UNSPSC 42182017: Ear specula sets

In this classification, this commodity indicates a product used as a set of medical tool for investigating the ear orifice in a medical setting. US FDA regulates Ear specula sets under 21 CFR 878.18 and under FDA product code JYK. Most nations, for tariff and trade purposes, schedule these products under HS 901890.

UNSPSC 42182017 Ear specula sets is a Commodity code that captures diagnostic and medical examination instruments purchased by state and local health systems, primarily for otolaryngology and emergency medical services departments. However, the recent state and local opportunities posted under this code show minimal activity directly aligned with ear specula procurement; instead, they reflect broader medical device and equipment categories that jurisdictions are sourcing through single-source and competitive processes. The code's nominal scope—specialized examination instruments—appears underutilized or misclassified in current solicitations, with county health systems and cooperative purchasing entities instead grouping ear specula within larger medical device and diagnostic equipment contracts managed alongside laryngoscopes, ophthalmic instruments, and law enforcement equipment.

The recent opportunities originate from a mix of county health departments and regional cooperative purchasing vehicles across Florida, California, and multi-state networks. Collier County, Florida posted a Notice of Intent to Single Source from Verathon Inc. for GlideScope Go 2 handheld video laryngoscopes and associated medical accessories (response deadline May 11, 2026, subsequently passed). Santa Clara County, California issued ITB-PRC-FY26-0664 for ophthalmic instruments, services, supplies, and accessories to its Valley Specialty Center Ophthalmology Department and other county departments, with bids due July 10, 2026, as an all-or-none, firm-pricing three-year contract requiring pre-bid conference participation and authorized distributor or manufacturer status. Sourcewell, a Minnesota local government cooperative, posted RFP #061626 for Law Enforcement Equipment on behalf of Franklin County, Grant County, Grays Harbor County, Chelan County, and Yakima County, among others, with proposals due June 16, 2026. The presence of ophthalmic-focused and law enforcement equipment solicitations under this ear speculum code suggests indexing inconsistency; active pursuit should verify whether procurement staff are correctly tagging ear speculum procurement separately or consolidating exam instruments into broader diagnostic device contracts.