UNSPSC 51241826: Benzocaine/ichthammol

This classification denotes a combination drug defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in its (VA's) National Drug File (NDF), which falls under VA Drug Class DE900. This VA Drug Class (DE900) classifies this compound as belonging to the group DERMATOLOGICALS, TOPICAL OTHER.

UNSPSC 51241826 Benzocaine/ichthammol is a Commodity code that in recent state and local activity covers chemical products and medical supplies for municipal operations, though the code's nominal scope (topical anesthetic and antimicrobial agents) does not align closely with the work actually being solicited. The City of Austin recently posted IFB 2200 CSH1061 for liquid aluminum sulfate (alum) used in wastewater treatment to remove phosphorus from activated sludge processes, and the City of Tampa Fire Rescue Department posted ITB 25-P-00157 for medical aid supplies including antiseptic sprays, hydrogen peroxide, bandages, first aid kits, and emergency blankets. State and local buyers under this code include municipal water and wastewater utilities and city fire/rescue departments; issuing bodies are typically city purchasing offices acting on behalf of operational departments.

Recent activity appears in Texas and Florida. The Austin Water procurement (due August 25, 2026) specifies unpackaged liquid aluminum sulfate at 47%-49% concentration, NSF-approved and AWWA B403-compliant, with an estimated annual requirement of 179,200 gallons; bidders must demonstrate manufacturer or authorized reseller status, maintain minimum inventory of 9,000 gallons at distribution locations within 500 miles, and provide three municipal Texas references. Local business and small business preference discounts apply (5% on bids up to $500,000, 3% on higher amounts). The Tampa Fire Rescue solicitation (original due date April 9, 2025) covered 32 medical and first aid items with an estimated total budget of $100,000 and included set-aside provisions for City-certified Small Local Business Enterprises (5% discount, cap $10,000) and Underutilized Woman and Minority Owned Business Enterprises (5% discount, cap $20,000). The mismatch between the code's abstract pharmaceutical focus and the actual solicitations suggests the code may be used inconsistently in these jurisdictions or may capture a broader range of chemical products and medical consumables than the code name implies.