CDSCO License for Anaesthesia breathing circuit
Medical Device Information
Intended Use
An assembly of devices designed to conduct medical gases from the fresh gas supply outlet of an anaesthesia unit/workstation to the patient.

Comprehensive Guide to CDSCO Licensing for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit (Class B Medical Device)
As a trusted regulatory consultancy with over 25 years of experience and successful support for 500+ companies, we understand the intricate requirements to obtain CDSCO licenses for medical devices. In this article, we provide an expert walkthrough tailored specifically for the Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit, a Class B medical device under the anesthesiology category, intended to safely conduct medical gases from anesthesia workstations to patients.
Understanding the Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit and Its Regulatory Importance
The Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit is a critical assembly in anesthesia delivery, ensuring the safe transport of gases. Given its direct patient interface and function, regulatory oversight is stringent to safeguard patient safety and device efficacy.
In India, this device is regulated under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), notified as per Notification No. 29/Misc/03/2020-DC(177) dated 12.07.2021. Compliance with CDSCO licensing is mandatory to manufacture or import this device into the Indian market.
CDSCO Regulatory Framework for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit
The CDSCO classifies medical devices based on risk, with Anaesthesia Breathing Circuits falling under Class B (Low Moderate Risk). This classification determines the regulatory pathway, licensing authority, documentation, and audit requirements.
The primary regulatory framework involves:
- Application for a Manufacturing License (MD5) via the State Licensing Authority.
- Compliance with the Essential Principles of Safety and Performance.
- Obtaining a Test License (MD13) before the manufacturing license.
- Product testing from CDSCO-approved laboratories.
- Audit by a notified body.
You can submit your application through the CDSCO MD Online Portal.
Risk Classification and License Requirements for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuits
Class B devices like the Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit require an MD5 Manufacturing License. The process involves multiple stages to ensure quality and compliance:
License Type | Authority | Timeline | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
MD5 License | State Licensing Authority | 3-4 months | Rs 5,000 + Rs 500 per product |
Manufacturing License Process (MD5) for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit
Obtain Test License (Form MD13): This initial license allows you to manufacture the device for testing purposes only. The process takes approximately 1.5-2 months.
Product Testing: Samples must be tested at CDSCO-approved laboratories to verify compliance with standards. Refer to the Testing Laboratories list for authorized facilities.
Document Preparation: Prepare and compile all required technical and quality documents.
Submit Manufacturing License Application (Form MD3): Apply for the MD5 license through the CDSCO portal.
Audit by Notified Body: A mandatory audit is conducted by a notified body to evaluate QMS and compliance. Check the list of notified bodies.
Query Resolution: Address any queries or deficiencies noted by the notified body or CDSCO.
Grant of License (Form MD5): Upon satisfactory review, the manufacturing license is granted.
Manufacturing License Documents Required for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit
To ensure a smooth licensing process, gather the following documents:
- Company Constitution Documents: Incorporation certificate, memorandum and articles of association.
- Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement: Valid documentation for manufacturing premises.
- Technical Staff Details: Qualifications, experience, and appointment letters.
- Fire NOC and Pollution Control NOC: Compliance certificates from local authorities.
- Device Master File (DMF): Detailed technical dossier of the Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit. Our comprehensive Device Master File guide explains how to prepare this.
- Plant Master File (PMF): Documentation of manufacturing processes and quality controls. Refer to our Plant Master File guide.
- Essential Principles Checklist: Confirmation of conformity to safety and performance.
- Risk Management File: Documented risk analysis and mitigation measures. Learn more about risk management for medical devices.
- Test Reports: Product testing certificates from CDSCO-approved labs.
- Labels and Instructions for Use (IFU): Samples compliant with regulatory requirements.
- Quality Management System (QMS) Documents: ISO 13485 certification and internal SOPs.
Import License Process (MD15) for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit
If you plan to import Anaesthesia Breathing Circuits, an MD15 Import License from the Central Licensing Authority is mandatory. The process generally takes 5-6 months and involves:
- Document preparation including manufacturing license from the country of origin, Free Sale Certificate, ISO 13485:2016, CE Certificate, Device Master File, Plant Master File, Wholesale License, and company constitution.
- Submission of application on Form MD14 via the CDSCO MD Online Portal.
- Resolution of any queries raised by CDSCO.
- License grant on Form MD15 upon successful review.
Import License Documents Required
- Valid Manufacturing License from the country of origin.
- Free Sale Certificate.
- ISO 13485:2016 Certification.
- CE Certificate or equivalent.
- Device Master File and Plant Master File.
- Wholesale License (if applicable).
- Company Constitution Documents.
Timeline and Processing Duration for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit Licensing
Process Step | Duration |
---|---|
Test License (MD13) | 1.5 - 2 months |
Product Testing | 1 - 1.5 months |
Document Preparation | 2 - 3 weeks |
Application Review | 1 month |
Audit by Notified Body | 2 - 3 weeks |
Query Resolution | 2 - 4 weeks |
License Grant (MD5) | Total approx 3-4 months |
Government Fees and Costs
- Test License (MD13): Nominal fee as per CDSCO norms.
- MD5 Manufacturing License: Rs 5,000 per application plus Rs 500 per product.
- Product Testing: Costs vary based on the number and type of tests; typically Rs 50,000 - Rs 1,00,000.
- Audit Fees: Payable to the notified body as per their charges.
Common Challenges and Solutions When Licensing Anaesthesia Breathing Circuits
Challenge: Delay due to incomplete documentation or non-compliance with Essential Principles.
Solution: Our team advises thorough pre-audit documentation review and gap analysis to avoid rejection.
Challenge: Difficulty in identifying appropriate notified bodies and testing labs.
Solution: Utilize official CDSCO resources such as the Notified Bodies list and Testing Laboratories to select qualified entities.
Challenge: Managing timelines with audit scheduling and query responses.
Solution: Early preparation and dedicated regulatory support ensure timely audit readiness and swift query resolution.
Expert Consultation and Support
Navigating the CDSCO licensing process for Class B devices like the Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit can be complex but manageable with expert guidance. Our consultancy has helped over 500 manufacturers and importers successfully obtain their licenses by offering:
- Customized regulatory strategy planning.
- Comprehensive document preparation and review.
- Coordination with testing laboratories and notified bodies.
- End-to-end application submission and post-submission support.
Getting Started with Your CDSCO License Application for Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit
Assess Your Device Classification: Confirm Class B status on the Medical Device Classification page.
Register on CDSCO MD Online Portal: Create your account and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Prepare Test License Application (Form MD13): Begin your test license application and prepare for sample testing.
Compile Complete Documentation: Leverage our Device Master File and Plant Master File resources.
Engage with a Notified Body Early: Schedule your audit to align with the licensing timeline.
Seek Expert Assistance: Partner with experienced consultants to streamline the process and reduce delays.
By following these actionable steps and aligning with regulatory expectations, you can efficiently obtain your CDSCO MD5 manufacturing license for the Anaesthesia Breathing Circuit and confidently enter the Indian medical device market.
For detailed assistance, feel free to contact our expert regulatory team who specialize in CDSCO licensing and compliance for anesthesiology devices.