Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices; Classification of the External Mechanical Stimulator for the Relief of Congestion

What it does

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the external mechanical stimulator for the relief of congestion into class II (special controls). The special controls that apply to the device type are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for classification of the external mechanical stimulator for the relief of congestion. We are taking this action because we have determined that classifying the device into class II will provide a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device. We believe this action will also enhance patients' access to beneficial innovative devices, in part by reducing regulatory burdens.

The Food and Drug Administration's summary, as published in the Federal Register.

What changed in the regulation

1 part of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations:

21 CFR 874

Wording on eCFR: the day before it took effect and from the day it took effect (first part listed).

Compared with

The Food and Drug Administration has published 100 final rules in 2026 so far, compared with 68 in all of 2025.

Counted by the Tribune from Federal Register records since Jan. 1, 2025.

What happens next and when

This order is effective November 6, 2026. The classification was applicable on December 4, 2023.

The agency's dates, word for word.

Check it yourself

• The document in the Federal Register
• Docket FDA-2026-N-12125 on Regulations.gov
• Title 21 on eCFR

The record as published

Source: the Federal Register (public domain). The document in the Federal Register