Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by The Health Master
Medical Devices
Recently, some significant amendments were made by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Govt. of India to the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices for Medical Devices (UCMPMD 2024).
The amendments concern everyone, from the manufacturers/traders of medical devices to the healthcare professionals using them. Here are the changes in layman’s terms.
The Summary: Why it Was Amended
The UCMPMD 2024 is a code of control exerted upon those looking to manufacture devices. Essentially, it prevents unethical and non-transparent marketing efforts.
The DoP’s amendments were made after stringent representations from many eminent associations in the medical devices industry.
Essentially, the DoP has allowed for clarity of reporting without diminishing the code’s primary purpose.
Such considerations make compliance easy for those manufacturers and traders who would otherwise comply.
Free Samples
One of the largest amendments concerns the value attributable to free samples provided by medical device companies.
Companies providing free samples do not provide free samples as an attempt to hide the value or implement any unethical movements; thus, this provides clarity as to the value rendered per annum for such “brand reminders” and “evaluation samples.”
From a manufacturer’s perspective:
The value realized is equal to what the company charges its principal customers, inclusive of stockists for that product, when the company manufactures products as “free samples.”
This figure shall be per item; this means that if a company has provided one free vial, the value realized would be that of a free vial price charged to the client.
From a purchaser’s perspective:
If the companies acquire “samples” from other companies, it will be assessed at the value that assessed its exchange of purchase.
Ultimately, this creates a paper trail of identity for a fleeting but effective promotional endeavor.
Where Disclosure is Now Easier
Previously, if any complaint was raised via industry associations, the government portal would require the associations to lodge a complaint first and then decide upon a resolution, which had to be uploaded. This was seen as redundant.
A final authority:
Now, associations need only upload their findings to their association portals. The government assumes that ethical associations can resolve their own complaints and maintain information for public viewing.
Less oversight, more faith:
This provides less government oversight and more faith that the industry can self-govern while still maintaining ethical practices and transparent accounting.
Self-Disclosure and Reporting
The new code clarifies how companies disclose their marketing expenses and how associations view such information.
The consolidated report goes to one place:
Where this was confusing before, now companies must go to one entity for their annual requirements.
If one company belongs to many assured associations, they must go to one assured association for disclosure while noting the others.
It eliminates redundancy.
Data holding is strict:
Associations must hold data in securely heightened precautions.
All data held must be retained for five years minimum unless a pending inquiry necessitates additional time for evidence in court.
Q: What is UCMPMD?
A: UCMPMD is the Uniform Code of Marketing Practice of Medical Devices that governs marketing practices for medical devices in India.
Q: Why were these amendments made?
A: These amendments were made to simplify and reduce disclosure burdens from manufacturers and traders by directly approaching the government and getting them approved.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Key components of Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024
Procedure to obtain license for manufacturing of Medical Devices
Procedure for registration of Medical Devices: CDSCO
Qualification and Experience: For Technical Staff in Medical Devices
Registration for sale of Medical Devices: Procedure and conditions
Latest Notifications: Medical Devices
Classifications of Medical Devices under the provisions of MDR 2017
Notified Bodies for Medical Devices
Updated list of Notified Bodies for Medical Devices
Updated list of Medical Device Testing Laboratories (MDTLs)
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Schedules: All types of Medical Devices
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