CPV Code

Each CPV code is made up of up to 8 digits, built on two layers, grouped to create a hierarchy:

• Main category (first 2 digits): Defines the broad sector (e.g., Construction or IT) using a hierarchical tree structure to classify procurement notices.
• Subcategories (next 6 digits): Provides granular detail regarding the specific nature, qualities, or use of the goods and services.

Using the example of Software Packages, the numbers form a hierarchy moving from the broadest sector down to specific products:

• Division (48000000-8): First two digits. Defines the broad sector. In this instance, it's Software package and information systems.
• Group (48200000-0): Third digit. Splits the division into more specific groups, such as Networking, Internet and intranet software package.
• Class (48210000-3): Fourth digit. Provides further detail, such as Networking software package.
• Category (48217000-2): Fifth digit. A narrower description, such as Transaction-processing software package.
• Sub-category (48217100-3): Sixth, seventh, and eighth digits. Adds fine-grained specificity, such as Mainframe transaction processing software package.
• Check digit (-Y): Sometimes, a ninth digit will be included after a hyphen. This is used to prevent typing errors.

The European Union maintains the CPV codes system through the SIMAP portal. Even after Brexit, the UK continues to use the EU-maintained version of the CPV list for procurement.

Yes. In regulated public procurement, buyers are required to assign at least one CPV code when publishing contract notices. This ensures transparency and helps suppliers identify relevant opportunities.

Buyers select CPV codes based on the goods, services, or works they are procuring. In practice, buyers may select a single code or multiple codes to reflect different aspects of the contract.

At present, there is no difference. The UK continues to use the EU-maintained CPV code list for its procurement portals, including Find a Tender and Contracts Finder.

The CPV codes list is updated periodically by the European Union. The current version in use dates from 2008, though occasional updates and corrections are applied through SIMAP.

The CPV codes list is updated periodically by the European Union. The current version in use dates from 2008, though occasional updates and corrections are applied through SIMAP.