UNSPSC 46181905: Ear plugs

In this classification, this commodity indicates a product that incorporates two plugs placed into the ears to protect the ears and reduce sounds. Most nations, for tariff and trade purposes, schedule these products under HS 901890.

UNSPSC 46181905 Ear plugs (Commodity) encompasses personal protective equipment and safety supplies procured by state and local governments, though recent activity under this code shows broader scope than ear plugs alone — solicitations span flight helmets with communication systems, custodial supplies, comprehensive first aid kits, heat relief items, and firefighter protective ensembles. State and local issuing bodies soliciting under the code include cities (Phoenix), counties (Jackson County, Hart County), independent school districts (Northside Independent School District), and county school boards (Pinellas County), reflecting the wide range of public entities managing occupational safety and emergency-response inventories. The work ranges from one-time purchases of specialized equipment — such as Hart County's procurement of 25 structural firefighter PPE full sets meeting NFPA 1971 standards — to ongoing supply contracts for consumables and replacement items, with contract terms typically running 12 to 60 months.

Recent opportunities show activity concentrated in Arizona, Texas, Florida, Missouri, and Georgia. The City of Phoenix has posted two recent solicitations under or near this code: RFQ-26-0319 for flight helmets, accessories, and repair services for Police and Fire Departments (due July 6, 2026), requiring an authorized Arizona-based Gentex distributor with OEM certifications and in-person fitting capabilities; and IFB-26-0046 for heat relief supplies across 60+ City locations and MAG network sites (sealed offers due December 12, 2025), specifying 1,000,000 single-use water bottles, cooling equipment, and specialized items with 48-hour delivery requirements. Northside Independent School District (San Antonio, Texas) issued RFP 2026-071 for custodial supplies (due June 4, 2026), replacing an expiring contract and requiring continuity of supply. Jackson County, Missouri solicited bids for a 24-month safety equipment and supplies contract (due June 9, 2026) with estimated annual spending of $32,000 and preference for Missouri-manufactured goods. Pinellas County School Board (Florida) sought first aid supplies on an as-needed basis through ITB 25-CR-069 (due November 20, 2025) with estimated annual usage of $130,000. Hart County, Georgia bid sealed bids for 25 structural firefighter PPE sets (due March 19, 2026).