Supplier Audits, Compliance

Why Medical Device Companies Need Annual Supplier Audits in China

Annual on-site audits are not just a best practice for medical device manufacturers relying on China-based suppliers. Remote monitoring alone does not demonstrate the supply-chain control that ISO 13485 and FDA requirements expect.

January 2025 3 min read Bob Jordan

For medical device manufacturers relying on China-based suppliers, annual on-site audits are not just a best practice. They are essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and product quality. ISO 13485 and FDA requirements mandate that companies maintain control over their supply chain, and remote monitoring alone is insufficient.

Key benefits of annual supplier audits include:

  • Early detection of quality system degradation
  • Verification of corrective actions from previous audits
  • Documentation for regulatory submissions and inspections
  • Building strong supplier relationships through direct engagement
  • Identifying process improvements and cost reduction opportunities

Our cross-functional quality expert teams ensure comprehensive coverage across engineering, quality documentation, and warehouse operations, the critical functional areas where quality issues typically originate.

Learn more about our audit services or read how the same discipline applies to separating procedures from executed evidence.

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Bob Jordan

Bob Jordan, Founder & CEO, AsianOPS

25+ years across product design, engineering, sourcing, manufacturing and operations, including Class II and Class III medical device programs and ten years living and working in Shenzhen. Previously PRTM Management Consultants, Cardinal Glass, Guardian Industries and BASF. MBA, University of Virginia Darden School of Business.