Egypt is fast emerging as a strategic healthcare hub in the MENA region, with a growing market for medical devices. For manufacturers looking to access this market, understanding the regulatory framework laid down by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) is critical. Unlike the traditional pharmaceutical landscape, medical device registration in Egypt is governed by its own classification rules, regulatory timelines, and submission requirements, many of which have evolved rapidly in recent years.
The EDA has taken significant steps to streamline its regulatory processes, enforce post-market surveillance more stringently, and align closer with global standards such as those from the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) and GHTF principles. In this blog, we break down the complete registration pathway for medical devices in Egypt from classification to approval and how companies can efficiently navigate the process.
Regulatory Landscape for Medical Device Registration in Egypt
The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)
The EDA, established in 2019, is the national regulatory body responsible for the regulation, evaluation, and registration of medical devices and pharmaceuticals in Egypt. Within the EDA, the General Administration of Medical Devices (GAMD) oversees the regulatory pathway for medical devices and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs).Current Legal Framework
Medical devices are regulated under Law No. 151 of 2019 and its Executive Regulations (Decree 777/2020). These laws cover everything from importation, classification, registration, to post-market controls.Expanding to Japan’s Pharma Market? Here’s What You Need to Know
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Medical Device in Egypt
- Determine Device Classification
Devices are classified by EDA into four classes (Class I–IV), based on risk level and intended use:
- Class I: Low risk (e.g., bandages)
- Class IIa/IIb: Moderate risk (e.g., infusion pumps)
- Class III: High risk (e.g., heart valves)
- IVDs: Regulated separately under similar risk-based principles
Classification generally follows GHTF/IMDRF guidance but may involve local interpretation by the EDA.
- Appoint a Local Legal Representative (Marketing Authorization Holder)
Foreign manufacturers must appoint a local Egyptian entity as their Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH). This MAH acts as the point of contact with the EDA and holds regulatory responsibility within Egypt.
Prepare the Registration Dossier
As of 2025, Egypt has moved closer to IMDRF-compliant documentation formats, and accepts:
- CSDT (Common Submission Dossier Template) or
- EU MDR/US FDA-based dossiers with clear mapping
Core dossier components include:
- Manufacturer and device details
- Risk classification justification
- CE Certificate or FDA clearance (if applicable)
- Clinical evaluation or performance studies
- Quality system certificates (ISO 13485)
- Labels, IFUs (in Arabic and English)
Notably, IVDs may also require performance evaluation data aligned with ISO 15189 and/or CLSI guidelines.
- Submit Online via the EDA Portal
Registration is submitted through the EDA’s electronic platform, where applicants can:
- Upload documents
- Track application status
- Communicate with EDA reviewers
The EDA conducts both administrative and technical reviews. For high-risk devices, local expert committee reviews may be required.
- Pay Applicable Fees
As of 2025, registration fees vary by classification:
- Class I: EGP 10,000 – 15,000
- Class II: EGP 20,000 – 40,000
- Class III: EGP 50,000+
- IVDs: Case-by-case
These are subject to updates based on Ministry decrees.
- Obtain the Marketing Authorization
If the application is approved:
- A registration certificate is issued
- Valid for 5 years
- Mandatory for customs clearance and distribution
Post-Registration Compliance Obligations
- Importation and Customs
Only registered devices may be imported. Importers must be:
- Licensed by the EDA
- Named in the registration dossier
- Post-Market Surveillance (PMS)
The EDA now mandates a Post-Market Surveillance Plan (PMSP), including:
- Complaint handling
- Adverse event reporting (within 10–30 days depending on severity)
- Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs)
- Labelling and Language Requirements
All labels, packaging, and instructions must be in Arabic and English, and must comply with UDI (Unique Device Identification) if applicable.
Recent Updates in Medical Devices Registration in Egypt
- The EDA introduced an AI-powered classification tool on its portal to assist with device classification.
- Fast-track registration pathway for CE-marked or FDA-cleared devices introduced in early 2025, particularly for critical-use devices.
- Egypt-Turkey regulatory harmonization talks may lead to mutual recognition agreements for certain device classes.
Key Timelines
Process Step | Estimated Timeline |
Risk Classification | 1–2 weeks |
Dossier Review | 3–6 months |
High-Risk Device Committee Review | +2–3 months (if needed) |
Certificate Issuance | 1–2 weeks post-approval |
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Challenge | Mitigation Strategy |
Delays in classification or query responses | Engage with MAH experienced in EDA communication |
Missing or outdated documentation | Use IMDRF-compliant dossier preparation services |
Language/local labeling mismatches | Local expert review before submission |
No prior market approvals | Include strong technical file with clinical justifications |
How Can DDReg Help?
At DDReg, we specialize in end-to-end medical device regulatory solutions tailored for the Egyptian market. Our in-country experts and regulatory professionals ensure global and local best practices tailored to EDA expectations.
With our deep expertise across the MENA region and over 16 years of regulatory leadership, DDReg empowers manufacturers to enter the Egyptian market confidently, compliantly, and efficiently.
Looking to register your medical device in Egypt? Reach out to DDReg’s Medical Device Regulatory Team today and let us simplify the complex.
Read more from DDReg experts here: Expanding to Japan’s Pharma Market? Here’s What You Need to Know