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Regulation (EU) 536/2014

Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR)

The EU Clinical Trials Regulation, which replaced Directive 2001/20/EC and harmonised the assessment and supervision of clinical trials across the EU/EEA through a single application submitted via the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS). It introduces a coordinated assessment led by a Reporting Member State and increased transparency of trial information.

LAST REVISED
January 2022
PRODUCT AREAS
Clinical
SCOPE & APPLICABILITY

Interventional clinical trials of medicinal products conducted in the EU/EEA. Since 31 January 2023 all new trials must be submitted under the CTR via CTIS; the transition of legacy Directive trials completed by 31 January 2025.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
  • 01Submit a single application via CTIS for authorisation across all concerned Member States
  • 02Comply with the coordinated assessment timelines led by the Reporting Member State
  • 03Report SUSARs and submit annual safety reports as required
  • 04Meet CTIS transparency and document-publication obligations (with limited deferrals)
IMPLEMENTATION TIPS
Assign clear CTIS role management (sponsor administrators) before the first submission
Build a transparency plan mapping which documents can be deferred and for how long
REVISION NOTES

Entered into application 31 January 2022, replacing Directive 2001/20/EC. Mandatory for new trials from 31 January 2023; legacy trials transitioned by 31 January 2025.

Regulation (EU) 536/2014: frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about Regulation (EU) 536/2014.

What is Regulation (EU) 536/2014?

Regulation (EU) 536/2014 — Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) — is a regulation issued by the European Medicines Agency (European Union). The EU Clinical Trials Regulation, which replaced Directive 2001/20/EC and harmonised the assessment and supervision of clinical trials across the EU/EEA through a single application submitted via the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS). It introduces a coordinated assessment led by a Reporting Member State and increased transparency of trial information.

Who does Regulation (EU) 536/2014 apply to?

Interventional clinical trials of medicinal products conducted in the EU/EEA. Since 31 January 2023 all new trials must be submitted under the CTR via CTIS; the transition of legacy Directive trials completed by 31 January 2025.

What are the key requirements of Regulation (EU) 536/2014?

EMA Regulation (EU) 536/2014 requires, among other things: Submit a single application via CTIS for authorisation across all concerned Member States; Comply with the coordinated assessment timelines led by the Reporting Member State; Report SUSARs and submit annual safety reports as required; Meet CTIS transparency and document-publication obligations (with limited deferrals).

When was Regulation (EU) 536/2014 last updated?

The current version of Regulation (EU) 536/2014 dates from January 2022. Entered into application 31 January 2022, replacing Directive 2001/20/EC. Mandatory for new trials from 31 January 2023; legacy trials transitioned by 31 January 2025.

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