21 CFR Part 820 · Quality Management System Regulation

§ 820.160 Distribution

Subpart L - Handling, Storage, Official text on eCFR
Removed from 21 CFR. The Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) replaced the Quality System Regulation on 2 Feb 2026. Removed by the Quality Management System Regulation, effective 2 February 2026: Part 820 now incorporates ISO 13485:2016 by reference (§ 820.7) and requires it in § 820.10. See § 820.10. The text below is the former QSR wording, kept for reference.

(a) Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for control and distribution of finished devices to ensure that only those devices approved for release are distributed and that purchase orders are reviewed to ensure that ambiguities and errors are resolved before devices are released for distribution. Where a device’s fitness for use or quality deteriorates over time, the procedures shall ensure that expired devices or devices deteriorated beyond acceptable fitness for use are not distributed.

(b) Each manufacturer shall maintain distribution records which include or refer to the location of:

(1) The name and address of the initial consignee;

(2) The identification and quantity of devices shipped;

(3) The date shipped; and

(4) Any control number(s) used.

Independent copy, not an official legal edition. 21 CFR is a U.S. Government work in the public domain; this text comes from the eCFR and the annual CFR edition, and may lag recent amendments. The authoritative version is on ecfr.gov. Compliome is not affiliated with or endorsed by FDA. Not legal advice.

What FDA inspectors cite under § 820.160

Form FDA 483 observations citing this section, fiscal years 2009–2026 (Devices).

  • Lack of or inadequate procedures for distribution 81
  • Distribution records 36
  • Control/distribution procedures 11
  • Expired or deteriorated devices 3

Warning letters citing § 820.160

8 FDA warning letters since 2017 cite this section :

FDA guidance that cites § 820.160