Renewal & Maintenance
5-year validity for all approval types ยท Renewal mandatory
5-Year Approval Renewalโ
All Thai FDA product approvals (Listing, Notification, License) expire after 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal is mandatory โ there is no automatic extension.
Renewal Processโ
- Submit renewal application via Thai FDA e-submission system at least 3โ6 months before expiry
- Provide updated ISO 13485 certificate (must be current)
- Confirm Establishment License is still valid
- Declare any changes to the device during the 5-year period:
- If significant changes occurred: a variation notification may be required first
- Thai FDA reviews renewal application
- Updated approval certificate issued for a further 5-year period
Consequences of Lapsed Approvalโ
A lapsed approval means the device cannot legally be distributed or imported in Thailand until renewal is achieved. Track expiry dates rigorously โ set calendar reminders at 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months before expiry.
Product Variation Notificationsโ
During the 5-year approval period, notify Thai FDA of significant changes:
| Change Type | Notification Needed |
|---|---|
| Device design, materials, or specifications | โ Yes |
| Change in intended purpose or indication | โ Yes |
| Manufacturing site change | โ Yes |
| Significant labelling change | โ Yes |
| New model added to existing group | โ Yes (variation) |
| Administrative changes (address, company name) | โ Yes |
| Minor labelling changes (no safety impact) | May be a minor variation โ confirm |
Submit a variation application with supporting evidence that the change does not compromise device safety or performance.
Transfer of License Holderโ
If the Thai AR or license holder changes:
- Submit a licence transfer application to Thai FDA
- Both outgoing and incoming entities must cooperate
- Incoming entity assumes all post-market obligations
- Ensure Establishment License of incoming entity is valid before transfer
- Plan the transfer to avoid any gap in valid product approval
Cancellation of Registrationโ
An approval may be voluntarily cancelled (product withdrawn from market) or cancelled by Thai FDA due to:
- Safety concerns
- Persistent non-compliance
- Failure to renew
- Submission of fraudulent documentation
Before cancelling a registration voluntarily, ensure all distributed devices are accounted for and consider whether any post-market actions (FSCAs) are needed.