UNSPSC 42281501: Chemical or gas sterilizers

In this classification, this commodity indicates a product that is machine, used to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by the use of chemicals or gas, in a medical setting. US FDA regulates Chemical or gas sterilizers under 21 CFR 88.686 and under FDA product code ECC. Most nations, for tariff and trade purposes, schedule these products under HS 841920.

UNSPSC 42281501 Chemical or gas sterilizers (Commodity) covers autoclave sterilization equipment and related service and maintenance work that state and local governments actually procure—ranging from the purchase of new autoclave units to annual inspection, calibration, and repair contracts. State and local issuing bodies soliciting under this code include state health and administrative agencies, county water authorities, hospital and medical center facilities, and school districts. The scope spans both capital equipment purchases (new autoclave units with specified chamber capacity, power ratings, warranties, and delivery terms) and ongoing service contracts (preventive maintenance, emergency repair response, technician certification, equipment condition assessment, and real-time documentation in maintenance-management systems). Technicians performing work under this code must hold current regulatory certifications such as CRCST or CBSPD and demonstrate hands-on autoclave experience. Service-level expectations are stringent, with response times ranging from 24 hours for critical failures to same-day phone response and 4-hour on-site arrival for emergency calls in clinical settings.

Recent opportunities span Oregon, California, Georgia, and Texas. The State of Oregon Department of Administrative Services, State Procurement Services issued an RFP on June 16, 2026 (due August 17, 2026) for annual autoclave and associated equipment inspection, calibration, and repair services at its North Valley Complex in Wilsonville, with a not-to-exceed compensation of $5 million and a 5% Oregon-fabrication preference. The State of California issued an RFB in April 2026 (due May 11, 2026) for STERILGARD biosafety cabinets meeting detailed technical specifications and including CBE set-aside preferences. MD Anderson Cancer Center's Division of Facilities Management in Texas solicited maintenance support for glass washers, autoclaves, and electric steam boilers (RFP posted February 24, 2026, due same date), requiring full manufacturer certification, real-time Maximo documentation, and 2-hour response during business hours. The Macon Water Authority in Georgia issued an IFB in February 2026 (due March 10, 2026) for one new 3870EAP large-capacity manual sterilizer with 2-year parts and labor warranty and 10-year chamber warranty, delivered FOB destination.