HS Code:
Prosthetic appliances furnished by a foreign government to former members of its armed forces who reside in the United States fall under a niche category of medical and assistive devices. This category includes artificial limbs, orthopedic devices, and other prosthetic equipment provided as part of veteran support programs by foreign governments. These goods are often exempt from standard tariffs under specific international agreements or humanitarian clauses, reflecting the unique nature of this trade which prioritizes welfare over commercial interests. The trade is typically governed by bilateral agreements and is closely tied to diplomatic relations, veteran affairs, and healthcare policies between the United States and the supplying country.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Average Rate
0% (Duty-Free under specific agreements)
Highest Rate
0% (No tariffs applied due to humanitarian exemptions)
Lowest Rate
0% (Uniformly duty-free)
Increased collaboration between governments for veteran care
Growth in bilateral agreements facilitating duty-free imports of prosthetic appliances, leading to higher trade volumes with allied nations.
2021-2022
Advancements in prosthetic technology
Higher costs per unit but improved quality and functionality of devices, influencing trade value over volume.
2020-2022
Aging veteran population in the U.S.
Sustained demand for prosthetic appliances as former foreign armed forces members require ongoing medical support.
2018-2022
A revised agreement between the U.S. and Canada was signed to streamline the import process for prosthetic appliances, reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring faster delivery to veterans.
March 2023
Expected to increase trade volume by 10-15% in the next fiscal year due to simplified customs procedures.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration introduced updated safety and quality standards for imported prosthetic devices, requiring additional certification from foreign suppliers.
January 2023
Potential short-term decrease in imports from non-compliant countries, with long-term benefits of higher quality assurance.
A joint initiative was launched to enhance support for UK veterans in the U.S., including a commitment to supply advanced prosthetic technologies.
November 2022
Likely to maintain the UK's dominant share in this trade category with a focus on high-value prosthetic appliances.