ISO 9999:2022

Overview

ISO 9999:2022 - Assistive products - Classification and terminology is the seventh edition (2022) of the international classification that standardizes how assistive products and related terminology are organized. The standard specifies a three-level, function-based classification (classes, subclasses, divisions) and a consistent coding system to describe assistive products - including devices, equipment and software - that optimize functioning and reduce disability. It also clarifies what is excluded (e.g., medicines, implanted devices, non-technical solutions, items used solely by healthcare professionals or teachers).

Key topics and technical structure

• Three-level hierarchy and codes: each item is located by a code composed of three pairs of digits (class / subclass / division). Codes determine position and support national extension.
• Function-based classification: products are classified by primary function; multifunctional products and software are classified by their principal function.
• Rules, titles and explanatory notes: classes/subclasses/divisions include titles, explanatory notes, inclusions, exclusions and cross-references to ensure consistent interpretation.
• Parts & accessories: parts and accessories are usually classified together with the associated product group or as close as possible when shared across groups.
• National adaptations: specific code ranges are reserved for national use (e.g., classes 01, 02, and 90–99 and corresponding subclass/division slots).
• Supporting material: Annexes include a conversion table from ISO 9999:2016 to 2022, membership in the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO‑FIC), an updated definition of assistive product, and an alphabetical index to aid retrieval.
• Editorial changes: the 2022 edition includes substantive updates (e.g., deletion of a class in prior editions and major revisions to some classes) and about 23 new and 116 revised titles.

Practical applications

ISO 9999:2022 provides a uniform classification and terminology for:

• Procurement and inventory management of assistive technology
• Product labelling, catalogs and e-commerce listings for assistive devices and software
• Policy development, service planning and statistical reporting in rehabilitation and disability services
• Interoperability and data exchange between health and social care systems, registries, and research databases
• Manufacturers and product designers for consistent product categorization and market access

Who uses this standard

• Assistive technology manufacturers and suppliers
• Rehabilitation professionals, clinicians and occupational therapists
• Health and social care administrators, procurement officers and policy makers
• Insurers, registries and statistical agencies
• Accessibility and disability researchers, and IT developers building assistive‑technology software or inventory systems

Related standards and references

• International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO) - used for harmonized terminology and framework
• ISO/IEC Directives and collaborations with CEN (CEN/TC 293) govern editorial and development context

Keywords: ISO 9999:2022, assistive products classification, assistive technology, assistive device terminology, WHO‑FIC, ICF, accessibility, rehabilitation.