UNSPSC 42281508: Steam autoclaves or sterilizers

In this classification, this commodity indicates a product that is steam based, used to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid, in a medical setting. US FDA regulates Steam autoclaves or sterilizers under 21 CFR 880.6880 and under FDA product code FLE. Most nations, for tariff and trade purposes, schedule these products under HS 841920.

UNSPSC 42281508 Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Commodity) encompasses maintenance, calibration, inspection, and repair services for laboratory autoclave equipment procured by state and local health departments, environmental agencies, and facility management departments. Recent opportunities show state and local governments soliciting both preventative maintenance service plans with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and accessories, and comprehensive annual inspection, calibration, and certification services. Technician qualifications are central to these procurements—contractors must hold current CRCST, CBSPD, or equivalent regulatory autoclave certification and demonstrate hands-on experience. Issuing bodies include city purchasing departments (Orlando), state departments of administrative services (Oregon), and multistate cooperative purchasing vehicles (Sourcewell). One recent opportunity also involved biosafety cabinet procurement through California, indicating that sterilization equipment procurement sometimes encompasses related laboratory containment and safety equipment under this or proximate codes.

The State of Oregon Department of Administrative Services issued an RFP for annual autoclave inspection, calibration, and repair services with proposals due August 17, 2026, covering five autoclaves at the North Valley Complex in Wilsonville, with a maximum not-to-exceed compensation of $5 million and a 5% preference for goods and services fabricated, processed, or performed entirely in Oregon. The City of Orlando, through its Water Reclamation Enterprises Department, posted sole-source service plan notices (S26-0554 in August 2026 and S24-0246 in March 2024) for laboratory sterilizer equipment with Getinge USA Sales LLC, including OEM parts, accessories, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and field service escalation aligned with ISO 13485 certification and FDA 510K clearance requirements. Recent activity concentrates in Oregon and Florida, with multistate cooperative procurement also present. Vendors pursuing this code should emphasize technical certifications, OEM partnerships or authorization, field service networks, preventative maintenance track records, and compliance with medical device regulations (21 CFR Part 803, FDA clearance, ISO 13485).