Page Last Updated: 13 January 2026

What is a Swiss Single Registration Number (CHRN)?

The CHRN is Switzerland’s version of the EUDAMED Single Registration Number (SRN).

Why is a CHRN Needed?

A CHRN is required in place of the EUDAMED Single Registration Number (SRN) because the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between Europe and Switzerland lapsed for medical devices and IVDs. After 26 May 2021 (medical devices) and 26 May 2022 (IVDs), the free movement of devices between the two areas was no longer allowed. Further, the EU Commission removed Switzerland’s Competent Authority level access to EUDAMED.

Since Switzerland’s regulations reference EUDAMED throughout, it had to quickly address the gap. This included creating its own version of European SRNs – Swiss Single Registration Numbers.

As a result, Swissmedic is developing its own EUDAMED-like registration database, called ‘swissdamed’. It consists of two registration modules:

1. Economic Operators 
2. Medical Devices

The Economic Operator module has been live since 6 August 2024.

The Medical Devices module will become mandatory on 1 July 2026, followed by a 6-month transition period. Meanwhile, sections of the device module were published for voluntary registration since 18 August 2025.

For more information, please read: Swiss Registration Database (Swissdamed)

Is a CHRN Mandatory or Voluntary?

A CHRN is mandatory for Swiss-based Manufacturers, Authorized Representatives and Importers.

Who Needs a CHRN?

The following need a CHRN:

NOTE: Even though a distributor is also an economic operator, they do not require a CHRN. This is the same as Europe’s Economic Operator registration requirements.

How Do Non-Swiss Manufacturers Register in swissdamed?

Non-Swiss manufacturers marketing in Switzerland must be identified in the ‘swissdamed’ database.

However, as noted above, only Swiss economic operators can register as an Actor. Therefore, it falls to the Swiss Authorized Representative (CH-REP) to register the non-Swiss manufacturer in swissdamed.

Once registered, the manufacturer will be issued a “Mandate ID”, instead of a CHRN.

Further, your company details will then be publicly available: 1) go to swissdamed ‘Search for Actors’, 2) enter your company in the ‘Company Name’ field, and 3) click on the search result.

Process to Obtain a CHRN

Swiss Manufacturers, Authorized Representatives, and Importers must submit an application via the swissdamed portal. But first, a user-specific CH-LOGIN (federal administration account) must be obtained.  This is similar in concept to the ‘EU login account’ required for EUDAMED.

Swissmedic has published a User Guide, which details the exact steps to obtain a CH-LOGIN and complete the CHRN registration process.

The swissdamed public database is available: HERE

Deadline to Obtain a CHRN

Swiss Manufacturers, Authorized Representatives and Importers must obtain a CHRN within three months of placing their first product on the Swiss market.

Timing to be Issued a CHRN

Swissmedic’s official timeframe to process CHRN requests is 30 days. However, they also state that “if the volume of applications is low, the processing time may be shorter”.

CHRH Fees

Swissmedic charges “a flat fee of CHF 200” to process CHRN requests.

This amount will be invoiced after the CRHN application has been processed. Invoices will only be issued to an address in Switzerland. Companies can wait to receive the invoice by post, or can submit a request to receive invoices by e-mail.

Validity Period

CHRNs do not expire. However, Swissmedic must be notified of changes within one week.

The types of changes that must be notified include:

Further, the CHRN data must be reviewed for correctness after 12-months, and then every two years thereafter.

Recap: Differences Between a Swiss CHRN & EU SRN

EUDAMED SRN	Swiss CHRN
Voluntary until 28 May 2026	Mandatory within three months of placing a new device onto the Swiss market
SRN is issued by one of the many national Competent Authorities	CHRN is issued by Swissmedic
SRN issuance timeframe varies, depending on which national competent authority is selected	CHRN issued within 30 days
Registration request is made through the EUDAMED portal	Registration request is made through the swissdamed portal
No fee to register in EUDAMED	Flat fee of CHF 200 per CHRN
All manufacturers need an SRN, irrespective of where they are located	Only Swiss manufacturers need a CHRN
Manufacturers identify their EU Authorized Representative (AR), and upload the AR Mandate, when they submit their SRN request to the Competent Authority	n/a – Foreign manufacturers have no interaction with Swissmedic during this process
EU AR must obtain an SRN	Swiss AR must obtain an CHRN
EU AR must review & verify the Mandate that was uploaded by the manufacturer, before an SRN can be issued by the national Competent Authority	Swiss AR must directly register the non-Swiss manufacturer in swissdamed
Importers need an SRN	Importers need a CHRN
Distributors do not need an SRN	Distributors do not need a CHRN
SRN data must be confirmed as still valid after one year, then every two years thereafter	CHRN data must be confirmed as still valid after one year, then every two years thereafter
SRN information must be updated as changed	CHRN information must be updated as changed