Download CPV codes

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Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) is the EU's standard classification system for describing what is being procured. It helps contracting authorities label contract notices consistently and helps suppliers find relevant opportunities in TED and other procurement portals.

What is CPV?

The Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) is the EU-wide taxonomy used to describe the subject of public contracts in a consistent, searchable way. It standardizes how buyers publish procurement notices and how suppliers discover opportunities in TED.

CPV has two parts

Main vocabulary (numeric)

A hierarchical code system with up to 9 digits: 8 digits plus a check digit, describing supplies, services, or works.

Division: XX000000-Y (first 2 digits)
Group: XXX00000-Y (first 3 digits)
Class: XXXX0000-Y (first 4 digits)
Category: XXXXX000-Y (first 5 digits)

Remaining digits add precision within the category; the final digit verifies the code.

Supplementary vocabulary (alphanumeric, optional)

Adds extra qualitative detail (for example, nature, purpose, or destination). The code is a letter followed by four digits, with the last digit used for verification.

How to choose a CPV code for a notice

Select the code that describes the purchase as precisely as possible. If multiple codes apply, use several where needed, but choose one primary code for the notice title. If an exact match is not available, select a more general higher-level code (recognizable by more trailing zeros).

Common uses for CPV codes

Tagging tender and contract notices with a consistent category code.
Building supplier alerts and market monitoring by category.
Reporting procurement spend and comparing categories across agencies.

Mandatory use and version

Using CPV is mandatory in the EU for standard procurement notices (in force since 1 February 2006). CPV 2008 is the version used for notices and for TED search.