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Can I change my UK Responsible Person, and what's the process?
I'm considering switching UK RPs due to service issues or cost. Can I change my UK Responsible Person, and what's the process? What are the implications for devices already on the market?
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Asked by Lo H. Khamis
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Lo H. Khamis, Regulatory Experts
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## Can I Change My UK Responsible Person?
**Yes, you can change your UK RP**, but the process requires coordination. The new UK RP must be appointed before the previous one is terminated, and you must notify MHRA of the change.
### The Legal Framework
UK MDR 2002 allows manufacturers to change their responsible person, but the process must ensure continuity of regulatory compliance.
### The Process
#### 1. **Appoint New UK RP First**
- Engage and contract with your new UK RP
- Ensure the new UK RP is ready to take over responsibilities
- Complete the written mandate with the new UK RP
#### 2. **Notify MHRA**
- Notify MHRA of the change
- Provide information about the new UK RP
- Ensure proper registration and device updates
#### 3. **Coordinate Transition**
- Transfer technical documentation to new UK RP (if applicable)
- Transfer ongoing vigilance cases
- Update labeling and packaging with new UK RP information
- Ensure continuity of regulatory obligations
#### 4. **Terminate Previous UK RP**
- Provide proper notice to previous UK RP (per contract terms)
- Ensure all obligations are fulfilled
- Complete any outstanding regulatory activities
### Key Considerations
#### Market Continuity
Devices can typically remain on the market during transition, but you must:
- Ensure regulatory obligations continue to be met
- Have a valid UK RP at all times
- Not have a gap in UK RP coverage
#### Documentation Transfer
- Technical documentation must be accessible to new UK RP
- Ongoing vigilance cases must be transferred
- Historical records may need to be retained
#### Labeling Updates
- All labeling must be updated with new UK RP information
- This includes device labels, packaging, and IFU
- Plan label print runs accordingly
#### Timeline
- Allow sufficient time for transition (typically 30-90 days)
- Coordinate with both old and new UK RPs
- Ensure no regulatory gaps
### Common Reasons for Changing UK RPs
Manufacturers change UK RPs for various reasons:
1. **Service Issues** - Poor responsiveness, lack of support
2. **Cost** - Pricing changes, budget constraints
3. **Strategic Reasons** - Geographic preferences, additional services needed
4. **Compliance Concerns** - Regulatory issues, quality problems
5. **Business Changes** - Company restructuring, new requirements
### Best Practices
1. **Plan Ahead** - Don't wait until the last minute
2. **Coordinate Carefully** - Ensure smooth handover
3. **Document Everything** - Keep records of the transition
4. **Update All Materials** - Ensure labeling is updated promptly
5. **Maintain Compliance** - Never have a gap in UK RP coverage
### Red Flags
- ⚠️ New UK RP not ready to take over immediately
- ⚠️ Gap in UK RP coverage
- ⚠️ Incomplete documentation transfer
- ⚠️ Delayed labeling updates
- ⚠️ Unclear transition timeline
### Next Steps
1. Plan your UK RP transition carefully
2. **[Compare UK Responsible Person providers & request quotes](https://cruxi.ai/regulatory-directories/uk_rp)** - Find a new UK RP provider that meets your needs
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*Written by **Lo H. Khamis**, Regulatory Experts. [Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-h-khamis) for regulatory guidance.*
### Official Sources:
- [MHRA - Changing UK Responsible Person](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency)