Product classification
HS code for Orthopedic braces: 9021.10
Orthopaedic or fracture appliances.
Classification of orthopedic braces under HS 9021.10
Orthopedic braces are classified under HS code 9021.10. This heading covers orthopaedic appliances, which are defined as devices used to prevent or correct bodily deformities or to support or hold parts of the body following an illness, operation, or injury. This includes items like crutches, surgical belts, trusses, and various types of braces (knee, ankle, wrist). The classification is driven by the medical and functional nature of the product. To fall under 9021.10, the brace must be designed for a specific orthopedic purpose rather than being a general-purpose support. For example, a simple elasticated bandage or a standard sports sleeve without rigid components might be classified elsewhere as a textile article. However, braces that incorporate stays, hinges, or specialized compression mechanisms to treat a medical condition are firmly placed within this category. This classification is part of Chapter 90, which covers high-precision medical and surgical instruments and apparatus.
- Covers
- Rigid knee braces
- Ankle stabilizers with stays
- Spinal braces and orthotic belts
- Fracture appliances and splints
- Cervical collars
- Also under 9021.10
- DonJoy Defiance III Knee Brace
- Össur Rebound PCL
- Aircast AirSelect Walker Boot
- Zimmer Biomet Universal Shoulder Immobilizer
- DeRoyal Industries Cervical Collar
Codes often confused with 9021.10
Common mistake. Orthopedic braces are often misclassified under heading 6307 as \"other made up textile articles.\" This usually happens with simple elastic supports that do not have rigid components. Another common misclassification is heading 9018, which covers general medical and surgical instruments; however, 9021 is more specific for appliances that support or replace physical functions or correct deformities.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902110 (the code used for orthopedic braces), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902110 (the code used for orthopedic braces) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 902110, not only orthopedic braces.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.9B 22% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $2.3B 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.2B 9.0% of world exports
World total: $13.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.9B 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.1B 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.0B 7.4% of world imports
World total: $13.8B 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 orthopedic braces
Brazil splits HS 9021.10 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9021.10.10Orthopaedic articles and appliances
- 9021.10.20Splints and other fracture appliances
- 9021.10.91Articulated orthopaedic parts and accessories
- 9021.10.99Other orthopaedic/fracture parts and accessories
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about orthopedic braces
What is the HS code for Orthopedic braces?
The HS code for Orthopedic braces is 902110 (Orthopaedic or fracture appliances). The HS code for orthopedic appliances, including braces and fracture appliances, is 9021.10.
How do I classify Orthopedic braces for customs?
Orthopedic braces is classified under HS code 902110 — Orthopaedic or fracture appliances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sports compression sleeves classified as orthopedic braces?
Generally, no. Simple textile compression sleeves without rigid supports are usually classified under 6307, while those with medical-grade orthopedic features fall under 9021.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of orthopedic braces (HS 902110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902110 (the code used for orthopedic braces) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 22% of world exports), Switzerland ($2.3B) and Germany ($1.2B). World exports came to about $13.3B, 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 orthopedic braces (HS 902110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902110 (the code used for orthopedic braces) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.1B) and Germany ($1.0B). World imports came to about $13.8B, 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 Orthopedic braces the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902110 for Orthopedic braces 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 orthopedic braces in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902110 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for orthopedic braces depends on the product's details: 9021.10.10 (Orthopaedic articles and appliances), 9021.10.20 (Splints and other fracture appliances), 9021.10.91 (Articulated orthopaedic parts and accessories), 9021.10.99 (Other orthopaedic/fracture parts and accessories).