The global trade in orthopedic appliances is growing fast, with worldwide exports reaching almost $77 billion in 2023.
For importers and distributors, sourcing from the United Kingdom combines strong product quality, trusted regulations and access to advanced medical technology.

Wigmore Trading helps buyers worldwide to purchase and export orthopedic appliances from the UK efficiently, compliantly and at competitive prices.

What are orthopedic appliances?

In customs terms, orthopedic appliances are grouped under HS Code 9021. This category covers products such as crutches, surgical belts and trusses, splints and fracture appliances, artificial joints and other artificial parts of the body, as well as hearing aids and other devices worn or implanted to compensate for a defect or disability.

Typical examples include:

• Braces and supports (knee, wrist, ankle, back)

• Splints and immobilisers

• Artificial joints and prosthetic components

• Orthotic insoles and foot/ankle orthoses

• Surgical belts and trusses

• Certain hearing aids and related accessories

Understanding this product scope is important when you buy and export orthopedic appliances, as correct classification under HS 9021 affects duties, documentation and compliance in the destination market.

Why export orthopedic appliances from the United Kingdom?

The UK is a recognised hub for advanced medical devices and orthopedic solutions. Exports of orthopedic appliances (CN/HS 9021) from the United Kingdom were valued at around $1.95 billion in 2022, underlining its role as a major supplier to global markets.

Key advantages of sourcing from the UK include:

• High quality and innovation – The UK has a strong MedTech and medical device sector with an emphasis on research, engineering and clinical performance.

• Robust regulatory standards – Products are developed within strict UK and international medical device regulations, giving buyers confidence in safety and performance.

• Premium market positioning – Orthopedic appliances supplied from the UK tend to occupy the mid-to-high end of the market, where buyers can command better margins when supported with the right commercial strategy.

• Growing demand – The UK orthopedic appliances and splints market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, reflecting wider global demand and supporting long-term export opportunities.

Partnering with an experienced UK-based exporter like Wigmore Trading allows overseas buyers to tap into this supply base without needing to build their own local sourcing infrastructure.

Key considerations when you export orthopedic appliances

1. Product classification and HS codes

Orthopedic appliances are generally classified under HS / CN heading 9021, with more specific subheadings for fracture appliances, artificial joints, hearing aids and other items.

Getting the HS code right is essential to:

• Determine import duties and taxes

• Check any local licenses or registrations

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• Prepare accurate commercial invoices and packing lists

Wigmore Trading can work with you and your customs broker to confirm the correct tariff codes for each product line before shipment.

2. Regulatory compliance in the destination market

Medical and orthopedic products are often regulated devices. Depending on your country, you may need:

• Registration with the national health or medicines regulator

• Local authorised representatives or importers of record

• Approval of product labelling and instructions in local language

• Evidence of conformity (for example, UKCA/CE marking, test reports, quality certificates)

A well-planned export of orthopedic appliances should start with a compliance review in the destination market. Wigmore Trading can coordinate with manufacturers to collect technical documentation, declarations of conformity and quality certifications to support your registration process.

3. Documentation, labelling and traceability

When you buy and export orthopedic appliances from the UK, typical documentation includes:

• Commercial invoice with HS codes, unit values and Incoterms

• Packing list with carton and pallet details

• Certificates of origin (if required to access reduced duty rates)

• Manufacturer declarations, test reports and quality certificates

• Serial and batch information for traceability

Clear, compliant labelling – including lot numbers, expiry dates where relevant, and proper storage instructions – is especially important for medical products. Wigmore Trading works closely with suppliers to ensure documentation and labelling align with your local requirements.

4. Pricing, Incoterms and logistics

Orthopedic appliances vary widely in value and handling requirements. Some products are relatively low-value accessories; others are high-value implants that require careful security and insurance.

Important points to plan:

• Incoterms – Common choices include FCA, FOB, CFR or CIF for seafreight, and FCA or CIP for airfreight.

• Mode of transport – Airfreight suits urgent or high-value consignments. Seafreight may be more economical for regular, larger-volume orders.

• Packaging – Sturdy, moisture-resistant, tamper-evident packaging to protect sterile or sensitive items.

• Insurance – Adequate cargo insurance to cover the full value of the shipment, especially for premium devices.

Wigmore Trading can manage the logistics from supplier to port or even to your nominated destination, helping you optimise cost, transit time and risk.

How Wigmore Trading supports orthopedic appliance exports

Working with Wigmore Trading gives you a single, reliable partner in the UK to coordinate the entire export process.

Our support typically includes:

• Sourcing and supplier management – Identifying reputable UK manufacturers and distributors of orthopedic appliances that match your product and quality profile.

• Price negotiation and consolidation – Helping you secure competitive prices and consolidating shipments from multiple suppliers into a single export load.

• Quality and compliance checks – Reviewing documentation, packaging and labelling to ensure products are export-ready and aligned with your local regulations.

• Customs and export documentation – Preparing commercial invoices, packing lists and origin documents that reflect accurate HS classifications.

• Freight and logistics – Organising transport from warehouse to port or airport, booking cargo space and coordinating with your freight forwarder where needed.

• Africa and emerging market focus – Supporting importers and distributors across Africa and other emerging markets who want to access high-quality UK orthopedic appliances without the complexity of managing suppliers directly.

Wigmore Trading can help at every stage, from your initial product enquiry through to final delivery.

A simple step-by-step process to buy and export orthopedic appliances

1. Share your requirements
   Provide your target product list (e.g. braces, splints, prosthetic components), brands (if any), specifications and destination country.

2. Receive sourcing options and pricing
   Wigmore Trading identifies suitable UK suppliers and shares quotations, minimum order quantities and lead times.

3. Confirm order and documentation needs
   You select the products, confirm Incoterms and advise any specific regulatory documents required in your market.

4. Production, consolidation and quality checks
   Orders are placed with approved suppliers, and goods are consolidated where necessary to reduce freight costs.

5. Export, freight and delivery
   Wigmore Trading prepares export documentation, books transport and coordinates with your forwarder or nominated customs broker.

6. After-sales coordination
   Support with repeat orders, batch documentation or additional product lines as your market grows.

For importers, distributors and healthcare suppliers, this streamlined approach reduces risk and makes it easier to grow a profitable orthopedic product portfolio.

Partner with Wigmore Trading for orthopedic appliance exports

Demand for high-quality orthopedic appliances continues to rise globally. By sourcing from the United Kingdom, you gain access to innovative products, strong quality standards and a respected origin – advantages that can set your business apart.

Wigmore Trading can help you navigate sourcing, compliance and logistics so you can focus on building your market.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and export operations.