CPV
What are CPV codes?
Created
November 17, 2025
by Connor
Last updated
March 13, 2026
Summary
CPV codes (Common Procurement Vocabulary codes) are standardised numeric codes used to classify what a public procurement contract is buying. Contracting authorities use them in notices and tender documents to describe supplies, services, or works in a consistent way across the UK and Europe. The CPV has a main vocabulary for the contract subject and a supplementary vocabulary for extra detail. For suppliers, CPV codes help you find relevant opportunities and filter searches, but a single code can cover a broad category so it is often used alongside keywords and descriptions.
In this article
CPV codes (Common Procurement Vocabulary codes) are standardised numeric codes used to classify what a public procurement contract is buying. Contracting authorities use them in notices and tender documents to describe supplies, services, or works in a consistent way across the UK and Europe. The CPV has a main vocabulary for the contract subject and a supplementary vocabulary for extra detail. For suppliers, CPV codes help you find relevant opportunities and filter searches, but a single code can cover a broad category so it is often used alongside keywords and descriptions.
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