CDSCO License for Amniotome, reusable
Medical Device Information
Intended Use
A surgical instrument used to rupture the amniotic membrane to assist in childbirth, without causing injury to the mother or foetus

Comprehensive Guide to CDSCO Licensing for Reusable Amniotome (Class B Medical Device)
Introduction: Understanding the Reusable Amniotome and Its Regulatory Importance
The Amniotome, reusable, is a critical surgical instrument used in obstetrical and gynecological procedures to safely rupture the amniotic membrane during childbirth. Its intended use demands utmost precision and safety to avoid injury to both mother and fetus. Given its invasive nature and direct involvement in childbirth, regulatory compliance is paramount to ensure patient safety and market access.
In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regulates medical devices including the reusable Amniotome under the Class B risk category. Obtaining a valid manufacturing or import license from CDSCO is mandatory before commercialization. With over 25 years of experience assisting 500+ medical device manufacturers and importers, we provide you with an expert roadmap to navigate the CDSCO licensing for your reusable Amniotome.
CDSCO Regulatory Framework for Reusable Amniotome
The CDSCO follows a structured regulatory framework for medical devices, governed by the Medical Device Rules 2017 (MDR 2017). Based on risk classification, devices are regulated either by State Licensing Authorities (Class A & B) or Central Licensing Authority (Class C & D).
The reusable Amniotome falls under Class B (Low Moderate Risk), meaning manufacturers must obtain the MD5 Manufacturing License from the respective State Licensing Authority before production.
Manufacturers must also comply with essential principles including product safety, performance, labeling, and quality management systems.
Risk Classification and License Requirements
- Device: Reusable Amniotome
- Risk Class: B (Low Moderate Risk)
- Category: Obstetrical and Gynecological
- Applicable License: MD5 Manufacturing License (Form MD3)
- Regulatory Authority: State Licensing Authority
Class B devices like the Amniotome require a robust quality management system and compliance with the essential principles checklist to ensure safety and performance.
For detailed risk classification insight, refer to our Medical Device Classification guide.
Manufacturing License Process for MD5 (Reusable Amniotome)
The pathway to obtaining an MD5 license involves several key steps:
Apply for Test License (Form MD13): Before the manufacturing license, you must obtain a test license allowing initial product testing. This takes approximately 1.5 to 2 months.
Product Testing: Get the reusable Amniotome tested at CDSCO-approved government laboratories to validate safety and efficacy. You can check the list of notified testing laboratories.
Document Preparation: Prepare a comprehensive dossier including Device Master File (DMF), Plant Master File (PMF), Essential Principles Checklist, Risk Management File, and quality system documentation.
License Application Submission: Submit the application through the CDSCO MD Online Portal using Form MD3.
Audit by Notified Body: A mandatory audit by a CDSCO-notified body evaluates your manufacturing facility and quality management system. Refer to the list of notified bodies for this.
Queries Resolution: Respond promptly to any queries from CDSCO or the notified body to avoid delays.
Grant of License: After satisfying all requirements, CDSCO grants the MD5 license (Form MD5), authorizing manufacturing.
For an in-depth walkthrough, explore our MD5 License Guide.
Manufacturing License Documents Required for Amniotome (Class B)
Prepare the following documents meticulously to ensure a smooth application process:
- Company Constitution Documents: Incorporation certificate, GST registration, PAN card
- Proof of Ownership or Lease of Manufacturing Premises
- Technical Staff Documents: Qualification and experience certificates of key personnel
- Fire NOC and Pollution Control Board NOC
- Device Master File (DMF): Detailed design, manufacturing process, and validation data for the reusable Amniotome. Our Device Master File guide can assist.
- Plant Master File (PMF): Description of your manufacturing facility and quality assurance measures. Refer to the Plant Master File guide.
- Essential Principles Checklist: Demonstrate compliance with safety and performance standards.
- Risk Management File: Document risk analysis and mitigation strategies as per ISO 14971. Learn more about risk management here.
- Test Reports: From CDSCO-approved labs confirming device safety and performance.
- Labels and Instructions for Use (IFU): Compliant with regulatory requirements.
- Quality Management System Documents: ISO 13485 certification and internal SOPs
Import License Process (MD15) for Reusable Amniotome
If you plan to import the reusable Amniotome into India, the required license is the MD15 Import License issued by the CDSCO Central Licensing Authority.
The process includes:
- Preparing the import dossier (including manufacturing license from the country of origin, Free Sale Certificate, ISO 13485, CE certification, DMF, PMF, and wholesale license)
- Application submission on the CDSCO MD Online Portal
- Queries resolution
- Grant of MD15 license
The total timeline for import license approval is approximately 5-6 months. For detailed guidance, check our Import License Guide.
Import License Documents Required for Amniotome
- Valid manufacturing license from the country of origin
- Free Sale Certificate
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate
- CE Certificate (if applicable)
- Device Master File and Plant Master File
- Wholesale license in India
- Company constitution documents
Timeline and Processing Duration
Stage | Duration |
---|---|
Test License (MD13) | 1.5 to 2 months |
Product Testing at Govt Labs | 2 to 3 weeks |
Document Preparation | 1 month (approx.) |
Submission and Audit | 1 to 1.5 months |
Queries Resolution | 2 to 4 weeks |
Total Time for MD5 License | 3 to 4 months |
Timelines can vary based on document readiness and audit scheduling. Early engagement with notified bodies speeds up the process.
Government Fees and Costs
- Test License Fee (MD13): Typically included in the overall process; consult your state authority.
- MD5 License Fee: Rs 5,000 per application + Rs 500 per product
For example, if you apply for manufacturing two variants of the reusable Amniotome, total fees would be Rs 5,000 + (2 x 500) = Rs 6,000.
Additional costs include product testing fees at government labs and audit fees charged by notified bodies.
Common Challenges and Practical Solutions
Delay in Testing: Government labs can have backlogs. Solution: Schedule testing early and consider labs with shorter turnaround.
Incomplete Documentation: Missing or inconsistent DMF or PMF causes rejection. Solution: Use standardized templates and expert review.
Audit Non-Compliance: Facilities lacking proper QMS or infrastructure fail audits. Solution: Pre-audit internal checks and staff training.
Query Delays: Slow responses to CDSCO queries extend timelines. Solution: Assign dedicated regulatory personnel for prompt reply.
Understanding State vs Central Authority Jurisdiction: Misfiling application leads to rejection. Solution: Confirm licensing authority based on device class and location.
Expert Consultation and Support
With over two decades of regulatory consulting, we have successfully guided more than 500 companies through the CDSCO licensing maze for devices just like the reusable Amniotome. Our services include:
- End-to-end documentation support
- Pre-audit readiness and compliance checks
- Liaison with notified bodies and CDSCO officials
- Training on regulatory requirements and post-license compliance
Partnering with experienced consultants minimizes risk and speeds up market entry.
Getting Started with Your CDSCO License Application for Reusable Amniotome
To initiate your CDSCO MD5 license application:
- Assess your manufacturing setup against CDSCO standards and ensure ISO 13485 certification is in place.
- Prepare your Device Master File and Plant Master File with detailed technical and quality information.
- Apply for the test license (MD13) via the CDSCO MD Online Portal to begin product testing.
- Engage a notified body early for pre-audit consultation and to schedule the mandatory audit.
- Compile and submit your manufacturing license application (MD3) with all required documents.
- Respond promptly to queries to avoid unnecessary delays.
Starting early and following a structured approach dramatically improves your chances of a smooth licensing process.
For bespoke support tailored to your reusable Amniotome manufacturing or import plans, contact our expert regulatory team today and leverage our 25+ years of CDSCO licensing expertise.