), and which does not change the device listing information. • Labelling changes that involve the change in date format of an existing labelling date field (e.g. from MMYY to DDMMYY). • R6 ► Labelling change with no new information related to safety and performance (e.g. addition of symbols to harmonise information between label and IFU, addition of warnings/precautions related to safe disposal of the device, change in design of existing symbol). ◄ • Change in regulatory status on rejection or withdrawal in any reference agencies for models registered on SMDR. • Change involves only a design change that does not affect performance characteristics and/or specifications of the medical device (e.g. changes that improve ergonomics, aesthetic modifications) MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 15 of 60 • R6 ►Change in material supplier changes (except medicinal substances and biological material suppliers) that do not change the registered medical device specifications. ◄ • Change in scope of the quality management system (QMS) certification which does not affect the registered medical device. • Change in certification body with no change in scope of QMS certificate. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 16 of 60
3. CHANGE TYPE ASSESSMENT FLOWCHARTS
3. CHANGE TYPE ASSESSMENT FLOWCHARTS The flowcharts detailed in this section present guiding principles for identification of the category of Change Notification applicable for each proposed type of change to the registered medical devices. The “Main Flowchart” shall be used to determine the applicable flowchart for a specific change. Examples of changes are included in the flowcharts for ease of reference. Please note that the examples are not meant as an exhaustive list. Full description of each final change type in the flowcharts can be found in Annex 3 to GN-21: Change Types Submission Reference List. This change type should be indicated in SHARE and Annex 2 to GN-21: Summary Table during submission of CN application. R6 ► Registrants who intend to enrol in the Change Management Program (CMP) for SaMD should refer to GN-37: Guidance on Change Management Program (CMP) for SaMD. ◄ MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 17 of 60 Main Flowchart This flowchart describes the general types of changes that can be made to a medical device and provides more specific categorisation detailed in Flowcharts 1.1 to 6A. Applicants are advised to proceed through the entire flow,and identify all relevant changes impacting the medical device and SMDR listing prior to submission. Yes No R6 ►Go to Flowchart 2.4 and/or 2.5 Yes Yes No Is there a change in manufacturing facility, process or quality management system (QMS)? Go to Flowchart 1.1 Go to Flowchart 1.2 Go to Flowchart 2.1 Go to Flowchart 2.2 R6 ► Go to Flowchart 2.3 and/or 2.5 Go to Flowchart 3 Go to Flowchart 4 Go to Flowchart 5 Is there a change to listing information of a registered medical device? Go to Flowchart 6 Collate all relevant changes. Assess if changes qualify to be grouped in a single application (ref. GN-21, Section 4) before submitting application(s). Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No R6 ► Is there a change to the software for an in vitro diagnostic device (IVD) or change in machine learning feature? R6 ► Is there a change to the software for a general medical device (GMD) or change in machine learning feature? Is there a change in design or specifications for an in vitro diagnostic device (IVD)? Is there a change in sterilisation facility, process or quality management system (QMS)? Is there a change in design or specifications for a general medical device (GMD)? Is there a change to labelling? Is there a change to materials for an in vitro diagnostic device (IVD)? Is there a change to materials for a general medical device (GMD)? MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 18 of 60 Flowchart 1.1: Change in Manufacturing Facility and its Process and/or Quality Management System Is there a change in the manufacturing process that affects the medicinal substances with no change in registered medical device specifications? Example – Change in manufacturing process of drug paclitaxel, with no change in final registered paclitaxel-eluting stent specifications Is there a change in the manufacturing process to Additive Manufacturing (3D-printing), or to refurbish a registered device? Example – Change from milling to selective laser sintering for dental implant. Is there a change in the manufacturing process that results in a change in specifications of a registered medical device? Example – Change in bonding process resulting in change in catheter tip diameter specification Is there a change in sterilisation method and related processes? Is there an addition, deletion, or shift/change of manufacturing facilities with no change to manufacturing process? Example – Transfer of manufacturing activities from Location A to Location B with no change to manufacturing process Is there a change that only involves the update of QMS validity date? No Change Notification Required Please contact the Medical Devices Cluster for further advice. Change Type 1B Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Change Type 1C Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Refer to Flowchart 1.2 Change in Sterilisation Facility, and its Process and/or QMS Change Type 1A All risk classes: Notification Change Type 1E All risk classes: Notification Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 19 of 60 Flowchart 1.2: Change in Sterilisation Facility and its Process and/or Quality Management System Is there a change in sterilisation method and/or related processes for a registered medical device? Example – Change in moist heat sterilisation parameters, or change in sterilisation method from ethylene oxide to gamma radiation, or change from batch release to parametric release Is there a change in sterile primary packaging? Example – Removal of tray from sterile packaging, or change from foil laminate to Tyvek pouch Is there an addition, deletion, or shift/change of sterilisation facilities with no change to sterilisation process? Example – Transfer of sterilisation activities from Location A to Location B with no change to sterilisation process Is there a change that only involves the update of QMS validity date? No Change Notification Required Change Type 1D Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Change Type 2Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Change Type 1A All risk classes: Notification Change Type 1E All risk classes: Notification Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 20 of 60 Flowchart 2.1: Changes in Design or Specifications of an In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Medical Device Is there a change to software of a registered IVD system R6 ► or change in machine learning feature? ◄ Is there a change to the control mechanisms and/or performance characteristics (excluding changes to assay principle) of a registered IVD kit /system / analyser? Example – Change in method of calibration Change in assay run time e.g to short turn around time (STAT) Is there a change in specification of a registered IVD kit/ system/ analyser which requires additional pre-clinical or clinical validation? Example – Change in stability/shelf-life of IVD reagents No Change Notification Required Refer to Flowchart 2.4 Changes to Software of Medical Devices (IVD) R6 ► and/or Flowchart 2.5 Changes to Machine Learning- enabled Medical Device ◄ Change Type 2Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Change Type 2B Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification No No No Yes Yes Yes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 21 of 60 Flowchart 2.2: Change in Design and/or Specifications of General Medical Devices Is there a change to the software of medical device R6 ►or change in machine learning feature? ◄ Is there a change to the control mechanisms/operating principles of a registered medical device? Example - Addition of a footswitch to an X-ray system that previously do not operate via a footswitch mechanism. Is there a change in design characteristics/ specification of the registered medical device, which expands the approved indication of use? Example – Change in flow rate of a ventilator to allow for use in paediatric population, in addition to adult patients Addition of a transducer in an ultrasound system which expands the indication of use for trans- cardiac purposes Is there a change in design characteristics/ specification of the registered medical device, which would require additional pre-clinical studies (e.g. shelf life/stability studies, mechanical testing) or / and clinical data to support the safety and effectiveness of the changed device? Example – Change in the shelf life for surgical sealant from 12 months to 24 months Addition of new connectivity feature (e.g. Bluetooth, WIFI and etc.) to device No Change Notification Required Refer to Flowchart 2.3: Change to Software of Medical Devices (GMD) R6►and/or Flowchart 2.5 Changes to Machine Learning- enabled Medical Device ◄ Change Type 2Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Change Type 5Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review Change Type 2B Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 22 of 60 Flowchart 2.3: Change to Software* of General Medical Devices (GMD) * Software refers to Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and/or Software embedded in medical device system. Is there a change to software that modifies an algorithm that affect the diagnostic or therapeutic function? Example - An algorithm change to X-ray system with enhanced sensitivity software for image enhancement which improves the detection rate of lesions. R6 ► Is there a change to software with addition of new (i) features or software applications that affect any diagnostic or therapeutic functions of a medical device, or (ii) connectivity ? ◄ Example - A software change that allows the blood oxygen monitor to also report blood CO2 concentrations. Is there a change to software that includes addition or removal of alarm function, such that a response to this change impacts the treatment of patient? Example - Addition to software of an early warning alarm in electrocardiogram to signal a potential cardiac event such as atrial fibrillation. Is there a change to software that impacts the performance characteristics of the registered medical device such that the treatment or diagnosis of the patient is altered? Example - upgrade of software version changes the performance characteristics like specificity or sensitivity of the diagnostic medical device. Is there a change to software that includes change in the operating system compared to existing software version number registered with the medical device? Example - A change in the operating system from Linux to Windows. Is there a change to software which impacts the control of the device that may alter diagnostic or therapeutic function? Example - Software changes in Insulin pump that enables the insulin dosage to be controlled based on readings from compatible (continuous) blood glucose monitors. Change Type R6 ► 2Aiii ◄ Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Change Type 2Aii All risk classes: Notification Examples - •Software changes solely to correct an inadvertent software error which does not add new functions, does not pose any safety risk and is intended to bring the system to specification. •Software changes to incorporate interfacing to other nonmedical peripherals such as printers etc. and which has no diagnostic or therapeutic function. •Software changes carried out to only modify the appearance of the user interface with no risk to diagnostic or therapeutic function of the device. •Software changes solely to address a cybersecurity vulnerability Yes No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 23 of 60 Flowchart 2.4: Change to Software of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (IVD) ◄ Is there a change to software that impacts the operating performance, processing time or processing conditions of the IVD analyser? Examples – Software update/change to (i) enhance sensitivity of the detector/ sensor; (ii) support increased throughput of the IVD analyser Is there a change to software that requires re-validation of assay/ test kit specifications? Examples – Software change which (i) adjusts calibration of IVD analyser; (ii) supports a new cartridge design. Is there a change to software that supports a change in the operating system or connectivity of the IVD analyser? Example – A change in the operating system from Linux to Windows. Change Type 2Aii All risk classes: Notification Examples – Software change (i) to correct inadvertent software error which does not add new functions, does not pose any safety risk and is intended to bring system to specification; (ii) to improve usability and data management workflow processes. (iii) which shortens time taken to start up the IVD analyser after routine maintenance. Change Type R6 ► 2Aiii ◄ Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification No No No Yes Yes Yes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 24 of 60 R6 ► Flowchart 2.5: Change to Machine Learning-enabled Medical Device (a) For all Machine Learning-enabled Medical Device (MLMD) (applicable for both locked and continuous learning algorithms) Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Change Type 2Aiii Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Is there a change that involve an addition or reduction of input data type to generate a same clinical output? There is no change to the indication for use. Example - Approved input data type are CT images and ECG signal. New input data types are CT images, ECG Signal and SpO2 reading. Is there a change to the output results presented which are based on the approved input parameters / image modality, which involves an addition of the approved indication for use? This includes changes to how the user should interpret the output result. Example – Approved software can identify the following intra-cranial tumours from MRI images: Meningioma and Chordoma. Changes involve an addition of intra-cranial tumour (i.e. Craniopharyngioma) using the same MRI image. MRI → Meningioma, Chordoma and Craniopharyngioma (new indication) Note: If a new input is required to provide the new output (e.g. CT image to detect Craniopharyngioma), a new pre-market application will be required. Before: MRI → Meningioma, Chordoma After: CT (new) → Craniopharyngioma (new indication) - A new premarket application required Is there a change to the approved workflow such that the patient result/therapy will no longer be required to be reviewed/supervised by the healthcare provider/trained professional/user (i.e. no human intervention is required)? Example - Approved workflow includes a review the final output by a nurse and specialist. New workflow will exclude the review of the result by a specialist. If there is a change in approved workflow in the SaMD which lead to a change in risk classification (e.g. from drive to diagnose/treat) - A new premarket application will be required. Change Type 2Aii All risk Classes: Notification Examples: •Change that involve removal of one or more of the resulting outputs which are based on the approved input parameters. e.g. Approved device is able to detect tachycardia and brachycardia based on ECG inputs. With the changed output, the device will only detect tachycardia. *In addition, if there is a change in indication, Flowchart 5 will also be applicable. •Change to AI-MD deployment. e.g. Change from a centralised platform to a decentralised platform for deployment and vice versa. Change Type 5C Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review Change Type 5Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review Is there a change to the output results presented which are based on the approved input parameters, with no changes to the approved indication for use? This includes changes to how the user should interpret the output result. Example –Approved wound scanner is able to report the length and width. New output parameter will include the depth of wound. There is no change to the indication for use. Change Type 2Aiii Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 25 of 60 (b) For all Continuous Learning Algorithm in addition to (a) ◄ Yes Yes Yes No Is there a change to the defined boundaries for allowable changes in its performance specification? Example - Current performance accuracy boundaries between 80%- 85% will be updated to 85%-92%. Is there a change to the baseline performances specifications used to compare with the evolving performance specification? Example - Current baseline performance accuracy is 80% will be updated to 85%. Change Type 2B Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Is there a change in exclusion / inclusion criteria for input data used for continuous learning? Example - Patient data for age below 21 will be included in the re- training, where this is excluded in the pre-market submission. No Please contact the Medical Devices Cluster for further advice. No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 26 of 60 Flowchart 3: Change to Materials of General Medical Devices Is the change to material for an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device? Refer to Flowchart 4 Change to materials of in vitro diagnostic devices (IVD) No Change Notification Required Is there a change in radiation source (e.g. radioisotopes) or type of medicinal substances in the medical devices that incorporate medicinal substances in an ancillary role? Example- Change in medicinal substance from Tacrolimus to Everolimus in a drug eluting stent Is there a change to concentration or drug specification of medicinal substances in medical devices that incorporate medicinal substances in an ancillary role? Is there a change to type, source, processing and/or supplier of biological materials (including cells, tissues and/or derivatives of animal, human, microbial or recombinant origin) without a change in the intended purpose of the biological material? Example- Change in source of hyaluronic acid from Streptococcus zooepidemicus to Streptococcus equi Is there a change to material or material formulation (of non-biological origin) including changes to device coating or surface modification techniques that is intended to make direct/indirect contact with body tissues and fluids or is absorbed by the body with no change to the performance specification? Example- Replacement of catheter surface coating from PEBA to PEEK Is there a change to materials that are used for shielding in medical devices emitting ionising radiation? Example- Change in shielding material of X-ray system from lead to tungsten Is there a change to material which results in design and/or specifications change of a registered general medical device? Submit new Premarket Application Change Type 3A Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Has the material been reviewed in a previous device application, from the same product owner, and does the new material in this device have the same nature of body contact and contact duration as in the previously reviewed device? R6 ► Is there a change in the radiation source (e.g. radioisotopes) ◄ R6►Is there a change in the medicinal substance?◄ Refer to Flowchart 2.2 Change in design and/or specifications of general medical devices No No No Change Type 3Bii All Risk Classes: Notification Change Type 3Bi Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification No No No No Change Type 3C Class C&D: Technical Class B: Not applicable R6 ►Submit new Premarket Application ◄ Change Type 3D Class C&D: Technical Class B: Not applicable R6 ►Submit new Premarket Application ◄ No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 27 of 60 Flowchart 4: Change to Materials of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Is the change to material for a general medical device? Is there a change in radiation source? Example – Change of radioisotopes in radioimmunoassays Is there a change to material (including chemical and biological substances) which results in a change to the performance specifications of the registered in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device? Example – Change in preservatives resulting in revalidation of shelf life/stability Is there change to material which results in design specifications change of the registered in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device? Example – Change in material from a polyclonal antibody coated microplate to a monoclonal antibody coated microplate in an immunoassay. No Change Notification Required Refer to Flowchart 3 Change to materials of general medical devices Submit new Premarket Application Change Type 4A Class C&D: Technical Class B: Notification Refer to Flowchart 2.1 Change in design and/or specifications of IVD medical devices Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 28 of 60 Flowchart 5: Changes to Labelling All changes to labelling of the medical devices that involve addition, removal and/or revision of the approved indications for use All Yes All changes to labelling of the medical devices that involve addition, removal and/or revision of warnings, precautions, contraindications and/or adverse events Is there a change to the approved method of use which requires preclinical or clinical data to support the changes in demonstrating continual safety and effectiveness of the device? Example- Metallic implant (initially labelled as MR safe) is re-labelled as MR conditional. Does the change involve only editorial changes, rephrasing and/or reduction to indications for use? Does the change involve only editorial changes, rephrasing, addition of contraindications, warnings, precautions and/or adverse events? Change Type 5C Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review Yes No Yes Yes No No Does the change involve only rephrasing of existing information in instructions for use? Example – Change from ‘Avoid exposure to temperature and humidity extremes’ to ‘Keep away from sunlight’ Change Type 5D All Risk Classes: Notification Yes No Change Type 5Aii All Risk Classes: Notification Change Type 5Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review No Change Type 5Bii All Risk Classes: Notification Change Type 5Bi Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review No Yes Change Type 5E All Risk Classes: Notification Yes Other labelling changes Examples– •Adding a clinical benefit statement which is within the scope of the approved indications for use. •Clarification/addition of performance data based on previously submitted studies. •Labelling an implant made of non-ferro magnetic materials (e.g. polymer) as MR safe. Fall within list of exempted labelling changes (Refer to Section 2.3 Changes which do not require Submission of Change Notification) No Change Notification Required Yes No MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 29 of 60 Flowchart 6: Changes to Registered Medical Devices Listing Information This refers to the primary change under this category. For consequential changes to the device listing information, please refer to other flowcharts. ◄ Are there any changes to device particulars which are published on the public SMDR? Refer to all other Change Type Assessment Flowcharts Do the changes involve addition of new medical devices to a device listing that (i) are beyond the existing range of registered sizes, and/or (ii) affect device design, specifications and/or performance characteristics? All other addition of new devices to public SMDR listing? Is there a deletion of models from the device listing? Is there ONLY a change to the Product Name; AND/OR Product Identifier of the registered medical device? Is there a change to the Product Owner including changes to Product Owner Name and Address? Is there a change to the registered indications for use? R6 ► Is change just to submit Unique Device Identifier (UDI) data elements for registered devices? ◄ R6 ► For all other changes limited to listing information, please refer to the Main Flowchart or contact the Medical Devices Cluster for further advice. ◄ Change Type 6Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review All Risk Classes: Administrative Refer to Flowchart 6A Addition of new medical devices to a listing Change Type 6B All Risk Classes: Notification Change Type 6C All Risk Classes: Administrative Change Type 6D All Risk Classes: Administrative Refer to Flowchart 5 Changes to labelling R6 ► Change Type 6E All Risk Classes: Notification ◄ R7 ► Yes No No No No No No No R7 ► No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 30 of 60 Flowchart 6A: Addition of New Medical Devices to a Device Listing R6 ► Note: Change notification will not be required for addition of Class A medical devices. Class A medical devices are to be listed under the Class A Medical Device Database. For more information, refer to section 2.1. ◄ Refer to GN-34: Guidance Document for IVD Analysers for further information on addition of IVD analysers to device listing. Change Type 6Ai Class C&D: Technical Class B: Review Is there an addition of new device of the same design that only involves: (i)new models within the existing range of sizes already registered, and/or (ii)increase/reduction in the number of identical devices in a pack of a registered device without breach of individual primary packaging, and/or (iii)increase/reduction of volume that does not affect specifications of device (e.g. shelf life, stability, performance, sterility etc.), and/or (iv)new models due repackaging of existing models within the same SMDR listing in different combinations without breach of individual primary packaging? Change Type 6Aii All Risk Classes: Administrative No Is there an addition of new device or software identifier with no change to the performance characteristics or specifications of the device? Examples – Changes that improve device ergonomics, aesthetic modification of the device Software changes solely to correct an inadvertent software error which does not add new functions, does not pose any safety risk and is intended to bring the system to specification. Change Type 6Aiii All Risk Classes: Administrative Do the changes involve addition of new medical devices to a device listing that: (i) are beyond the existing range of registered sizes, and/or (ii) affect device design, specifications and/or performance characteristics? Example - Addition of two new stent lengths, which are not within range of sizes already registered, to the FAMILY of stent. No Yes Yes Yes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 31 of 60
4. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CHANGE NOTIFICATION
4. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CHANGE NOTIFICATION Upon identifying all applicable categories of changes based on the flowcharts in Section 3, the changes may be grouped as per guidelines below and submitted as a single Change Notification application for the medical device listing(s). NOTE 1. For changes within one dossier and involving listings of a single risk class: Multiple changes (Notification, Administrative, Review and Technical changes) will be considered in one CHANGE NOTIFICATION application if they are submitted together. Fees and assessment done will follow the highest change category in that application. 2. For changes in two or more dossiers involving listings of a single risk class: a) Applicants can submit one CHANGE NOTIFICATION application on SHARE for: (i) identical administrative and notification changes to multiple SMDR listings, or (ii) where the same new product is added to multiple SMDR listings, if the changes are submitted together. Non-identical changes in any one listing may result in the entire CHANGE NOTIFICATION application being rejected. b) Applicants can submit one CHANGE NOTIFICATION application for technical changes to the same medical device that is part of multiple device listings (as part of a FAMILY, SYSTEM, GROUP, TEST KIT). Product identifiers listed in each of the SMDR device listings selected must be the same. Example: A change in design (Technical change) to a Calibrator (Product identifier: AB1234) that is listed as part of the following SYSTEMS that have been listed separately on SMDR: SMDR device listing number Name of device listing Models listed on SMDR DE12345 APEX Troponin Test system APEX Troponin test strip (AT987) APEX control (AT654) APEX calibrator (AB1234) DE98765 APEX CK-MB Test System APEX CK-MB test strip (AC786) APEX control (AC423) APEX calibrator (AB1234) Change to the APEX calibrator (AB1234) in SMDR listings, DE12345 and DE98765, can be submitted in one CHANGE NOTIFICATION application. c) Non-identical administrative changes and technical changes that do not fall under the categories above: Applicant to submit separate CHANGE NOTIFICATION application for each change on SHARE. 3. Identical changes involving SMDR listings of different risk classes may be submitted in one CHANGE NOTIFICATION application only for the following categories of change. • Change in product owner (6D) • Change in manufacture and/or sterilisation site (1A) • Change only involves an update of QMS certificate validity date (1E) MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 32 of 60 4. Identical changes arising from open Field Safety Corrective Actions (FSCAs) or reportable Adverse Events (AEs) involving SMDR listings of different risk classes, please seek advice from MDC on applicable requirements prior to the submission of the application on SHARE. 5. Bundled Notification changes are still required to fulfil points 1 to 3. R6 ► -- ◄ Single applications submitted with changes belonging to multiple categories (Notifications, Administrative, Technical and Review changes) shall be classified based on the most stringent category of change in that application, and evaluated accordingly. The fees and Turn-Around-Time (TAT) will follow the most stringent category applicable.
4.1. Requirements for Change Notification
4.1. Requirements for Change Notification Applicant is required to submit the following: a. All supporting documents listed in Annex 1 as applicable for the change types. b. Duly completed Annex 2 to GN-21: Summary Table of Change Notification R5 ► -- ◄ Registrants are reminded that the determination of documents required for Change Notification should be made with reference to all submitted changes, and not solely on one category of change. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 33 of 60 The application process for the assessment of Change Notification application for registered Class B to D medical devices is summarised below: Upon the successful submission of the Change Notification application on SHARE, no further amendment of the application will be allowed unless otherwise advised by HSA. As application fees and TATs for Change Notification applications are based on a per-application basis, HSA recommends the judicious grouping of different categories of changes that affect each device listing, before submission of each Change Notification. Refer to Section 5 and Section 6 of this guidance document for the TATs and the fees applicable for each Change Notification category. An application for changes categorised as ‘Technical Change’ or ‘Review Change’ will be evaluated. An evaluation decision is made based on the outcome of the Authority’s evaluation of the submitted information. The decision can be one of the following: • The Change Notification is approvable – where Authority assessed that the changes made to the registered medical device meet prevailing requirements Registrant identifies change that requires CHANGE NOTIFICATION Screening of application Evaluation of application Regulatory Decision Registrant submits Change Notification application Evaluation Decision Verification of documentation Technical/Review change Administrative change/Notification MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 34 of 60 of safety, quality and efficacy for its intended purpose and may be registered for local supply; or • The Change Notification is non-approvable – where the response provided by the applicant fails to address the deficiencies highlighted during the input request, or failure to adhere to specified time as stated in input request or provide information requested for within reasonable timeframe, or where changes made to the registered medical device does not meet prevailing requirements of safety, quality or efficacy for its intended purpose.
4.2. Implementation and Supply
4.2. Implementation and Supply Changes to the registered devices may be implemented upon approval of the respective Change Notification applications by the Authority. Upon approval of the Change Notification application, companies may concurrently supply both the original registered medical device and the changed medical device (subject of the Change Notification) only if both versions of the medical device conform to the Essential Requirements for Safety and Performance for medical devices as stipulated in the Regulations. Companies shall ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to differentiate and identify the changed device from the original version based on device or manufacturing attributes (e.g. through batch/ lot/ serial number and manufacturing date), and maintain relevant inventory records on file to ensure traceability of both versions as part of their QMS requirements. All relevant records on file shall be made available to the Authority upon request. This concurrent supply of the unchanged original device may not be applicable for changes to medical devices implemented as a consequence of reportable AEs or FSCAs. Such changes typically impact the safety, quality and/or efficacy of the medical device and any further supply of the affected and/or corrected stocks shall be solely based on the written advice from HSA to the registrant in the context of the respective AE or FSCA cases. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 35 of 60 For the concurrent supply of old-label and new-label stock in the context of change(s) in product owner (6D) Change Notification applications, companies will additionally be required to inform HSA of the proposed timeline for phasing out of old inventory stock with old product owner contact information from the market at the point of submission of the CN. Company should ensure there is appropriate communication to the affected consignees on any change in the product owner contact information in the interim, for the proposed period of concurrent supply. Concurrent supply for this scenario may be allowed by the Authority for stipulated timeline upon review of the information and supporting documentsprovided. In the context of change in manufacture and/or sterilisation site (1A) change notifications that is to replace existing sites for the registered device with new sites, companies who require concurrent supply of the devices from the old and new sites will additionally be required to inform HSA of the proposed timeline for phasing out of the manufacturing activity in the old site which should be supported by valid QMS certificate for the old site. Concurrent supply for this scenario may be allowed by the Authority for stipulated timeline upon review of the information and supporting documents provided. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 36 of 60
5. CHANGE NOTIFICATION TURN-AROUND-TIME (TAT)
5. CHANGE NOTIFICATION TURN-AROUND-TIME (TAT) Applicants should ensure that the dossiers are complete before submission. Incomplete submissions and untimely responses to queries will result in unnecessary delays to the review process and inevitably prolong the overall processing timeline. Table 2 - Change Notification TAT for Class B, C and D listings Risk Classification TAT for Change Notification (in working days) Review Changes Administrative Changes Technical Changes Class B 45 30 Not applicable Class C Not applicable 30 75 Class D* Not applicable 30 90 *For TATs with regards to changes to the medicinal product in Class D medical devices that incorporate a registrable medicinal product in an ancillary role, please contact HSA. The target TAT for Change Notification applications commences from the date of submission of the application and does not include ‘stop-clock time’ due to input requests for clarifications and additional information. The TATs published in Table 2 above shall be applied based on the highest category of change selected for that application (e.g. if a Technical Change and an Administrative Change for a Class C medical device listing are submitted in one application, the TATs for a Technical Change for a Class C medical device shall apply). TATs shall apply to each application on a per-application basis. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 37 of 60
6. CHANGE NOTIFICATION FEES
6. CHANGE NOTIFICATION FEES The fees applicable for the Change Notification applications can be found at the HSA website (www.hsa.gov.sg/medical-devices/fees). Fees chargeable for applications that includes multiple changes will depend upon the highest category of change selected (e.g. if a Technical Change and an Administrative Change for a Class C medical device listing are submitted in one application, the fees for a Technical Change for a Class C medical device shall apply). All fees are non-refundable once the application has been submitted via SHARE. Withdrawal or rejection of the application will result in forfeiture of the fees charged. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 38 of 60
Annex 1 — Change Notification Submission Requirements
ANNEX 1 to GN-21: Change Notification Submission Requirements This serves as a guide to assist the registrant in determining the required submission documents for the types of changes proposed. NOTE: All the required documents must be submitted for the relevant sections of the CSDT to support the proposed changes to the device. The documentary requirements are meant to cover the broadest aspect for each category of change. If any required documents as defined in the respective category in this checklist are not available or applicable for the change proposed, please provide a clarification or justification as appropriate. Please also refer to GN-15 for the relevant templates/documents which may be required for the registered devices. Mandatory documents to be submitted for all Change Notification application: • Completed Annex 2 to GN-21: Summary Table of Change Notification R5 ► -- ◄ Documentary Requirements: 1. Change in Manufacturing Facility, Process and Quality Management System (QMS) 1A* 1B 1C 1D 1E B-D: Notification B: Notification C&D: Technical B: Notification C&D: Technical B: Notification C&D: Technical B-D: Notification All changes in manufacturing and/or sterilisation facilities with no changes to the specifications of a registered medical device and/or sterilisation process All changes in manufacturing process to Additive Manufacturing, or to refurbish a registered device All changes in the manufacturing site and/or processes that result in a change in specifications of a registered medical device All changes in sterilisation method and/or related processes for a registered medical device Update of QMS certificate validity date Proof of QMS – E.g.: ISO 13485 Certificate, Conformity to US FDA Quality System Regulations, Japan MHLW Ordinance 169 or MDSAP certificate If applicable If applicable Device labelling with changes are highlighted/identified and finalised device labelling If applicable If applicable If applicable MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 39 of 60 - Continued - 1. Change in Manufacturing Facility, Process and Quality Management System (QMS) 1A* 1B 1C 1D 1E B-D: Notification B: Notification C&D: Technical B: Notification C&D: Technical B: Notification C&D: Technical B-D: Notification Declaration from product owner on company letterhead to state that there is no change to device in all aspects, including intended use, technical specifications and/or sterilisation process Sterilisation validation report (including EO residuals report if applicable) and evidence of on-going sterilisation validation. If applicable Summary of new manufacturing process Design verification and validation documents e.g. post-sterilisation functional test report Risk Analysis (If applicable) * For changes in manufacturing/ sterilisation site of medical devices containing medicinal products in an ancillary role, please contact the Medical Devices Cluster, Health Sciences Authority for further advice. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 40 of 60 Documentary Requirements: 2. Changes in Design or Specifications of a registered medical device (GMD and IVD) R6 ► 2Ai and 2Aiii ◄ 2Aii 2B B: Notification C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: Notification C&D: Technical Changes to the control mechanisms, operating principles, sterile primary packaging and/or design characteristics of a registered medical device. Unless the change only involves a change to the software version number such as: • Software changes solely to correct an inadvertent software error which does not add new functions, does not pose any safety risk and is intended to bring the system to specification; • Software changes which augment interfacing to other nonmedical peripherals such as printers or VDUs and which has no diagnostic or therapeutic function; • Software changes which only modifies the appearance of the user interface with no risk to diagnostic or therapeutic function of the device. • Software changes solely to address a cybersecurity vulnerability All changes in specifications of a registered medical device (including shelf life, stability, expiry date) Design verification and validation documents * Refer to Documentation Guidelines for Software Changes table in this Annex R6 ► *Refer to GL-04 Regulatory Guidelines for Software Medical Devices for documentary requirements for changes to MLMD ◄ Risk Analysis Clinical Evidence (If applicable) Device labelling with changes are highlighted/identified and finalised device labelling MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 41 of 60 Documentation Guidelines for Software Changes Documentary Requirements Software change (Notification) Software change (Technical/ Review) Detailed summary of software changes (can be included in the Annex 2, Summary Table of Change). To include information on the incremental changes or revisions to the software from the registered software version. To provide the final software version to be supplied in Singapore. Note: The final software version that represents all software changes/iteration (e.g. graphic interface, functionality, bug fixes and etc.) should be provided. Software version numbering that is solely for testing or internal use only (e.g. checking in of source code) are not required. An overview of all verification, validation, and testing performed for the software both in-house and in a simulated or actual user environment prior to final release. All unresolved anomalies in the release version of the software should be summarized, along with a justification for acceptability (i.e. the problem, impact on safety and effectiveness, and any plans for correction of the problems). Evidence to demonstrate that the software issue has been resolved. (e.g. test cases verification) Note- for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices, performance validation of the IVD analyser & assay conducted using software is acceptable in lieu of the software validation report. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 42 of 60 Documentary Requirements: 3. Changes to Materials in a General Medical Device 3A 3Bi 3Bii 3C 3D B: Notification C&D: Technical B: Notification C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: NA C&D: Technical B: NA C&D: Technical All changes to type, source, processing and/or supplier of biological materials (including cells, tissues and/or derivatives of animal, human, microbial or recombinant origin) without a change in the intended purpose of the biological material. All changes to material or material formulation (of non-biological origin) including changes to device coating or surface modification techniques that is intended to make direct/indirect contact with body tissues and fluids or is absorbed by the body, with no change in device performance specifications. Unless the material has been reviewed in a previous device application and the new material has the same nature of body contact and contact duration. All changes to materials that are used for shielding in medical devices emitting ionising radiation. All changes to concentration or drug specification of medicinal substances in medical devices that incorporate medicinal substances in an ancillary role. Design verification and validation documents (e.g. biocompatibility) (e.g. biocompatibility, mechanical) (e.g. biocompatibility, mechanical testing, sterilisation validation) (e.g. radiation safety validation report summary) Contact the Medical Devices Cluster for further advice. Clinical Evidence (If applicable) Biological safety data - Process validation results to substantiate that manufacturing procedures are in place to minimize biological risks, in particular, with regard to viruses and other transmissible agents. This also includes inactivation of infection organisms. (e.g. viral validation report) - Continued - 3. Changes in Materials in a General Medical Device MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 43 of 60 3A 3Bi 3Bii 3C 3D B: Notification C&D: Technical B: Notification C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: NA C&D: Technical B: NA C&D: Technical Information of sources/donors -An indication of biological material or derivative used in the medical device, its origin and source/donor Contact the Medical Devices Cluster for further advice. List of material(s) making direct/ indirect contact with human body Information on radiation source Information on materials for shielding of radiation Justification for choice of identified referenced device (provide device registration & model number), with consideration to the device intended use, indications of use, nature of body contact and contact duration. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 44 of 60 Documentary Requirements: 4. Change to Materials of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices 4 A B: Notification C&D: Technical All changes to material (including chemical and biological substances) which results in a change to the performance specifications of the registered in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device Design verification and validation documents e.g. Shelf life studies, specificity and sensitivity studies Clinical Evidence Biological safety data - Process validation results to substantiate that manufacturing procedures are in place to minimize biological risks, in particular, with regard to viruses and other transmissible agents. This also includes inactivation of infection organisms in reagents and the production of reagents. e.g. Certificate of Analysis (COA), Certificate of Compliance (COC) Information of sources/ donors -An indication of biological material or derivative used in the medical device, its origin and source/donor Device labelling with changes are highlighted/identified and finalised device labelling Risk analysis All changes to the radiation source require a new premarket submission. E.g. Radioisotopes in radioimmunoassays MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 45 of 60 Documentary Requirements: 5. Changes to Labelling 5Ai 5Aii 5Bi 5Bii 5C 5D 5E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B-D: Notification All changes to the labelling of medical devices that involve addition and/or revision of the approved indications for use R6 ►Unless the change only involves editorial changes, rephrasing and/ or reduction to indications for use◄ All changes to labelling of the medical devices that involve removal and/or revision of warnings, precautions, contraindications and/or adverse events R6 ►Unless the change involve only editorial changes, rephrasing and/or addition of contraindications, warnings, precautions and/or adverse events◄ Labelling changes that modify the approved method of use Change involves only rephrasing of existing information in instructions for use Other labelling Changes Proof of reference agency’s approval(s) for the change Device labelling with changes that are highlighted/identified and finalised device labelling Declaration of conformity document MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 46 of 60 - Continued - 5. Changes to Labelling 5Ai 5Aii 5Bi 5Bii 5C 5D 5E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Notification B-D: Notification Device verification and validation documents *Refer to Documentation Guidelines for Software Changes table in this Annex R6 ► *Refer to GL- 04 Regulatory Guidelines for Software Medical Devices for documentary requirements for changes to MLMD ◄ Clinical Evidence Risk Analysis Other relevant documents supporting proposed changes submitted (If applicable) MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 47 of 60 Documentary Requirements: 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai 6Aii 6Aiii R6 ► -- ◄ 6B 6C 6D R6 ► 6E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification Addition of new medical devices to a device listing Unless the change involves the addition of the same design, that only involves: • New models within the existing range of sizes already registered; • An increase or reduction in the number of identical devices in a pack of a registered device without breach of individual primary packaging; • An increase or reduction of volume that does not affect specifications of device (e.g. shelf life, stability, performance and sterility); • Addition of models due repackaging of existing models within the same SMDR listing in different combinations without breach of individual primary packaging. Unless change involves the addition of a new device or software identifier with no change to the performance characteristics or specifications of the device All deletions of models from device listing All changes to Product Name and/or identifier All changes to the product owner All changes to product owner address Submission of Unique Device Identifier (UDI) data elements for registered devices Annex 2 - List of Configurations with new/ updated models highlighted - Device description of the added model - MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 48 of 60 - Continued - 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai 6Aii 6Aiii R6 ► -- ◄ 6B 6C 6D 6E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification A comparison, preferably in a table, of the design, specifications, intended use/indications for use between the current registered devices and the proposed added device(s) the proposed. To include labelled pictorial representation (diagrams, photos, drawings) where necessary. - Justification for addition of device models to be grouped within the registered listing [e.g. Patient information leaflet and promotional material (including brochures and catalogues)] - Justificatio n for deletion of model(s) MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 49 of 60 - Continued - 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai6Aii6Aiii R6 ► -- ◄ 6B6C6D6E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification Cybersecurity (if applicable) Evidence to support the cybersecurity of connected medical devices, such as wireless enabled, internet- connected and network- connected devices. For example, but not limited to: -Cybersecurity vulnerabilities and risk analysis -Cybersecurity control measures -On-going plans, processes or mechanisms for surveillance, timely detection and management of cybersecurity related threats during the useful life of the device especially when a breach has been detected. - R6 ► On-going plans that address cybersecurity concerns when current system is reaching end of support. ◄ - Device labelling with changes are highlighted/ identified and finalised device labelling - MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 50 of 60 - Continued - 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai6Aii6Aiii R6 ► -- ◄ 6B6C6D 6E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification Declaration of conformity document - Letter of Authorisation (GN-15) - Device verification and validation documents *Refer to Documentation Guidelines for Software Changes table in this Annex *Refer to GL-04 Regulatory Guidelines for Software Medical Devices for documentary requirements for changes to MLMD If applicableIf applicable - Clinical Evidence (If applicable) - Risk analysis (If applicable) - Proof of reference agency’s approval(s) for the change - MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 51 of 60 - Continued - 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai 6Aii 6Aiii R6 ► -- ◄ 6B 6C 6D 6E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrativ e B-D: Notification B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification R6 ► -- ◄ - Adverse events (AE) / Field safety corrective action (FSCA) - To include a summary of reportable AEs and FSCAs for the MD since its first introduction on the global market. If there have been no AEs or FSCAs to date, provide an attestation from product owner on company letterhead, that there have been no AEs or FSCAs since commercial introduction of the device globally. - Manufacturing information (site’s name and address) - Proof of QMS – E.g.: ISO13485 Certificate, Conformity to US FDA Quality System Regulations, Japan MHLW Ordinance 169 or MDSAP certificate - MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 52 of 60 - Continued - 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai 6Aii 6Aiii R6 ► -- ◄ 6B 6C 6D 6E B: Review C&D: Technical B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification B-D: Administrative B-D: Administrative B-D: Notification ◄ Declaration Letter - From product owner on company letterhead, to state that there is no change to the device in all aspects, including intended use, technical specifications and/or sterilisation process. From product owner on company letterhead, to state that they will undertake responsibility to provide post market support and assistance related to the medical devices <state device name> already supplied under the former product owner’s name (if applicable) MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 53 of 60
Annex 2 — Summary Table of Change Notification
ANNEX 2 to GN-21: Summary Table of Change Notification Guidelines on completing the Summary Table of Change Notification This summary table is to be completed and submitted for all Change Notification applications (Technical Changes, Review Changes, Administrative Changes, and Notifications). List the proposed changes, according to the “Category of change” categories in GN-21, to the registered medical device(s) in the summary table below. All applicable types of changes are to be included; any change not specified in this table will not be included for the change notification application. Information to be included in the table is explained below: (i) Type of changes: Please state clearly the type of change, category of change and SMDR device listing number. - With reference to the ‘type of changes’ categories in GN-21, highlight the type of change proposed. - Specify the SMDR device listing number for the registered medical device(s) included in this change (if the proposed change is identical and applicable to identical devices across multiple device listings on the SMDR; list the applicable device listings). Confirm these device(s) subjected to the change. NOTE All applicable types of changes are to be included. If the types of change proposed affects/results in another type of change, all types of changes shall be included. For example, change in material of device and change (update) of labelling often occur together. (ii) Present: Please state clearly the current scope and aspects of the device to be changed. (iii) Proposed: Please state clearly the proposed scope and aspects of change. (iv) Reason for change: Please state clearly the rationale for the proposed scope and aspects of change. (v) Status of proposed change in reference agencies: Please state the reference agency status (approved/authorised for marketing) for these proposed changes. (vi) Indicate in the check box if the medical device(s) in this Change Notification application is a subject of an on-going field safety corrective action. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 54 of 60 Please select the correct box. The change(s) in this Change Notification application is/are related to field safety corrective action and/or reportable adverse events. Yes No R7 ► Is there an on-going Change Notification for listing(s) in this application. Yes No If yes, job reference no.: ______________. Note: At the point of submission, there can be no more than two (2) CN applications that are active for the same listing. A CN application will be rejected in its entirety if any listing within it already has two (2) active CN applications. There will be no refund of any fees paid. ◄ Type of Changes Present Proposed Reason for change # Status of proposed change in reference agencies* Justification for not submitting documents as specified in Annex 1 to GN-21: Change Notification Checklist Type of change: e.g. Change in material: Delivery tube material changed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to silicone Category: Notification SMDR Device listing no(s): (same tubing is in all the SMDR Device listing below) Delivery tube material: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Delivery tube material silicone Improve patient safety by changing to DEHP- free tubing material Australia TGA – pending EU Notified Body – approved/authorised for marketing Health Canada – not supplied US FDA – not supplied MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 55 of 60 Type of Changes Present Proposed Reason for change # Status of proposed change in reference agencies* Justification for not submitting documents as specified in Annex 1 to GN-21: Change Notification Checklist (i) DE 001111, (ii) DE 002222, (iii) DE 003333, (iv) DE 004444. Japan MHLW – not supplied Type of change: e.g. Change in Manufacturing Facility Category: SMDR Device listing no(s): DE 005555 Name and address of current manufacturing facility A Name and address of new manufacturing facility B Reason for product owner’s decision to move manufacturing activities from facility A to facility B Australia TGA – pending EU Notified Body – approved/authorised for marketing Health Canada – not supplied US FDA – not supplied Japan MHLW – not supplied Type of change: e.g. Other labelling changes Category: Notification ☒ Bundled Notification Changes in the last 6 months Description of present labelling Description of proposed labelling Reason for labelling change NA MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 56 of 60 Type of Changes Present Proposed Reason for change # Status of proposed change in reference agencies* Justification for not submitting documents as specified in Annex 1 to GN-21: Change Notification Checklist SMDR Device listing no(s): DE 005555 * Applicable for changes to add new models, and revision to indications of use only # Indicate the HSA FSCA Reference no. (e.g. 2020-FSCA-000001) for changes related to reportable FSCA/ local AE, if applicable. MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE _______ AUGUST 2026 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 57 of 60 R5 ► -- ◄
Annex 3 — Change Types Submission Reference List
ANNEX 3 to GN-21: Change Types Submission Reference List This Annex lists the change types available for submission of Change Notification applications. Refer to flowcharts under Section 3 of this Guidance, for guiding principles in identifying the type and category of Change Notification applicable for each proposed type of change to the registered medical device. 1. Change in Manufacturing Facility, Process and Quality Management System 1A Addition, deletion, or shift/change of manufacturing and/or sterilisation facilities with no change to specifications of a registered medical device and/or sterilisation process 1B Changes in the manufacturing process to Additive Manufacturing (3D-printing), or to refurbish a registered device 1C Changes in the manufacturing site and/or processes that result in a change in specifications of a registered medical device 1D Changes in sterilisation method and related processes 1E Update of QMS certificate validity date 2. Changes in Design or Specifications of a registered medical device 2Ai All changes to the control mechanisms, operating principles, sterile primary packaging and/or design characteristics of a registered medical device R6►, except for changes impacting software version. ◄ 2Aii - Unless the change only involves minor software changes, such as: • Software changes solely to correct an inadvertent software error which does not add new functions, does not pose any safety risk and is intended to bring the system to specification • Software changes which augment interfacing to other non-medical peripherals such as printers or VDUs and which has no diagnostic or therapeutic function • Software changes which only modifies the appearance of the user interface with no risk to diagnostic or therapeutic function of the device • Software changes solely to address a cybersecurity vulnerability R6 ► 2Aiii All other changes in design or specifications, other than change type 2Aii, that impact Software version. ◄ 2B All changes in specifications of a registered medical device MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 58 of 60 3. Changes to materials in a General Medical Device 3A All changes to type, source, processing and/or supplier of biological materials (including cells, tissues and/or derivatives of animal, human, microbial or recombinant origin) without a change in the intended purpose of the biological material 3Bi All changes to materials or material formulation (of non-biological origin), including changes to device coating or surface modification techniques, that involve materials that make direct/indirect contact with body tissues and fluids, or are absorbed by the body, with no change in device performance specifications 3Bii - Unless the material has been reviewed in a previous device application and the new material has the same nature of body contact and contact duration 3C All changes to materials that are used for shielding in medical devices emitting ionising radiation 3D All changes to concentration or drug specifications of medicinal substances in medical devices that incorporate medicinal substances in an ancillary role 4. Changes to materials in an In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Medical Device 4A All changes to material (including chemical and biological substances) which results in a change to the performance specifications of the registered in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device 5. Changes to labelling of medical device 5Ai All changes to the labelling of medical devices that involve addition and/or revision of the approved indications for use 5Aii Changes only involves editorial changes, rephrasing and/or reduction of indications for use 5Bi R6 ► All changes to the labelling of medical devices that involves removal and/or revision of warnings, precautions, contraindications and/or adverse events ◄ 5Bii R6 ► Changes only involves editorial changes, rephrasing, and/ or addition of contraindications, warnings, precautions and/or adverse events ◄ 5C Labelling changes that modify the approved method of use 5D Labelling changes that involves rephrasing of existing information in instructions for use 5E Other labelling changes MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE AUGUST 2026 HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY – HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATION GROUP Page 59 of 60 6. Changes to registered medical devices listing information 6Ai Addition of new medical devices to a device listing 6Aii - Unless change only involves the addition of new devices of the same design, that only involves: • New models within the existing range of sizes already registered • An increase or reduction in the number of identical devices in a pack of a registered device without breach of individual primary packaging • An increase or reduction of volume that does not affect specifications of device (e.g. shelf life, stability, performance and sterility). • Addition of models due to repackaging of existing models within the same SMDR listing in different combinations without breach of individual primary packaging 6Aiii - Unless change involves an addition of new device or software identifier with no change to the performance characteristics or specifications of the device R6 ► --◄ 6B All deletion of models from device listing 6C All changes to product name AND/OR product identifier 6D All changes to product owner, including changes to product owner name and address 6E Submission of Unique Device Identifier (UDI) data elements for registered devices Contact Information: Medical Devices Cluster Health Products Regulation Group Health Sciences Authority 11 Biopolis Way, #11-03 Helios Singapore 138667 www.hsa.gov.sg