FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR)
The FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR), effective February 2026, replaces the Quality System Regulation (21 CFR Part 820) by incorporating ISO 13485:2016 by reference. It aligns FDA quality system requirements for medical device manufacturers with the international standard, reducing regulatory burden for manufacturers operating globally while maintaining FDA-specific requirements for design controls and post-market surveillance.
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Framework Domains (7)
Design and Development
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AQAP-5.6 | Design Verification |
| AQAP-5.7 | Dependability Requirements |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.3.1 | Design and Development Planning |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.3.2 | Design and Development Inputs |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.3.3 | Design and Development Outputs |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.3.4-5 | Design Review and Verification |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.3.6 | Design Validation |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.3.9 | Design Transfer |
Management Responsibility
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ISO 13485 Cl. 5.1 | Management Commitment |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 5.4 | Quality Planning |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 5.5 | Responsibility and Authority |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 5.6 | Management Review |
Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ISO 13485 Cl. 8.2.1 | Feedback and Complaint Handling |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 8.2.2 | Internal Audits |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 8.3 | Nonconforming Product Control |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 8.5.2 | Corrective Action (CAPA) |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 8.5.3 | Preventive Action |
Production and Process Controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.4 | Purchasing Controls |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.5.1 | Control of Production and Service Provision |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.5.2 | Cleanliness and Contamination Control |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 7.5.6 | Process Validation |
| § 820.45 | Device Labeling and Packaging |
Quality Management System Requirements
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ISO 13485 Cl. 4.1 | General QMS Requirements |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 4.2 | Documentation Requirements |
| § 820.10 | Requirements for a QMS |
| § 820.35 | Control of Records |
Regulatory Compliance and Traceability
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| § 820.10(a) | Unique Device Identification (UDI) |
| § 820.10(b) | Device Tracking |
| § 820.10(c) | Medical Device Reporting |
| § 820.10(d) | Corrections and Removals |
Resource Management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ISO 13485 Cl. 6.1 | Provision of Resources |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 6.2 | Human Resources and Competence |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 6.3 | Infrastructure |
| ISO 13485 Cl. 6.4 | Work Environment and Contamination Control |
Maps to 526 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR)?
FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) is a compliance framework from United States with 7 domains and 34 controls. The FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR), effective February 2026, replaces the Quality System Regulation (21 CFR Part 820) by incorporating ISO 13485:2016 by reference. It aligns FDA quality system requirements for medical device manufacturers with the international standard, reducing regulatory burden for manufacturers operating globally while maintaining FDA-specific requirements for design controls and post-market surveillance. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) have?
FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) has 34 controls organised across 7 domains. The largest domains are Design and Development (8 controls), Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement (5 controls), Production and Process Controls (5 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) map to?
FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) maps to 526 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 — General Requirements for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (26% coverage), ISO 15189:2022 — Medical Laboratories Requirements for Quality and Competence (26% coverage), PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products (26% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) compliance?
Start your FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 34 controls and track your progress.
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