CPV codes

CPV codes, from Common Procurement Vocabulary, are a standard classification for the works, supplies and services bought through public contracts. Every notice published on Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, Public Contracts Scotland, Sell2Wales or Ireland's eTenders carries one or more CPV codes describing the subject matter.

How it works

The vocabulary was created by EU regulation and was retained in UK procurement law after Brexit, so buyers on both sides of the Irish Sea use the same list. It contains several thousand eight-digit codes plus a check digit, arranged as a tree:

• the first two digits give the division (45 for construction works, 72 for IT services, 90 for sewage and environmental services, for example);
• the following digits narrow it down through group, class, category and sub-category.

So 45000000 covers construction work as a whole, 45400000 building completion work, 45440000 painting and glazing, and 45442100 painting work. A supplementary vocabulary can add attributes such as a material or an intended use.

Notices published under the Procurement Act 2023 must state the CPV code, and the buyer is expected to pick the most precise main code plus any additional codes, particularly where a contract is split into lots of different kinds.

What it means for a bidder

CPV codes are the foundation of reliable monitoring. The search engines on Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, eTenders and most e-tendering portals let you filter by CPV, which removes much of the noise of keyword searching.

Build your list from your actual activity and work at several levels: precise codes for your core work, broader parent codes so you do not miss notices that were classified loosely. Buyers do not always choose the best code. A signage contract may be classified as supplies, works or services depending on who is buying.

Look at the codes used on the contract award notices for contracts you would like to have won, and revise your list regularly.

Example

An industrial cleaning firm realises it is missing opportunities. It was watching only 90910000 (cleaning services). Reviewing award notices, it finds buyers also using 90911200 (building cleaning), 90919200 (office cleaning) and 90920000 (sanitation services). Adding those and the parent code 90900000, it picks up a four-year framework worth £350,000 published by a neighbouring NHS trust.

Frequently asked questions

Can a notice carry several CPV codes?

Yes, one main code and additional codes, often one set per lot. That is common on multi-lot contracts.

Does the CPV code decide the procedure?

Indirectly. It separates works, supplies and services, which determines the applicable threshold. Some codes fall within the light touch regime for social and other specific services.

Where can I find the full list?

The European Commission publishes it and it is mirrored on Find a Tender, eTenders and most portals, with a keyword search.

Related terms

• Tender notice
• Find a Tender, OJEU and TED
• Find a Tender and Contracts Finder
• E-tendering portal
• Lotting and lots

Scoutee lets you set up alerts from your CPV codes and your own keywords.