Overview
EN ISO 9999:2022 (Assistive products - Classification and terminology) is the European adoption of ISO 9999:2022 prepared by CEN. It provides a standardized classification and terminology for assistive products - devices, instruments, equipment and software - that optimize functioning and reduce disability. The standard covers items intended primarily for use outside health‑care settings and includes products that require another person to operate. It supersedes EN ISO 9999:2016 and introduces revisions (e.g., deletion of class 05 and substantive changes to classes 09, 12 and 22), listing a total of about 948 titles with new and updated entries.
Key topics
- Scope and exclusions: Defines what counts as an assistive product and explicitly excludes installation items, combinations already classified individually, medicines, implanted devices, products used exclusively by health professionals or teachers, non‑technical solutions (e.g., guide dogs, personal assistance), and financial support.
- Classification structure: A hierarchical system with three levels (classes, subclasses, detailed divisions) and codes made up of three pairs of digits. The standard also offers one‑ and two‑level views for different uses.
- Terminology and definitions: Aligns terms with the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), providing consistent definitions (assistive product, activity, impairment, functioning, etc.).
- Rules and metadata: Contains rules used in classification, titles, explanatory notes, inclusions, exclusions and cross‑references to ensure consistent coding and interpretation.
- Supporting material: Includes a conversion table from ISO 9999:2016, an alphabetical index, and informative annexes linking ISO 9999 to the WHO Family of International Classifications.
Applications
EN ISO 9999:2022 is practical for a wide range of stakeholders:
- Manufacturers and product developers - use consistent terminology for product design, labels and technical documentation.
- Procurement and inventory management - standard codes support cataloguing, ordering and asset tracking in health, social care and accessibility services.
- Clinicians, rehabilitation professionals and occupational therapists - select and document assistive products using standardized classifications.
- Payers, insurers and reimbursement systems - use codes to harmonize coverage, billing and claims for assistive technology.
- Policy makers and accessibility planners - inform public procurement, policy, and service provision with an internationally consistent taxonomy.
- Researchers and statisticians - facilitate data collection, comparative studies and interoperability with WHO‑FIC / ICF frameworks.
Related standards and references
- ISO 9999:2022 was prepared by ISO/TC 173 (Assistive products) in collaboration with CEN/TC 293.
- Terminology and classification are aligned with the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and ISO/IEC editorial directives.
Keywords: EN ISO 9999:2022, ISO 9999:2022, assistive products classification, assistive technology terminology, CEN, ICF, WHO‑FIC, accessibility, rehabilitation.
