What is the CPV?
The CPV consists of a main vocabulary for defining the subject of a contract, and a supplementary vocabulary for adding further qualitative information. The main vocabulary is based on a tree structure comprising codes of up to 9 digits (an 8 digit code plus a check digit) associated with a wording that describes the type of supplies, works or services forming the subject of the contract.
The CPV consists of a main vocabulary and a supplementary vocabulary.
The main vocabulary is based on a tree structure comprising codes of up to nine digits associated with a wording that describes the supplies, works or services forming the subject of the contract.
- The first two digits identify the divisions (XX000000-Y);
- The first three digits identify the groups (XXX00000-Y);
- The first four digits identify the classes (XXXX0000-Y);
- The first five digits identify the categories (XXXXX000-Y);
Each of the last three digits gives a greater degree of precision within each category.
A ninth digit serves to verify the previous digits.
The supplementary vocabulary may be used to expand the description of the subject of a contract. The items are made up of an alphanumeric code with a corresponding wording allowing further details to be added regarding the specific nature or destination of the goods to be purchased.
The alphanumeric code is made up of:
- a first level comprising a letter corresponding to a section;
- a second level comprising four digits, the first three of which denote a subdivision and the last one being for verification purposes
How to use the CPV
Is the use of the CPV classification mandatory in the standard forms?
The use of the CPV is mandatory in the European Union as from 1 February 2006.
The CPV version 2008 is the current CPV version to:
- Fill the notices of calls for competition
- Search business opportunities in TED
- Find contract notices in the archive of TED
You will find below the dynamic structure of the CPV codes (Common public Procurement Vocabulary). If you prefer to consult it in Excel format (.xls), you can download it here for free.
Last updated : 15/11/2024
Main categories : (1st level)
03 | Agricultural, farming, fishing, forestry and related products |
09 | Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy |
14 | Mining, basic metals and related products |
15 | Food, beverages, tobacco and related products |
16 | Agricultural machinery |
18 | Clothing, footwear, luggage articles and accessories |
19 | Leather and textile fabrics, plastic and rubber materials |
22 | Printed matter and related products |
24 | Chemical products |
30 | Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages |
31 | Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; Lighting |
32 | Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment |
33 | Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products |
34 | Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation |
35 | Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment |
37 | Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories |
38 | Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) |
39 | Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products |
41 | Collected and purified water |
42 | Industrial machinery |
43 | Machinery for mining, quarrying, construction equipment |
44 | Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (excepts electric apparatus) |
45 | Construction work |
48 | Software package and information systems |
50 | Repair and maintenance services |
51 | Installation services (except software) |
55 | Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services |
60 | Transport services (excl. Waste transport) |
63 | Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services |
64 | Postal and telecommunications services |
65 | Public utilities |
66 | Financial and insurance services |
70 | Real estate services |
71 | Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services |
72 | IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support |
73 | Research and development services and related consultancy services |
75 | Administration, defence and social security services |
76 | Services related to the oil and gas industry |
77 | Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services |
79 | Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security |
80 | Education and training services |
85 | Health and social work services |
90 | Sewage-, refuse-, cleaning-, and environmental services |
92 | Recreational, cultural and sporting services |
98 | Other community, social and personal services |