Most medical device establishments are required to register with FDA must also identify to FDA the devices they have in commercial distribution including devices produced exclusively for export. This process is known as medical device listing and is a means of keeping FDA advised of the generic category(s) of devices an establishment is manufacturing or marketing.

Each generic category is represented by a separate classification regulation found in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 862-892 or FDA assigned device name. Each regulation number or device name is associated with one or more product codes. Regulation numbers with more than one product code identifies the product in further detail. For example, “Manual Surgical Instruments for General Use,” 21 CFR 878.4800, contains several product codes including GAB (disposable suturing needle), GDX (scalpel), HTD (forceps) and HRQ (hemostat).

Listing of a medical device is not approval of the establishment or a device by FDA. Unless exempt, premarketing clearance is required before a device can be marketed (placed into commercial distribution) in the U.S.