Streaming Tech: The Hero Behind Smooth Viewing

Recently, the National Medical Products Administration issued the 'Announcement on Adjusting Part of the Medical Device Classification Catalog' (hereinafter referred to as 'Announcement No. 30'), clarifying that radiofrequency therapy devices and radiofrequency skin therapy devices are to be managed as Class III medical devices. Starting from April 1, 2024, such products cannot be produced, imported, or sold without obtaining a medical device registration certificate. This means that radiofrequency beauty devices have ended their decade-long period of 'unregulated growth'.

The release of Announcement No. 30 will drive companies to earnestly fulfill their primary responsibility for product quality and safety, comprehensively strengthen product lifecycle quality management, ensure the safety and effectiveness of marketed products, and guide the industry toward standardization. According to Announcement No. 30, compliant products should be managed as Class III medical devices. Public information shows that China has strict classifications for medical devices, with Class III being the highest level and requiring the most stringent control. Under regulations, relevant products must demonstrate their safety and effectiveness, and obtain a registration certificate before production and sales. As is well known, proving the safety and effectiveness of medical device products requires clinical trials, which typically demand significant time and funding. This high 'threshold' not only makes it difficult for small household appliance companies to enter the medical device industry but also eliminates companies focused solely on quick profits without investing in product R&D, shifting competition among brands to a battle of product strength and R&D capability.

As people's income levels rise, household radiofrequency beauty devices, which claim to 'tighten skin and reduce wrinkles,' have leveraged the psychological demand for 'high appearance' and advertising effects, capturing a market share exceeding 10 billion yuan. However, behind the consumer craze for beauty devices, issues such as exaggerated efficacy claims, uneven product quality, and frequent safety incidents have often occurred. Previously, media reported that a household radiofrequency beauty device recommended by a top livestreamer had temperatures far exceeding limits, causing burns to some consumers. This news once trended on Weibo. Similar problems have led to numerous complaints, and social media is not lacking in related accusations. These all reflect consumers' expectations for standardized management of radiofrequency beauty devices. However, the industry has long faced a debate over whether radiofrequency devices 'belong to medical devices or small household appliances,' which has also sparked controversy over how to regulate them. This further underscores the urgent need to strengthen oversight of this industry.