ASEAN MEDICAL DEVICE REGULATION

The ASEAN Medical Device Directive (AMDD) is an important regulatory endeavor aimed at harmonizing medical device rules throughout ASEAN's 10 member states. This review article provides a thorough overview of the AMDD framework, emphasizing its structure, classification system, conformity assessment methods, technical documentation requirements, and post-market surveillance systems. The directive divides medical devices into four risk-based categories (Class A–D) and provides uniform regulatory criteria to ensure their safety, quality, and performance while enabling regional trade. The ASEAN Common Submission Dossier Template (CSDT), Declaration of Conformity, and Post-Marketing Alert System are highlighted, since they all contribute to regulatory consistency and reduce duplication of regulatory work across jurisdictions. In addition, this paper provides a comparative analysis of ASEAN countries' national implementation pathways, noting differences in regulatory timescales, fees, clinical data requirements, and market authorization processes. Despite progress towards harmonization, differences in regulatory maturity, language requirements, local testing duties, and approval times among Member States continue. The article concludes that, while the AMDD has significantly enhanced ASEAN regulatory convergence, more alignment, capacity building, and mutual recognition are required to achieve full regulatory harmonization. This assessment is a useful resource for regulatory experts, manufacturers, and governments looking to navigate or enhance medical device registration procedures in the ASEAN region.