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FDA 510(k) Submission Overview

FDA Reference: 21 CFR 807.87, eSTAR Template v7.0
Document Code: FDA-COVER
Responsible Party: Manufacturer / US Agent

Requirements Checklist

Cover Letter & Administrative Information

  • [ ] Applicant name and address
  • [ ] Contact person information
  • [ ] Submission type: Traditional / Abbreviated / Special 510(k) / De Novo
  • [ ] Device trade name and common name
  • [ ] Device classification: product code, regulation number, device class
  • [ ] Predicate device(s) identification (for 510(k))
  • [ ] Fee payment information (user fee cover sheet, MDUFA)
  • [ ] Truthful and Accurate statement signed by responsible person
  • [ ] Pre-submission correspondence reference (if applicable)

Section 3: Indications for Use Statement

  • [ ] Device name
  • [ ] Indications for use statement (per FDA-prescribed format)
  • [ ] Prescription use / OTC / Prescription and OTC
  • [ ] Enclosure type (class II only): Special Controls referenced

Section 4: 510(k) Summary or Statement

510(k) Summary (21 CFR 807.92) -- choose one:

  • [ ] Submitter contact information
  • [ ] Device description, intended use, technological characteristics
  • [ ] Predicate device comparison
  • [ ] Summary of non-clinical tests and clinical data
  • [ ] Conclusions drawn from non-clinical and clinical data

OR 510(k) Statement (21 CFR 807.93):

  • [ ] Statement that safety and effectiveness information will be made available within 30 days of request

Section 10: Substantial Equivalence (SE) Comparison

  • [ ] Predicate device identification (510(k) number, device name, manufacturer)
  • [ ] Comparison of intended use / indications for use
  • [ ] Comparison of technological characteristics
  • [ ] For different technological characteristics: demonstrate no new questions of safety/effectiveness
  • [ ] Performance comparison data summary
  • [ ] SE determination rationale

Section 11: Device Description

  • [ ] Comprehensive device description
  • [ ] Principles of operation
  • [ ] Physical characteristics (dimensions, materials, components)
  • [ ] Software description (if applicable): level of concern, version, operating platform
  • [ ] Diagrams, photographs, engineering drawings
  • [ ] Comparison table with predicate device

Section 12: Standards & Conformance

  • [ ] List of recognised consensus standards used (with declaration of conformity)
  • [ ] For each standard: full compliance or partial compliance with explanation
  • [ ] Summary of test methods and results per standard
  • [ ] For Abbreviated 510(k): identify guidance documents, special controls, or standards relied upon

Section 13: Proposed Labeling

  • [ ] Instructions for Use (IFU)
  • [ ] Device labels (all packaging levels)
  • [ ] Patient labeling (if applicable)
  • [ ] Promotional materials (if applicable)
  • [ ] QMSR terminology compliance (Design and Development File, Medical Device File) -- effective February 2, 2026

Section 14: Sterilization & Shelf Life

  • [ ] Sterilization method and validation (if applicable)
  • [ ] Bioburden testing
  • [ ] Sterility Assurance Level (SAL)
  • [ ] Pyrogenicity testing (if applicable)
  • [ ] Shelf life / expiration dating studies
  • [ ] Package integrity testing
  • [ ] Transportation / distribution testing

Section 15: Biocompatibility

  • [ ] Biocompatibility evaluation per ISO 10993-1
  • [ ] Device categorization: contact type and duration
  • [ ] Biological endpoint evaluation matrix
  • [ ] Testing results or justification for test exemption
  • [ ] Material characterization (chemical, physical)
  • [ ] Toxicological risk assessment (if applicable)

Section 16: Software Documentation

  • [ ] Software level of concern: Minor / Moderate / Major
  • [ ] Software description and architecture (SOUPregistry)
  • [ ] Software development lifecycle (IEC 62304)
  • [ ] Software requirements specification
  • [ ] Software design specification
  • [ ] Software testing (unit, integration, system, acceptance)
  • [ ] Revision history and version control
  • [ ] Cybersecurity documentation (if applicable):
    • Threat model and risk assessment
    • Design inputs/outputs for security
    • SBOM (Software Bill of Materials)
    • Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
    • Patch management plan
  • [ ] For AI/ML: Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP)

Section 17: EMC / Electrical Safety

  • [ ] IEC 60601-1 compliance (general safety and essential performance)
  • [ ] IEC 60601-1-2 compliance (EMC requirements)
  • [ ] Applicable collateral and particular standards
  • [ ] Risk management file per IEC 60601-1 Clause 4
  • [ ] Essential performance identification

Section 18: Performance Testing

  • [ ] Bench testing per applicable standards
  • [ ] Performance test protocols and results
  • [ ] Comparison with predicate device performance (where applicable)
  • [ ] Animal testing (if applicable, with IACUC approval)
  • [ ] Simulated-use testing

Section 19: Human Factors / Usability (eSTAR v7.0 Update)

  • [ ] Human factors evaluation strategy per FDA HF Guidance (effective August 1, 2026)
  • [ ] Preliminary analysis and task analysis
  • [ ] Formative evaluation results
  • [ ] Summative (validation) evaluation results
  • [ ] Root cause analysis for critical use errors
  • [ ] Labeling comprehension testing (if applicable)

Section 20: Clinical Data

  • [ ] Clinical data requirement determination
  • [ ] If clinical data required:
    • Clinical study reports
    • Published literature
    • Adverse event database analysis (MAUDE)
    • Real-World Evidence analysis (aligned with RWE guidance, February 2026)
  • [ ] If clinical data not required: justification

Key Regulatory References

  • 21 CFR Part 807, Subpart E: Premarket Notification Procedures
  • 21 CFR Part 820 (QMSR, effective February 2, 2026)
  • eSTAR Program
  • FDA Guidance: "The 510(k) Program -- Evaluating Substantial Equivalence"
  • FDA Guidance: "Refuse to Accept Policy for 510(k)s"
  • FDA Guidance: "Content of Premarket Submissions for Device Software Functions" (2023)
  • FDA Guidance: "Cybersecurity in Medical Devices" (2023)
  • FDA Guidance: "Human Factors Content" (effective August 1, 2026)
  • FDA Guidance: "Use of Real-World Evidence" (effective February 16, 2026)

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