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Accessories & Kits

Device accessories

An accessory is an article intended to support, supplement, or complement a parent device. Under the 21st Century Cures Act (2016), FDA evaluates accessories independently from their parent devices — an accessory may have a different (typically lower) classification than its parent.

FDA published guidance on Factors to Consider When Making Benefit-Risk Determinations in Medical Device Premarket Approval and De Novo Classifications (2019) which addresses accessory classification principles.

Procedure kits

A procedure kit (or convenience kit) typically contains multiple legally marketed devices packaged together for a specific procedure. Requirements:

  • Each component must be legally marketed (cleared/approved or exempt)
  • The kit itself requires a 510(k) if it is relabelled, repackaged in a way that changes shelf life, or if combining the devices creates a new intended use
  • The entity assembling and labelling the kit is typically considered a manufacturer

Official resources