Product classification
HS code for Artificial joints: 9021.31
Artificial parts of the body.
Classification of artificial joints under HS 9021.31
Artificial joints are classified under HS code 9021.31 as part of the broader category of orthopedic appliances and artificial body parts. This specific code is reserved for prosthetic joints designed to replace or support human joints that have been damaged by injury, wear, or disease. These products are high-precision medical devices made from biocompatible materials such as titanium, cobalt-chrome alloys, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The classification is determined by the function of the device as a permanent or semi-permanent replacement for a biological joint. Because these items are critical for surgical procedures and patient mobility, they are grouped within Chapter 90, which covers medical, surgical, and precision instruments. This ensures they are subject to appropriate medical device regulations and often benefit from specific tariff exemptions in many jurisdictions.
- Covers
- Total hip replacement systems
- Knee joint prostheses
- Shoulder joint implants
- Artificial ankle joints
- Prosthetic finger and elbow joints
- Also under 9021.31
- Zimmer Biomet Persona Knee System
- Stryker Triathlon Knee System
- DePuy Synthes Attune Knee System
- Smith & Nephew Journey II Knee
- Exactech Equinoxe Shoulder System
Codes often confused with 9021.31
Common mistake. Artificial joints are sometimes misclassified under 9021.10, which covers general orthopedic appliances like braces or fracture appliances. They may also be confused with 9021.39, which is the residual category for other artificial parts of the body that are not joints, such as heart valves or artificial eyes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902131 (the code used for artificial joints), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902131 (the code used for artificial joints) in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 902131, not only artificial joints.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ireland $2.8B 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.9B 13% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $1.5B 11% of world exports
World total: $14.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.7B 25% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.3B 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.0B 7.1% of world imports
World total: $14.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for artificial joints
Brazil splits HS 9021.31 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9021.31.10Femoral artificial joints
- 9021.31.20Myoelectric artificial joints
- 9021.31.90Other artificial joints
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial joints
What is the HS code for Artificial joints?
The HS code for Artificial joints is 902131 (Artificial parts of the body). The HS code for artificial joints used as prosthetic body parts is 9021.31.
How do I classify Artificial joints for customs?
Artificial joints is classified under HS code 902131 — Artificial parts of the body. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the surgical tools used to implant the joints?
No, surgical instruments used during joint replacement surgery are classified separately under HS code 9018.90, as they are tools rather than permanent implants.
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial joints (HS 902131)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902131 (the code used for artificial joints) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($2.8B, 20% of world exports), the United States ($1.9B) and Switzerland ($1.5B). World exports came to about $14.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of artificial joints (HS 902131)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902131 (the code used for artificial joints) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.7B, 25% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.3B) and Germany ($1.0B). World imports came to about $14.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Artificial joints the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902131 for Artificial joints is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for artificial joints in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902131 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for artificial joints depends on the product's details: 9021.31.10 (Femoral artificial joints), 9021.31.20 (Myoelectric artificial joints), 9021.31.90 (Other artificial joints).