28 January 2026

by Paul Wadsworth, Senior Communications Manager and Membership Relations Lead

At the GMDN Agency, our mission is clear: improving patient safety by ensuring the world can describe medical devices using a single, consistent language. As a UK‑registered charity and independent non‑profit, we maintain the GMDN Database so that regulators, clinicians, manufacturers, and researchers can act on reliable, comparable information.

Open Access for the Public Good

Anyone can register for free access to GMDN Term Names and Definitions, plus up to 10 GMDN Codes. Registration helps us protect data integrity and communicate important updates, without putting barriers in front of users who depend on the nomenclature.

Medical device regulators and healthcare providers — receive full access at no cost, enabling faster vigilance work, smoother procurement, and more consistent device naming across health systems.

Paid Membership for Organisations Who Need More

Manufacturers, consultancies, and other commercial users can choose a paid membership that provides tools designed for operational efficiency and regulatory support. These features help organisations manage their device portfolios, maintain high data quality, and stay ahead of updates with automated notifications.

Crucially, commercial memberships help fund our work, while ensuring the GMDN remains accessible to all.

Independence by Design

Our funding model protects neutrality. No single member accounts for more than 2% of our income, and we have no subsidiaries or licensed entities outside the UK. This structure ensures every decision we make is impartial, independent and serves the needs of all stakeholders.

Trusted Worldwide

With more than 13,000 members and adoption in over 140 countries, the GMDN continues to grow as a global standard. Our governance brings together regulators, healthcare authorities, and industry experts to ensure rapid, clinically meaningful updates.

Collaboration at our Core

All GMDN members can raise enquiries with our Term Development Team. This inclusive, expert‑driven model keeps the GMDN relevant as medical technology evolves and innovates.

A Model Built for a Safer Future

The GMDN membership model isn’t just about access—it’s about ensuring that everyone, from local hospitals to global manufacturers, can rely on a consistent, neutral, and clinically meaningful way to describe medical devices.

By keeping access broad, protecting independence, and encouraging global collaboration, we’re building a foundation for safer devices, stronger vigilance systems, and better outcomes for patients around the world.

For a more in-depth look at our membership model and its importance visit here.