21 CFR § 803.21 - Where can I find the reporting codes for adverse events that I use with medical device reports?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s803.21"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 803.21 - Where can I find the reporting codes for adverse events that I use with medical device reports?"
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "803.21"
section_name: "Where can I find the reporting codes for adverse events that I use with medical device reports?"
chapter_name: "FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "H"
subchapter_name: "MEDICAL DEVICES"
part_number: "803"
part_name: "MEDICAL DEVICE REPORTING"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 352, 360, 360i, 360j, 371, 374."
regulatory_source: "79 FR 8846, Feb. 14, 2014, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "803"
---


# 803.21 Where can I find the reporting codes for adverse events that I use with medical device reports?

(a) The MedWatch Medical Device Reporting Code Instruction Manual contains adverse event codes for use with Form FDA 3500A. You may obtain the coding manual from FDA's website at: *https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/mandatory-reporting-requirements-manufacturers-importers-and-device-user-facilities/mdr-adverse-event-codes.*

(b) We may sometimes use additional coding of information on the reporting forms or modify the existing codes. If we do make modifications, we will ensure that we make the new coding information available to all reporters.

[79 FR 8846, Feb. 14, 2014, as amended at 85 FR 18441, Apr. 2, 2020]