• 2026-10-26 09:17:04

This FAQ summarizes key regulatory resources and consultation opportunities relevant to the development and regulatory submission of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) in Japan. The information is intended to support manufacturers in understanding regulatory expectations and planning efficient development and submission strategies throughout the product lifecycle.

• 2026-09-21 02:52:44

In Japan, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) within certification criteria is reviewed and certified by Registered Certification Bodies (RCBs). Any product that exceeds the definition of its generic name, established certification standards, or the range of equivalence to predicate devices is subject to be reviewed by PMDA for approval.
Recently, it has been discovered that several cases in which the main and additional functions of SaMD products exceeded the certification scope. PMDA published this notice to prevent the recurrence of similar inappropriate certifications by standardizing and clarifying the requirements for describing software functions (Reference 1).

• 2026-08-25 07:11:00

As general-purpose digital devices like smartphones and wearables become increasingly integrated into health monitoring, PMDA published the review guidance for home-use Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) intended to detect signs of disease and encourage users to seek medical consultation. It outlines the scope of the guidance, product description requirements, evaluation dossier, and key considerations for clinical study design, including clinical intention, design concept, clinical performance evaluation, and risk management. The summary is intended to provide an overview of the regulatory expectations for the development and evaluation of this type of SaMD and to facilitate understanding of the PMDA review approach.

• 2026-04-28 01:22:14

In alignment with the latest regulatory guidance on SaMD and cybersecurity for network-connected devices, the framework for managing ancillary network infrastructure (such as VPN gateways) has been refined. This includes an extensive definition of responsible matrices, lifecycle security maintenance, and the implementation of proactive security controls to mitigate cyber risks.

• 2026-04-02 01:20:01

Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has responded to feedback from its public consultation on a proposed regulatory sandbox that exempts selected low‑risk artificial intelligence software as a medical device (AI‑SaMD) from manufacturer licensing and product registration requirements under controlled conditions. The sandbox aims to balance regulatory oversight and innovation by allowing public healthcare institutions to develop and deploy AI tools for non‑critical medical conditions while collecting real‑world insights to inform future regulatory frameworks.

• 2025-01-22 03:51:46

Medical Device Cluster (MDC) is rolling out the pilot run for the Change Management Program (CMP) for Software as Medical Device (SaMD), also known as a Standalone medical mobile application, including Machine Learning-Enabled SaMD. The program is voluntary and incorporated into HSA's existing Premarket Product Registration and Change Notification process. With effect from 4 December 2024, HSA also published new guidance document (GN-37) for the program.

• 2024-12-16 07:05:36

Thai FDA has updated its guidance on the registration of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) medical devices. Key revisions include new requirements for establishment licensing, compliance with advertising regulations, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. The updated guidance offers stakeholders a clear framework for classification criteria, document preparation, and post-market responsibilities.

• 2024-10-10 08:46:48

HSA's Medical Devices Cluster has released a draft of Guidance on Change Management Program (CMP) for stakeholders with consultation period from 26 August 2024 to 21 October 2024. The new optional regulatory pathway aims to accommodate the rapid iterative nature of SaMD changes. This guidance explains on the CMP definition, scope, eligibility, requirements, and process. The guidance also introduces the concept of 'Pre-specified' changes. Feedback on the guidance draft can be sent to HSA through email by using prescribed feedback form.

• 2023-02-23 01:23:58

Thai FDA has published a guidance, which aims to assist the justification status of Software as Medical Device (SaMD) as well as its risk classification for Thai FDA registration.

• 2022-07-26 11:13:22

MHLW announces evaluation items for medical devices that use new technology to speed up the approval process. This time evaluation items for Breast Cancer Diagnosis Device and SaMD with Behavior Change were announced.