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QMSR / ISO 13485 vs 21 CFR Part 820 (legacy)

What's actually different between the QMS regulations medical device manufacturers must follow — clause-by-clause comparison from the Kelsey Quality crosswalk library.

kelseyqms.com/crosswalk/compare/qmsr-vs-part-820

COMPARE

vs
39QMSR REQUIREMENTS
37SHARED IN BOTH
2NEW IN QMSR
0RETIRED FROM PART 820

SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

What's actually different

DIMENSIONQMSR / ISO 1348521 CFR PART 820 (LEGACY)
OVERVIEW
StatusCurrent (effective Feb 2, 2026)Retired (replaced by QMSR)
Effective periodFeb 2026 – present1996 – 2026
Total requirements3930+ (no requirement mapping)
SCOPE
Risk integrationRequired (links to ISO 14971 throughout design)Not required
Plan maintenanceRequired throughout developmentInitial plans only
Document approvalExplicit approval signatures requiredGeneral document control
OPERATIONAL
Most common gapPlan-update records and design-review evidencen/a (legacy reference)
Audit focusPlan integrity, risk linkage, approval signaturesDesign control completeness

COVERAGE BREAKDOWN

What's shared, what's distinct

37SHARED IN BOTH
  • Risk Control Option Analysis
  • Design and Development Planning
  • Design and Development Inputs
  • Design and Development Review
  • Risk Management
  • Management Review
  • + 31 more
2NEW IN QMSR
  • Records Control
  • Labeling Controls
0RETIRED FROM PART 820
  • No items.