This document provides guidance for the application of the requirements contained in ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2. It does not add to, or otherwise change, the requirements of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2. This is an informative document, not normative. It does not include requirements to be used as basis of regulatory inspection or certification assessment activities.

The guidance can be used to better understand the requirements of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2 and illustrates the variety of methods and approaches available for meeting the requirements of those International Standards. It is not required that this document be used to demonstrate conformity with them.

Guidance is given for evaluation, selection and use of packaging materials, preformed sterile barrier systems, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems. Guidance on validation requirements for forming, sealing and assembly processes is also given.

This document provides information for both healthcare facilities and the medical devices industry for terminally sterilized medical devices.

This document does not provide guidance for applications of packaging materials and systems after their opening. In the use of packaging for other purposes such as a “sterile field” or transport of contaminated items, other regulatory standards will apply.