The UK Responsible Person (UKRP): Your Official Representative and First Step into the UK Market

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Kirsten Van Garsse, Authorized Representative Director & Regulatory Affairs Manager IVD

Learn the role of the UK Responsible Person (UKRP) for medical devices and IVDs, and how they ensure compliance with MHRA requirements in Great Britain.

UK Responsible Person (UKRP): Market Access for MDs & IVDs in the UK
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For medical device and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) manufacturers located outside the United Kingdom, accessing the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland) involves a crucial step: appointing a UK Responsible Person, or UKRP. This entity serves as a vital link between non-UK manufacturers and the UK's regulatory authorities, ensuring that devices placed on the market meet the required standards of safety and performance.

By partnering with Qarad UK Ltd, manufacturers gain a knowledgeable and reliable UKRP to guide them confidently through Great Britain’s regulatory requirements.

 

What is a UK Responsible Person?

According to the UK's Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended), a UK Responsible Person (UKRP) is defined as a person established in any part of the United Kingdom who acts on behalf of a manufacturer established outside the UK. Their role is to carry out specified tasks related to the manufacturer's obligations under these regulations.

Essentially, if a manufacturer of a general medical device, active implantable medical device, or in-vitro diagnostic medical device is based outside the UK, they must appoint a sole UKRP to represent them in Great Britain.

Qarad UK Ltd provides a trusted UK-based presence, ensuring manufacturers meet all UK regulatory obligations efficiently and reliably.

 

Core Responsibilities of the UKRP

The UKRP holds significant responsibilities and acts as the primary point of contact for the UK’s Competent Authority, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Their duties are extensive and are critical for ensuring regulatory compliance.

 

1. Registration and Documentation Management

  • Before any device is placed on the market, the UKRP must register with the MHRA via the DORS database, providing written evidence of their authority to act on the manufacturer's behalf.
  • They must ensure that the manufacturer has drawn up the necessary Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation and that an appropriate conformity assessment procedure has been carried out.
  • The UKRP is required to keep a copy of the technical documentation, the Declaration of Conformity, and any relevant certificates (including amendments and supplements) available for inspection by the MHRA. This documentation must be retained for at least 15 years for implantable devices and 10 years for other devices, or for the duration of the device's PMS period, whichever is longer.

2. Cooperation with the MHRA

  • The UKRP must provide the MHRA with all information and documentation necessary to demonstrate a device's conformity upon request.
  • They must cooperate fully with the MHRA on any preventive or corrective actions taken to eliminate or mitigate risks posed by the devices.
  • If the MHRA requests samples of a device or access to it, the UKRP must comply if they have them. If not, they must communicate the request to the manufacturer and report back on the manufacturer's intentions.

3. Post-Market Surveillance and Vigilance

  • A key role for the UKRP is to immediately inform the manufacturer about complaints and reports from healthcare professionals, patients, and users regarding suspected incidents related to the device.
  • The UKRP must retain all post-market surveillance documentation for the required period and provide it to the MHRA upon request, typically within three working days.

4. Handling Manufacturer Non-Compliance

  • If the manufacturer acts contrary to their obligations under the regulations, the UKRP has a duty to terminate their legal relationship with the manufacturer.
  • Following termination, the UKRP must inform the MHRA and, if applicable, the relevant Approved Body.

By partnering with Qarad UK Ltd as your UK Responsible Person, you benefit from a team with deep regulatory expertise, well-established processes, and a clear understanding of MHRA requirements, ensuring smooth registration and effective management of any regulatory challenges.

 

Legal Status of the UKRP

It's important to note that the UKRP is not just an administrative contact. The regulations state that a UKRP may be proceeded against as a person placing the device on the market.

This underscores the legal gravity of the role and the importance of appointing a responsible and competent entity. The MHRA can also require a person claiming to be a UKRP to furnish evidence of their designation by the manufacturer.

With Qarad UK Ltd as your UKRP, you gain a dedicated partner who takes this responsibility seriously, combining regulatory competence with accountability to ensure your entry into the UK market is secure and compliant.

 

In summary

The UK Responsible Person is a mandatory and indispensable partner for any medical device or IVD manufacturer outside the UK wishing to enter the Great Britain market.

As the regulatory liaison and compliance representative, the UKRP bears significant legal responsibilities to ensure that products placed on the market meet UK regulatory requirements and are safe and effective for patients and users.

Manufacturers should choose their UKRP carefully, ensuring they have the expertise and diligence to fulfill this critical function.

By partnering with Qarad UK Ltd, you benefit from:

 

  • Deep regulatory expertise in the UK MDR 2002 (as amended)
  • Reliable compliance support that goes beyond administrative tasks
  • Well-established communication with the MHRA
  • Access to the global QbD network of regulatory, quality, and clinical experts
  • Trust and accountability backed by a strong track record supporting non-UK manufacturers

With Qarad UK Ltd, you don’t just get a UK presence; you gain a trusted partner dedicated to helping you enter and succeed in the Great Britain market with confidence.

Contact Qarad UK Ltd to ensure a smooth and compliant entry into the UK market.

 
 
 

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