Question 1

What is DGDA and why is it important for medical device manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) is Bangladesh's regulatory authority responsible for pharmaceuticals and medical devices under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. DGDA oversees device registration, import licensing, quality control, market surveillance, and enforcement. All medical devices marketed in Bangladesh require registration approval from DGDA, and foreign manufacturers must designate a Bangladeshi agent and partner with licensed importers. DGDA is gradually modernizing regulations and building capacity to align with international standards and enhance healthcare product safety.

Question 2

What are the medical device registration requirements in Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

Registration Application to DGDA: Bangladeshi agent designation (mandatory for foreign manufacturers), licensed Bangladeshi importer/distributor partnership, manufacturer quality certificate (ISO 13485 preferred or equivalent), free sale certificate from country of origin, conformity certificate (CE marking, FDA approval, WHO prequalification, or other recognized approvals), technical documentation (device description, intended use, specifications, labeling, instructions for use), product samples (may be required for evaluation). Processing: Application submitted via DGDA, technical review by DGDA committees, timeline varies widely (3-12+ months depending on device complexity and application completeness). Import License: Separate import license or permit required after registration approval, issued to licensed Bangladeshi importer. Validity: Registration typically valid for 3-5 years (renewable), renewal requires updated documentation and fees.

Question 3

What is a Bangladeshi Agent and what are their responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

A Bangladeshi Agent (also called Authorized Representative or Local Agent) is a person or company established in Bangladesh designated by a foreign manufacturer to represent them with DGDA. Requirements: Must be domiciled in Bangladesh with valid business registration, registered with DGDA for the specific manufacturer and device(s), Responsibilities: Submit device registration applications to DGDA, maintain technical documentation, quality certificates, and product information, serve as liaison between foreign manufacturer and DGDA, handle post-market surveillance and adverse event reporting, coordinate product recalls and corrective actions, ensure compliance with Bangladeshi labeling and regulatory requirements. Distinction from Importer: Bangladeshi Agent represents the manufacturer, licensed importer handles commercial import and distribution, often the same entity serves both roles. A Bangladeshi Agent is mandatory for all foreign manufacturers seeking Bangladesh market access.

Question 4

What quality and conformity certificates does DGDA accept?

Accepted Answer

DGDA requires manufacturers to demonstrate quality management and device conformity for registration approval. Quality Certificates (Manufacturer): ISO 13485 certification (preferred and most widely recognized), CE marking certificate (indicates ISO 13485 compliance), FDA establishment registration and device listing, WHO-GMP certificate, other internationally recognized QMS certificates. Conformity Certificates (Device): CE marking from EU Notified Body, FDA 510(k) clearance or PMA approval, WHO prequalification (particularly valued for public procurement), TGA (Australia), Health Canada license, other recognized regulatory approvals, free sale certificate from country of origin (mandatory). Certificate Requirements: Must be current and valid, issued by accredited certification body or recognized regulator, cover the specific manufacturing site(s) and device models. International certificates facilitate DGDA review and demonstrate global acceptance. ISO 13485 and WHO prequalification are particularly valuable for Bangladesh market access.

Question 5

What are the import license requirements in Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

After obtaining device registration from DGDA, a separate import license or permit is required to import devices into Bangladesh. Import License Process: Issued to licensed Bangladeshi importer (not foreign manufacturer), requires valid DGDA device registration for the specific device, may be annual or shipment-specific depending on device type, must demonstrate continued compliance with regulations. Bangladeshi Importer Requirements: Licensed business entity in Bangladesh with appropriate trade license, drug license for medical device import/distribution, qualified responsible person, adequate facilities and storage for medical devices. Practical Implications: Foreign manufacturers must partner with licensed Bangladeshi importer, importer handles both registration application and import licensing, changes in importer require transfer of registration and new import arrangements. DGDA registration is prerequisite for import licensing.

Question 6

What are the labeling requirements for medical devices in Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

Bangladesh has specific labeling requirements, with emphasis on local language and safety information. Language Requirements: Labels and instructions for use should include Bengali (Bangla) language, bilingual English/Bengali labels are common practice, critical safety information must be understandable to Bangladeshi healthcare professionals and users. Required Information: Device name and model, manufacturer information, Bangladeshi Agent details, intended use and indications, appropriate classification or risk information, batch/lot numbers, serial numbers, manufacturing date/expiration date, storage conditions, warnings, precautions, and contraindications, instructions for use in Bengali or English with Bengali translation. Practical Approach: Many manufacturers use label overlays or Bengali instruction inserts, DGDA may accept English labels with Bengali translations for certain device types, consult with Bangladeshi Agent on specific labeling requirements for your device category.

Question 7

How often is Bangladesh DGDA regulatory news updated and how can I stay informed?

Accepted Answer

DGDA periodically publishes circulars, notifications, and policy updates related to medical device registration, import licensing, and quality standards. Regulatory capacity and enforcement continue to evolve as Bangladesh strengthens its healthcare system. Our platform aggregates daily updates from 7 premium commercial sources including RAPS, Emergo by UL, and Citeline. We recommend checking this page regularly and working closely with your Bangladeshi agent to monitor DGDA announcements and procedural changes, as local knowledge is critical for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Question 8

What commercial sources does this platform use for Bangladesh news?

Accepted Answer

We aggregate Bangladeshi regulatory intelligence from 7 premium sources: RAPS (Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society), Emergo by UL, Citeline MedTech Insight, Pacific Bridge Medical, Asia Actual, Pure Global's proprietary research, and Qualtechs. These sources provide expert analysis, real-time updates, and strategic insights beyond basic DGDA announcements, helping you navigate device registration, Bangladeshi agent designation, import licensing, quality certification, and labeling requirements for successful market entry.

Bangladesh DGDA Medical Device News 2025: Registration & Regulatory Updates | Pure Global

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