CPV

The CPV establishes a single classification system for public procurement aimed at standardising the references used by contracting authorities and entities to describe the subject of procurement contracts.

Current CPV codes

The classification system adopted by EC Regulation No. 213/2008 is in use since 17/09/2008: PDF - XLS

CPV 2008 Guide: PDF

CPV 2008 Explanatory Notes: PDF

CPV 2008 Supplementary Codes Explanatory Notes: PDF

CPV 2008 Correspondence Tables:EC website

What is the CPV?

The CPV consists of a main vocabulary for defining the subject of a contract, and a supplementary vocabulary for adding further qualitative information. The main vocabulary is based on a tree structure comprising codes of up to 9 digits (an 8 digit code plus a check digit) associated with a wording that describes the type of supplies, works or services forming the subject of the contract.

The CPV consists of a main vocabulary and a supplementary vocabulary.

The main vocabulary is based on a tree structure comprising codes of up to nine digits associated with a wording that describes the supplies, works or services forming the subject of the contract.

• The first two digits identify the divisions (XX000000-Y);
• The first three digits identify the groups (XXX00000-Y);
• The first four digits identify the classes (XXXX0000-Y);
• The first five digits identify the categories (XXXXX000-Y);

Each of the last three digits gives a greater degree of precision within each category.

A ninth digit serves to verify the previous digits.

The supplementary vocabulary may be used to expand the description of the subject of a contract. The items are made up of an alphanumeric code with a corresponding wording allowing further details to be added regarding the specific nature or destination of the goods to be purchased.

The alphanumeric code is made up of:

• a first level comprising a letter corresponding to a section;
• a second level comprising four digits, the first three of which denote a subdivision and the last
  one being for verification purposes