Product classification
HS code for Assistive devices: 9021.90
Appliances, worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability.
Classification of assistive devices under HS 9021.90
Assistive devices are classified under HS code 9021.90 because they are appliances designed to be worn, carried, or implanted in the human body to compensate for a specific physical defect or disability. This classification falls within Chapter 90, which encompasses optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments and apparatus. Specifically, heading 9021 covers orthopedic appliances, including crutches, surgical belts, and trusses; splints and other fracture appliances; artificial parts of the body; hearing aids and other appliances which are worn or carried, or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability. Subheading 9021.90 acts as a residual category for those devices that do not fit into more specific subheadings like hearing aids or pacemakers but still meet the primary criteria of being personal compensatory appliances. The classification depends on the device's primary function of mitigating a disability rather than providing general medical treatment or being a standard piece of hospital furniture. These items are essential for the daily functioning of individuals with permanent or long-term impairments.
- Covers
- Electronic visual aids for the visually impaired
- Electronic speech synthesizers for the mute
- Implantable neurostimulators
- Specialized orthopedic appliances for limb compensation
- Other non-specified appliances worn to compensate for a disability
- Also under 9021.90
- Ottobock prosthetic components
- Cochlear implant accessories
- Coloplast ostomy system parts
- Zimmer Biomet joint replacement parts
- Phonak hearing aid domes
Codes often confused with 9021.90
Common mistake. Assistive devices are frequently confused with general medical equipment under heading 9018, which covers instruments used by healthcare professionals for diagnosis or surgery. They are also often misclassified under 9021.10 (orthopedic appliances) if the distinction between a structural support and a compensatory appliance is not clear. Furthermore, electronic assistive devices are sometimes incorrectly placed in 8543, which covers general electrical machines with individual functions, or 8713, which is specifically for wheelchairs. It is vital to distinguish between a vehicle (8713) and an appliance worn or carried (9021.90).
Top exporters and importers of HS 902190 (the code used for assistive devices), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902190 (the code used for assistive devices) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 902190, not only assistive devices.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $3.2B 15% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $2.8B 14% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $2.8B 13% of world exports
World total: $20.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.9B 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.8B 9.7% of world imports
World total: $18.8B 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 assistive devices
Brazil splits HS 9021.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9021.90.11Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
- 9021.90.12Stents, whether or not on balloon catheters
- 9021.90.13Nickel-titanium interatrial occluders
- 9021.90.19Other implantable appliances for disabilities
- 9021.90.80Other worn or carried appliances for disabilities
- 9021.90.91Parts and accessories of pacemakers
- 9021.90.92Parts and accessories of hearing aids
- 9021.90.99Other parts and accessories of disability aids
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about assistive devices
What is the HS code for Assistive devices?
The HS code for Assistive devices is 902190 (Appliances; worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability). The HS code for assistive devices that are worn, carried, or implanted to compensate for a disability is 9021.90.
How do I classify Assistive devices for customs?
Assistive devices is classified under HS code 902190 — Appliances; worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are hearing aids included in this specific code?
No, hearing aids are classified under their own specific subheading, 9021.40, rather than the residual 9021.90 category.
Which countries are the top exporters of assistive devices (HS 902190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902190 (the code used for assistive devices) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.2B, 15% of world exports), the Netherlands ($2.8B) and Ireland ($2.8B). World exports came to about $20.8B, 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 assistive devices (HS 902190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902190 (the code used for assistive devices) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 11% of world imports), Germany ($1.9B) and the Netherlands ($1.8B). World imports came to about $18.8B, 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 Assistive devices the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902190 for Assistive devices 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 assistive devices in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902190 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for assistive devices depends on the product's details: 9021.90.11 (Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), 9021.90.12 (Stents, whether or not on balloon catheters), 9021.90.13 (Nickel-titanium interatrial occluders), 9021.90.19 (Other implantable appliances for disabilities), 9021.90.80 (Other worn or carried appliances for disabilities), 9021.90.91 (Parts and accessories of pacemakers), and more.