UNSPSC 53131641: Petroleum jelly

This is a semi solid mixture of hydrocarbons originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. Its folkloric medicinal value as a cure all has since been limited by better scientific understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses. However, it is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved over the counter skin protectant and remains widely used in cosmetic skin care.

UNSPSC 53131641 Petroleum jelly is a Commodity code that state and local governments use to purchase personal care and topical products for emergency response, medical aid, and facility maintenance. The recent solicitations under this code show a significant mismatch: the City of Austin's IFB 2200 CSH1061 solicits liquid aluminum sulfate (alum) for wastewater treatment phosphorus removal, and the City of Tampa's ITB 25-P-00157 solicits first aid supplies including bandages, antiseptic sprays, and hydrogen peroxide for fire rescue operations. Neither opportunity directly involves petroleum jelly as a product line. The issuing bodies are municipal governments — Austin Water and the Tampa Fire Rescue Department — with typical municipal procurement practices including local and small-business preference discounts, bond and insurance requirements, and electronic bidding portals.

The geographic spread represented in recent activity includes Texas and Florida. The Austin opportunity (due August 25, 2026) offers a 5% local-business discount on bids up to $500,000, requires NSF approval and AWWA B403 compliance, and calls for an estimated 179,200 gallons annually at 47–49% liquid concentration delivered FOB destination. The Tampa opportunity (originally posted April 24, 2026, with a due date of April 9, 2025) includes 32 medical and first aid items with a $100,000 total department budget and set-aside provisions for City-certified Small Local Business Enterprises and Underutilized Woman and Minority Owned Business Enterprises offering up to 5% bid discounts. The code shows limited recent activity explicitly under the petroleum jelly commodity classification, with the posted opportunities appearing to be miscoded relative to the code's stated scope.