The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy), on behalf of the O&P Alliance, released a set of resources about how the Trump Administration’s new tariff policies, effective August 1, may affect O&P patient care facilities, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The resources, intended to help the profession understand and prepare for the changes, include:
- A detailed summary of how tariffs may affect O&P
- An executive summary for quick reference
- A flowchart outlining possible exemptions that may apply to O&P devices and components
“These resources focus on the Nairobi Protocol, a long-standing regulatory duty-free exemption for certain medical devices that has been in place for decades,” the Academy said in the announcement. “While the Nairobi Protocol provides a pathway for certain medical devices, including orthoses and prostheses, to be considered for duty-free treatment, it is not, nor has ever been, a blanket exemption that applies in all situations. Tariff regulations remain complex, and exemptions are determined on a case-by-case basis. This means patient care facilities and suppliers may see shifts in pricing and availability as manufacturers and distributors navigate these requirements.”
