TFDA Thailand Medical Device Registration

New medical device regulations by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) in 2021 introduced a more structured and transparent medical device registration process. Medical devices manufacturers need approval from the Thai FDA and a Local Authorized Representative (LAR).

Pure Global simplifies the process with AI workflows that accelerate TFDA submission preparation, along with local support and representation, all for a flat annual fee.

Pricing
Starting at $2,000/year. Use our Fee Calculator to get your instant estimate.
$2.29b
MD Market size
6.22%
MD Market CAGR
$1.63b
IVD Market size
6.3%
IVD Market CAGR
3.7%
GDP Expenditure
13.7%
Aging Population

Thailand’s medical devices market will reach $2.29B by 2025 (6.22% CAGR), and the IVD market$1.63B by 2030 (6.3% CAGR). Growth is driven by rising healthcare spending (3.7% of GDP), an aging population (13.7% 65+ in 2021), and high medical device imports ($2.1B in 2023).

Duangkamon (Nuch) Rungsirivitun
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Device Classification and Regulatory Pathways

How to register a medical device in Thailand

Medical devices sold in Thailand are regulated by the Medical Device Control Division (MDCD) within the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA). Current medical device regulations in Thailand include:

  • Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and
  • Medical Device Act (No. 2) B.E. 2562 (2019), which revised Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and came into force in 2021.

Any company that manufactures or imports medical devices for sale in Thailand must first obtain the appropriate license to produce or import their devices. Foreign manufacturers must also appoint a local authorized representative (LAR).

Thai FDA medical device regulatory pathways

Thailand classifies devices and IVDs into four risk-based classes: Class 1, 2, 3, and 4. The classification determines the regulatory route: Listing, Notification, or Licensing.

Listing Route (Class 1 devices and IVDs)

  • Process: Manufacturers of low-risk devices submit a Listing application via their license holder. Class 1 devices on the Thai FDA Positive List may qualify for automatic approval.
  • Requirements: Documentation includes product labeling, Instructions for Use (IFU), device description, Declaration of Conformity, and Letter of Authorization.
  • Timeline: Positive List devices may be approved within days. Others may take several weeks.
  • Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every five years.

Notification Route (Class 2 and 3 devices and IVDs)

  • Process: Devices of moderate risk require submission of a Common Submission Dossier Template (CSDT) to the Thai FDA.
  • Requirements: The dossier includes device description, risk analysis, ISO 13485 certificate or equivalent, clinical or performance data, and Letter of Authorization.
  • Timeline: Standard review may take several months. Abridged or Reliance Routes are available to reduce timelines if eligibility criteria are met.
  • Renewal: Five-year renewal cycle.

Licensing Route (Class 4 devices and IVDs)

  • Process: High-risk devices undergo full Thai FDA review with a complete CSDT submission.
  • Requirements: Full technical dossier including manufacturing details, quality system certification (e.g., ISO 13485 or TCAS), clinical data, and authorization letters. Devices approved by recognized agencies may qualify for abridged documentation.
  • Timeline: Full reviews typically take several months. Reliance Route (e.g., Singapore HSA-approved devices) may bypass specialist review and reduce approval time by 1–3 months.
  • Renewal: Renewed every five years.

Other Thai FDA registration requirements

  • Local authorized representative: All foreign manufacturers must appoint a Thailand-based license holder with an Establishment License.
  • Translation: IFUs and labeling must be in Thai for home-use devices. For professional-use devices, English is acceptable.
  • Quality system evidence: Class 2–4 products must provide proof of GMP compliance. Class 1 must adhere to Thai GMP guidelines but are exempt from certification.
  • Post-market obligations: License holders must conduct vigilance reporting through the Thai FDA for incidents occurring domestically or abroad. PMS reports are due annually.
  • UDI: In March 2025, the Thai FDA released draft guidance introducing Unique Device Identifier (UDI) requirements for Class 2, 3, and 4 devices. A two-year transition period applies for devices already compliant with 2020 labeling rules.

What documentation is required to register a medical device or IVD in Thailand?

Documentation depends on the classification:

For Listing (Class 1 devices):

  • Product labeling
  • IFU in Thai (for home use)
  • Device description and materials
  • Declaration of Conformity
  • Letter of Authorization

For Notification or Licensing (Class 2–4 devices):

  • Full Common Submission Dossier Template (CSDT)
  • ISO 13485, Thai Conformity Assessment Standard (TCAS 13485), or Thai GMP certificate
  • Clinical or performance evidence
  • Letter of Authorization

Does my device qualify for the Abridged or Reliance Route?

Devices may qualify if they meet the following criteria:

  • Abridged Route: Approval by US FDA, EU Notified Body, TGA, MHLW, Health Canada, or WHO Prequalification for at least one year. Some technical documents may be waived.
  • Reliance Route: Approval by Singapore’s HSA with identical submission dossier and written consent to share documents. Specialist review is waived, saving up to three months.

What is a local authorized representative and why do you need one?

A local authorized representative is a legal entity in Thailand authorized to register and maintain your medical device license. This representative is responsible for submitting the application, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing post-market obligations. The license holder must possess an Establishment License and serves as the official point of contact with the Thai FDA. Only entities based in Thailand may perform this role.

TFDA Thailand Medical Device Registration Pathway
How We Can Help

Faster submissions. Predictable costs. Local support.

We provide turnkey regulatory support in Thailand, all for a flat annual fee:

Dossier preparation and submission, powered by AI-assisted workflows and regulatory experts.

In-country representation, with Pure Global serving as your Local Authorized Representative to the TFDA.

Post-market surveillance support, including vigilance reporting and authority communications.

English-to-Thai translations, post-approval modifications, and renewals.

Frequently
Asked Questions

What government fees apply to medical device registration in Thailand?

Thailand applies both an application fee and an approval fee, with additional expert review fees required in certain cases.

For Class 1 medical devices, the applicable fees are:

  • Application fee: THB 500 (approximately USD 16) per product
  • Approval fee: THB 2,600 (approximately USD 83) per product

For Class 2 and Class 3 medical devices, the applicable fees are:

  • Application fee: THB 1,000 (approximately USD 32) per product
  • Approval fee: THB 10,000 (approximately USD 318) per product

If a Class 2 or Class 3 device is considered novel, an additional expert review fee of THB 38,000 (approximately USD 1,208) may apply.

For Class 4 medical devices, the applicable fees are:

  • Application fee: THB 1,000 (approximately USD 32) per product
  • Approval fee: THB 20,000 (approximately USD 636) per product

If a Class 4 device is considered novel, an additional expert review fee of THB 53,000 (approximately USD 1,685) may apply.

All fees listed are government fees only and do not include consulting services, dossier preparation, testing, local regulatory representation, or other third-party costs. Fees may change without notice.

Check our Fee Calculator for up-to-date government fees in 14 markets.

How are medical devices classified in Thailand?

Medical devices in Thailand are classified based on risk from Class 1 (low risk) to Class 4 (high risk). The level of documentation and review required increases with the risk class, with Class 1 devices requiring less documentation and Classes 2-4 needing more stringent submission guidelines for Thailand medical device registration.

How does Pure Global’s flat fee pricing work in Thailand?

Pure Global offers flat-fee annual pricing for bundled medical device registration and representation in Thailand, starting at $2,000/year. The flat fee includes dossier preparation and submission, in-country representation, translation, modifications, and post-market support. The fee does not include government fees, certified translations, or translations from languages other than English. Importation activities are also quoted separately depending on import values and import frequency.

Flat fee structure for Class 1/2 devices:

1 device = $2,000/year

2-5 devices = additional $1,000 per device per year (e.g., 4 devices = $5,000/year)

6-10 devices = additional $500 per device per year (e.g., 8 devices = $7,500/year)

Flat fee structure for Class 3/4 devices:

1 device = $3,000/year

2-5 devices = additional $1,500 per device per year (e.g., 4 devices = $7,500/year)

6-10 devices = additional $1000 per device per year (e.g., 8 devices = $12,000/year)

Contact us for a custom quote if you have 11+ devices.

A three-year contract is required to lock in the fees quoted above. However, other contractual arrangements are available. Use our Fee Calculator for an instant estimate and more information about flat fee terms.

How long are registration licenses valid for medical devices in Thailand?

Registration licenses in Thailand are valid for five years for Class 1 medical devices and four years for Classes 2-4. Manufacturers must adhere to these timelines to ensure continued compliance and market access under Thai FDA registration requirements.

Single Process,
Multiple Markets

When you partner with Pure Global, a single registration process opens doors to multiple countries. Our global subsidiaries make this streamlined path possible.

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