Companies often see a 20- or 30-working-day period on the government portal and assume that the whole project will finish within that time. The figure normally applies only to a defined processing stage after acceptance.
1. Official processing periods
Current NMPA information distinguishes newly developed devices not yet in the catalogue, imported products of uncertain class and some domestic products referred after a provincial preliminary opinion. Expert consultation, interdepartmental coordination, technical research and applicant supplementation are generally outside the stated period.
2. Preparation before submission
RF, microcurrent, ultrasound, electroporation and combination devices often require confirmation of actual outputs, freezing of the production version, additional testing, alignment of overseas files and revision of instructions. Submitting an unstable product early may create more supplementary rounds.
3. Common delays
- Several energy types or handpieces.
- Missing worst-case parameters.
- Slow or inconsistent overseas responses.
- Tests that do not match the intended use.
- Conflicting models, levels, accessories or claims.
- Product changes during review.
4. Practical planning
Use one master source for parameters, versions and intended use. Divide the project into assessment, correction and testing, document preparation, submission, supplementation and result confirmation, with a named owner for each stage. Import projects should fix document lists, signatures, translation rules and technical contacts at the start.
No provider should promise a fixed date for a complex project solely from the official working-day figure.