CDSCO License for Artificial airway stylet
Medical Device Information
Important Notice for Class A Devices
Class A Non-sterile Non Measuring devices are exempt from MD5 and MD15 licenses. Only CDSCO registration is required as per GSR 777(E).
Intended Use
A device intended for insertion within the lumen of an artificial airway tube to stiffen and/or maintain the shape of the tube to facilitate intubation.

Comprehensive Guide to CDSCO Licensing for Artificial Airway Stylet (Class A Medical Device)
Artificial airway stylets, classified as Class A medical devices under India's CDSCO regulations, play a crucial role in anesthesiology by stiffening or maintaining the shape of artificial airway tubes to facilitate intubation. Given its critical application, regulatory compliance is essential for manufacturers and importers to enter the Indian market legally and effectively. With over 25 years of experience assisting 500+ companies in securing CDSCO licenses, we provide a detailed roadmap tailored specifically for the artificial airway stylet.
CDSCO Regulatory Framework for Artificial Airway Stylet
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) governs medical device regulation in India. The artificial airway stylet falls under the anesthesiology category and is notified under reference 29/Misc/03/2020-DC(177) dated 12.07.2021. As a Class A device, it is subject to the least stringent regulatory controls but still requires a manufacturing license (MD5) from the State Licensing Authority before commercial distribution.
Risk Classification and License Requirements
Class A devices are considered low-risk and are regulated under the MD5 license scheme. This involves:
- Obtaining a Test License (Form MD13) initially
- Product testing at CDSCO-approved laboratories
- Submission of the MD5 license application (Form MD3)
- Audit by a notified body
For your artificial airway stylet, this process ensures compliance with safety and performance standards without unnecessary delays.
Manufacturing License Process (MD5) for Artificial Airway Stylet
The MD5 license process for your device includes the following critical steps:
- Apply for Test License (Form MD13): This preliminary license allows you to manufacture devices for testing purposes. Processing time is approximately 1.5 to 2 months.
- Product Testing: Get your artificial airway stylet tested at a government-approved lab. Refer to the list of testing laboratories to select an authorized facility.
- Documentation Preparation: Compile detailed technical and quality documentation.
- Submit MD5 Application (Form MD3): File your manufacturing license application through the CDSCO MD Online Portal.
- Audit by Notified Body: An inspection is conducted by an accredited entity. You can check the list of notified bodies authorized for MD5 audits.
- Query Resolution: Address any queries from the department or notified body promptly.
- Grant of MD5 License: Upon satisfactory compliance, the license is granted on Form MD5.
Manufacturing License Documents Required for Artificial Airway Stylet
To ensure a smooth approval process, prepare the following key documents:
- Company Constitution Documents: Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, or equivalent
- Proof of Premises Ownership or Lease Agreement: Valid address proof of manufacturing site
- Technical Staff Qualification and Experience Certificates: Details of production and quality control personnel
- Fire NOC and Pollution Control NOC: Compliance certificates from local authorities
- Device Master File (DMF): Detailed device specifications, design, and manufacturing processes (see our comprehensive Device Master File guide)
- Plant Master File (PMF): Description of manufacturing facilities and quality management systems (refer to our Plant Master File guide)
- Essential Principles Checklist: Demonstrating conformity with CDSCO requirements
- Risk Management File: Documentation of risk analysis and mitigation strategies (learn more about risk management)
- Test Reports: From CDSCO-approved labs confirming device safety and efficacy
- Labels and Instructions for Use (IFU): Sample labels and user manuals compliant with CDSCO guidelines
- Quality Management System (QMS) Documents: ISO 13485 certification and internal audit reports
Ensuring these documents are thorough and accurate can significantly reduce processing delays.
Import License Process (MD15) for Artificial Airway Stylet
While your device is Class A and primarily requires an MD5 manufacturing license for domestic production, importers must secure an MD15 import license. The process includes:
- Document Preparation: Including manufacturing license from the country of origin, Free Sale Certificate, ISO 13485:2016 certification, CE Certificate if available, and relevant master files
- Application Submission: File Form MD14 via the CDSCO MD Online Portal
- Query Resolution and License Grant: The process typically takes 5-6 months
For detailed guidance, consult our Import License Guide.
Import License Documents Required
Key documents include:
- Valid manufacturing license from the originating country
- Free Sale Certificate
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate
- CE Certificate (if applicable)
- Device Master File and Plant Master File
- Wholesale license
- Company Constitution documents
Timeline and Processing Duration
The entire MD5 licensing process for your artificial airway stylet generally spans 3 to 4 months, broken down as follows:
- Test license application and approval: 1.5 to 2 months
- Product testing: 3 to 4 weeks (dependent on lab backlog)
- Preparation and submission of MD5 application: 2 to 3 weeks
- Notified body audit and query resolution: 3 to 4 weeks
Being proactive in document preparation and addressing queries promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Government Fees and Costs
For Class A devices like the artificial airway stylet, the fee structure is:
- Application fee: Rs 5,000 per application
- Product fee: Rs 500 per product
These fees are payable through the CDSCO MD Online Portal during application submission.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Delayed product testing due to lab backlogs
- Solution: Schedule testing well in advance and select labs with shorter waiting times from the CDSCO-approved testing labs list.
Challenge 2: Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Solution: Use standardized templates for Device Master Files and Plant Master Files. Leverage our expert guides to ensure completeness.
Challenge 3: Audit non-compliance
- Solution: Conduct internal audits and gap analyses before notified body inspections. Prepare your QMS and technical staff accordingly.
Challenge 4: Slow query response times
- Solution: Assign a dedicated regulatory liaison to monitor and respond to CDSCO communications promptly.
Expert Consultation and Support
Navigating the CDSCO licensing landscape can be complex, especially for first-time applicants. Our team, having facilitated over 500 successful licenses, offers end-to-end support:
- Pre-application gap analysis
- Document preparation and review
- Coordination with notified bodies and testing labs
- Audit readiness training
- Post-license compliance consulting
Engage with experienced consultants to streamline your regulatory pathway and minimize risks.
Getting Started with Your CDSCO License Application for Artificial Airway Stylet
To initiate your MD5 license application:
- Register your company and manufacturing site details on the CDSCO MD Online Portal.
- Prepare and submit the Test License application (Form MD13) along with essential documents.
- Plan and book testing slots with approved laboratories.
- Simultaneously, begin compiling your Device Master File and Plant Master File using our detailed guides.
- Once test reports are received, submit the MD5 application (Form MD3).
- Prepare for the notified body audit by reviewing your QMS and technical documentation.
- Maintain clear communication with CDSCO during the query resolution phase.
Starting early and following this structured approach will help bring your artificial airway stylet to the Indian market efficiently and compliantly.
For personalized assistance, feel free to contact our regulatory experts who specialize in anesthesiology devices and CDSCO licensing procedures.