What are CPV codes?

Are you confused by CPV codes? Unsure about what they are and what they do? The following article is designed to shine some light on the subject.

What are CPV codes? – BiP Solutions

CPV codes are a system of classification for public procurement which uses standardised vocabulary to help procurement personnel classify their contract notices consistently and to make it easier for suppliers and contracting authorities to find notices. CPV stands for Common Procurement Vocabulary and the system was developed by the European Union as a tool to improve transparency and efficiency in public procurement.

Every contract notice published on the various UK government portals (e.g. Find a Tender Service and Contracts Finder) must include CPV codes, and many other organisations publish them as part of their contract opportunities. All UK contract notices published on Tracker carry one or more CPV codes.

A Breakdown of Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) Codes

A CPV code consists of a main vocabulary and a supplementary vocabulary.

Broadly speaking, the main vocabulary is used for defining the subject of a contract and the supplementary vocabulary is used for adding additional qualitative information. Many contract opportunities only detail the main vocabulary codes, which are the most essential.

Main Vocabulary

The main vocabulary is a series of 9-digit codes. These are affiliated with a phrase that describes the type of supplies, services or works that form the subject of the contract. Numbers from 1 to 9 represent various properties and are used to make the CPV code more specific. If there are a lot of zeros, it will be more general.

For example:

• Divisions are identified by the first two digits (XX000000-Y)
• Groups are identified by the first three digits (XXX00000-Y)
• Classes are identified by the first four digits (XXXX0000-Y)
• Categories are identified by the first five digits (XXXXX000-Y)

The remaining digits can define the categories with greater precision if needed, while the ninth digit (Y) verifies the previous digits.

CPV Code Main Vocabulary Example

A CPV code of 48000000 would refer to a contract notice in the software package and information systems division.

There are, however, many different groups, classes and categories within each of the divisions. So the buyer is likely to want to explain in more detail what they require by using a more specific code. An example within this particular division would be 48223000, which refers to the category of electronic mail software packages.

Supplementary Vocabulary

Supplementary vocabulary may be used to provide qualitative information to expand the description of the contract’s subject. Not all buying authorities use these supplementary codes.

This is achieved with an alphanumeric code with corresponding wording delivering additional details about the specific nature or location of the goods or services to be purchased, for example, a preferred material such as wood.

The alphanumeric code consists of two levels:

• The first level consists of an alphabetical letter that corresponds to a section
• The second level consists of four numerical digits that define its attributes

CPV Classification Regulations

As of 1 February 2006, the use of CPV procurement codes was made mandatory in the European Union to standardise the terms used by contracting authorities to describe the subject of procurement contracts. The UK has continued to use these codes after leaving the EU in 2021.

Version 2008 is the most recent CPV version used for tenders and contract notices. Becoming familiar with the latest version and which CPV tender codes relate to your industry can help you find relevant contract notices more quickly.

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