The world medical devices market is
represented by the Global Harmonisation
Task Force (GHTF). The GHTF is
comprised of representatives from five
founding members (the European Union,
the United States, Canada, Australia,
Japan). They are grouped into three geographical
areas: Europe, Asia-Pacific and
North America, each of which actively
regulates medical devices using their own
individual regulatory framework [2]. The
GHTF views harmonisation as a way of
defining common regulatory approaches
for medical devices at a international level.
The GHTF has identified as a priority
the need to harmonise the documentation
of evidence of conformity to regulatory
requirements. Differences in documentation
requirements necessitate additional
work for the same device in different jurisdictions.
As a result, the costs increase
and barriers in international access to
medical devices between countries arise.
These barriers also have an economic
impact [3].