FDA Allows Use of Legacy Device Identification Numbers Until September 2023

The FDA has published new guidance explaining that it is allowing devicemakers to continue to use legacy FDA identification numbers on finished device labels and packaging until Sept. 24, 2023.

The agency had previously said it would not enforce a regulation prohibiting National Health Related Code (NHRIC) and National Drug Code (NDC) numbers on device labels and packaging until September 2021. Now the agency has moved to push back that deadline by two more years.

After the September 2023 deadline, devicemakers will be required to include a Universal Device Identification (UDI) number on their device labels and packaging. The agency said it intends to implement the UDI system using a phased, multi-year approach.