HS 902110 Orthopaedic or fracture appliances
Quick Answer: Orthopaedic or fracture appliances imported under HS 902110 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at 55% ad valorem. This classification covers devices designed to support or immobilize parts of the body, such as braces, splints, and artificial joints, used for treating fractures or orthopaedic conditions. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity in the US compared to the EU and UK. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to ensure accurate duty payments and compliance across different trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9021100000 | — | — | — |
| 9021101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9021109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9021100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9021101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9021109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90211000 | Free | — | — |
| 9021100090 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 9021100050 | — | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 902110 cover?
This subheading covers orthopaedic or fracture appliances, including splints, trusses, and artificial parts of the body. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is for devices designed to correct or support deformities or injuries of the body. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this includes items like surgical braces, artificial limbs, and fracture fixation devices, provided they are specifically designed for orthopaedic purposes.
What falls outside HS 902110?
The following products are excluded from HS 902110: general medical or surgical instruments not specifically designed as orthopaedic or fracture appliances, such as scalpels or bandages (typically classified in Chapter 9018 or 3005). Also excluded are non-medical supports like elastic bandages for sports or general compression, and footwear with built-in orthopaedic features if the primary function is footwear (often classified in Chapter 64). Items that are purely cosmetic or for general comfort, rather than therapeutic or corrective, are also not included.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 902110?
A common error is misclassifying general-purpose medical supports or therapeutic devices that do not meet the specific criteria of orthopaedic or fracture appliances. For instance, simple elastic knee sleeves for minor joint pain might be incorrectly entered under 902110 when they should be classified elsewhere based on their primary function and construction. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1, which emphasizes the Section and Chapter Notes, is crucial to avoid such misclassifications.
How should importers classify products under HS 902110?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 902110 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and materials. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes for Heading 9021. Comparing the product's features against the descriptions and exclusions within the tariff schedule and seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities if uncertainty persists is recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 902110?
A pair of custom-molded orthopaedic insoles, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 10% ad valorem (10% × $500 = $50.00). For example, if the insoles are designed to correct foot deformities and are specifically made for an individual, they fall under HTS code 902110.90, which carries a 10% MFN duty rate.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 902110?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 902110, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's preferential trade agreements with certain countries can also offer reduced or Free trade. To claim these preferences, a valid origin declaration or certificate, such as a USMCA certificate of origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU agreements, is typically required by customs authorities.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 902110 (Orthopaedic or fracture appliances)?
Duty rates for HS code 902110 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), most orthopaedic appliances are duty-free (0.00% Most Favored Nation - MFN rate). However, the EU TARIC system may apply rates such as 5.5% ad valorem for certain items within this category. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate. For instance, the UK Trade Tariff also lists various rates, often free for essential medical devices, but it's crucial to verify the specific subheading.
What specific criteria determine if an appliance falls under HS code 902110?
HS code 902110 covers 'Orthopaedic or fracture appliances; splints, 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.' Key classification criteria include the appliance's primary function: it must be designed to correct or support a bodily defect or disability, or to aid in fracture healing. This includes items like braces, trusses, artificial limbs, and fracture casts. Appliances that are purely for general support or comfort, without a specific therapeutic or corrective purpose, may not be classified here.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods under HS code 902110?
While standard import documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill) is always required, importing orthopaedic appliances may necessitate additional documentation. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the appliance, a medical device registration or license from the relevant health authority (e.g., FDA in the US, EMA in the EU) might be required. Certificates of origin are also crucial for claiming preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should verify these requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
How do trade agreements, like USMCA or EU trade deals, impact duties for HS code 902110?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS code 902110, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), many medical devices, including orthopaedic appliances, may qualify for preferential duty-free treatment if they originate in one of the member countries. Similarly, the EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with third countries that can offer reduced or zero duties. To benefit, importers must possess a valid certificate of origin and ensure the goods comply with the specific origin rules.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for an orthopaedic appliance under HS code 902110?
Let's assume an orthopaedic brace is imported into a country with a 5.5% ad valorem duty rate under HS code 902110. If the declared value of the brace is $100 USD, the import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty Amount = Declared Value × Duty Rate. So, $100 USD × 5.5% = $5.50 USD. If the tariff also specified a specific duty (e.g., $0.50 per piece), the importer would typically pay the higher of the two duties, or a combination, depending on the tariff's structure (e.g., '5.5% ad valorem + $0.50 per piece'). Always refer to the precise tariff wording for the correct calculation method.