NAICS 4242 - Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers
This page includes content generated by AI. It is intended for general guidance only and should be verified for your specific situation.
Related NAICS Codes for NAICS 4242
Click on any NAICS code to explore that specific industry within NAICS 4242
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 42421 | Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers |
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 424210 | Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers |
What is NAICS 4242
NAICS code 4242 pertains to Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers, encompassing businesses primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of pharmaceutical products, medicinal chemicals, and sundry items related to druggists' needs. These entities serve as intermediaries between manufacturers and retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. The sector includes wholesalers who supply prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other health-related products essential for medical treatment and patient care. Government agencies contract with businesses in this sector to ensure a reliable and efficient supply chain for critical medications and health supplies, which are vital for public health programs, military healthcare, and emergency preparedness initiatives. The distribution role these wholesalers play is critical for maintaining the availability and accessibility of pharmaceutical products across various federal, state, and local government operations. Businesses operating under NAICS 4242 are characterized by their logistical capabilities, regulatory compliance expertise, and their role in supporting healthcare infrastructure.
Breakdown for NAICS 4242
- Covers wholesale distribution of prescription and non-prescription drugs.
- Includes merchant wholesalers supplying hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics.
- Involves logistical management of pharmaceutical and sundry medical products.
- Subject to strict regulatory and compliance standards for drug handling.
- Typical size standard limits annual receipts to $40 million for small business.
- Supports government and commercial healthcare supply chains.
Included Activities for NAICS 4242
- Purchasing and reselling prescription medications in bulk.
- Distributing over-the-counter drugs and health-related sundries.
- Managing inventory and logistics for pharmaceutical products.
- Ensuring compliance with FDA and DEA regulations for drug distribution.
- Providing supply chain solutions for government healthcare facilities.
- Coordinating cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive drugs.
- Fulfilling emergency and routine orders for medical supplies.
- Maintaining records and documentation for controlled substances.
Business Types for NAICS 4242
- Pharmaceutical wholesale distributors
- Medical supply wholesalers
- Drug distributors for government health agencies
- Specialty drug logistics companies
- Healthcare product wholesalers
- Veteran affairs pharmaceutical suppliers
Government Buyers for NAICS 4242
Government entities such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and state public health departments are principal buyers for services under NAICS 4242. These agencies require a consistent supply of pharmaceuticals and sundry health products to support military medical facilities, veterans' healthcare systems, public health programs, and emergency response stockpiles. The procurement of these products ensures that government-operated hospitals, clinics, and health centers maintain uninterrupted service delivery. Additionally, federal agencies involved in disaster relief and pandemic response contract these wholesalers to rapidly distribute essential medicines and healthcare supplies to affected populations. The government's need for bulk purchasing, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery makes contracting with specialized wholesalers under this code critical for operational readiness and public health objectives.
Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 4242
Contracts awarded under NAICS 4242 commonly include firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ), and blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) to accommodate ongoing supply needs. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations for Bids (IFBs), with an emphasis on compliance with federal acquisition regulations and pharmaceutical distribution standards. Values of contracts vary widely, ranging from small-scale supply orders to multi-million-dollar agreements for comprehensive drug distribution services. Long-term contracts are typical, reflecting the continuous demand for pharmaceutical products. Additionally, emergency acquisitions under this NAICS code may be executed to meet urgent government health requirements. Contractors must demonstrate capabilities in inventory management, regulatory adherence, and timely delivery to secure and fulfill government contracts effectively.
Federal Contracting Intelligence
Find Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers Contract Opportunities
Access federal solicitations, track award history, and monitor agency spend in this industry in one place. Designed to support small businesses pursuing federal revenue.
- Opportunities updated regularly from SAM.gov
- Filter by set-aside, agency, NAICS, and PSC
- Get notified when matching opportunities are posted
Schedule a Call
30 minutes • Discuss your goals with our team
Guidance
Leverage Your Certifications for a Competitive Edge
Our federal contracting specialists can help businesses build certifications and capability statements to pursue opportunities in industries like Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers .
- WOSB, VOSB & 8(a) certification support
- Capability statement writing & review
- SAM.gov registration & compliance guidance
Construction
Technology
Logistics
Healthcare
+ Many More Industries
Discover Your Next Industry Opportunity
Browse thousands of NAICS codes across every federal procurement sector. Find industries aligned with your capabilities and uncover where government spending is concentrated.
Search the NAICS Directory
1,000+ industry codes • Free to browse