Health Canada Begins Transition to Global Medical Device Nomenclature

Health Canada is changing how it categorizes medical devices and adopting the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN).

The GMDN lists generic names used to identify medical device products, to enable effective monitoring by regulators and expedite the exchange of information between jurisdictions. The growing GMDN database is made up of over 23,000 active terms that cover all major technologies and intended uses.

Health Canada will issue manufacturers a list of medical devices associated with active medical device licenses and give them the opportunity to determine the 5-digit GMDN code for their devices.