CPV CODES

CPV codes are a standardized system used to classify and categorize public procurement notices in the European Union, with the purpose of simplifying the procurement process and making it easier for suppliers and contracting authorities to find notices. (read more: what are CPV codes?)

The purpose of CPV codes in public procurement is to simplify the complex process of procurement by using a system of classification that helps procurement personnel classify their contract notices consistently, making it easier for suppliers and contracting authorities to find notices and for data to be more accurate and complete within the industry.

CPV codes are formatted as eight digits followed by a brief description, such as “67202000 – Sanitary paper products”.

CPV codes are divided into three main categories: headings, divisions, and groups. Headings refer to broad areas such as “works” or “supplies”, divisions refer to specific subcategories such as “construction works” or “office supplies”, and groups refer to specific items in each subdivision, such as “cement” or “paper”.

Some tips for more efficient use of CPV codes in public procurement include using the full code when applicable, being specific and accurate when assigning codes, and keeping codes up to date.

CPV codes improve clarity between buyers and suppliers by providing an exact specification of the product or service being requested, allowing for greater accuracy and understanding between parties.

The UNSPSC (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code) is a system that classifies products and services for procurement purposes. It is used to organize CPV codes, which are used to describe goods, services, and works that are purchased through public procurement.

CPV codes are divided into three main parts: the main heading, the division, and the group. The main heading consists of the first two digits and refers to broad areas such as “works” or “supplies”. The division consists of the next two digits and refers to specific subcategories such as “construction works” or “office supplies”. The group consists of the last four digits and refers to specific items in each subdivision, such as “cement” or “paper”.

To locate the right CPV code, it is recommended to start with the main heading and then narrow down to the division and group as needed. Once the appropriate code has been identified, it can be applied to contract notices by including it in the description of the goods, services, or works being procured.

For contracting authorities, CPV codes simplify the procurement process by allowing them to classify and identify procurement opportunities more efficiently and to search for relevant tenders more easily. For suppliers, CPV codes simplify the process by providing an exact specification of the product or service being requested, making it easier for them to understand the needs of the contracting authority and to find relevant procurement opportunities.

Some basic rules for using CPV codes include using the full code when applicable, being specific and accurate when assigning codes, and keeping codes up to date. It is also important to use the most specific and accurate codes possible in order to ensure that the right products or services are being procured.

Some benefits of using CPV codes in public procurement include improving the efficiency and accuracy of the procurement process, increasing clarity and understanding between buyers and suppliers, and making it easier for all parties to search for relevant tenders.

To find the right CPV code for a contract notice, contractors and suppliers can start by identifying the main heading that best fits their goods, services, or works and then narrow down to the division and group as needed. It is also possible to search for specific CPV codes using online resources such as the European Union’s TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) database.

CPV codes improve the accuracy and completeness of data in the public procurement industry by providing a standardized system for classifying contract notices. This allows for greater consistency and clarity in the classification of goods, services, and works, resulting in improved accuracy and completeness of data.

CPV codes allow for greater clarity between buyers and suppliers by providing an exact specification of the product or service being requested. This helps to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of what is being procured and helps to prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications.

CPV codes can be kept up to date by regularly reviewing and updating them as needed to ensure that they accurately reflect the goods, services, and works being procured. It is also important to ensure that all parties involved in the procurement process are using the most current version of the codes.