Technical file
A technical file is a set of documents that describes a product and can prove that the product was designed in accordance with the requirements of a quality management system.
All products that have a
EU
directives and regulations for CE-marked products. EU enforcement authorities may demand a copy of the technical file for many years after the last product was made. Customers do not usually have access to the technical file.
Content
A technical file is usually based on a document archive system that ensures longevity of documents and can either be on paper or in electronic files. It can include drawings, specifications, reports, review records, meeting minutes, labels, instructions for use, software source code, production process flow charts, etc. One document may be named "technical file" and list all other documents that are considered part of the technical file but it can be made available to the competent authority on request.
Medical devices
The sub-clause 4.2.3 of
EU medical device regulation (MDR) and of the In-vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) contain an overview of the contents and structure of a technical file, here called Technical documentation
.
See also
- Device Master Record – a similar concept in the US for medical devices
- Technical documentation
References
- Conformance Ltd explanation about Technical File
- United Kingdom HSE explanation of Technical File
- U.S. Government export page explaining Technical File