CPV codes (Common Procurement Vocabulary) are a standardised classification system used across the UK and Europe for public sector contracts. Every public tender notice is assigned one or more CPV codes to describe what is being bought. Understanding them helps you find the right tenders and helps buyers find you.
A CPV code is an 8-digit number followed by a check digit. The digits narrow down from broad category to specific product or service:
For example:
72000000 - IT services (broad)72200000 - Software programming and consultancy72212000 - Programming of application software (specific)When buyers publish a tender, they attach CPV codes to categorise it. Tender search platforms use these codes to match opportunities to supplier profiles. Setting up alerts based on the CPV codes relevant to your business means you will not miss notices that use different wording for the same type of work.
For example, a marketing agency might search for "marketing tenders" by keyword, but a buyer might describe the same contract as "advertising services" or "public relations services". The CPV code 79340000 (Advertising and marketing services) covers all of these.
The full CPV taxonomy is maintained by the EU Publications Office. You can search for your code using the SIMAP CPV search tool at simap.ted.europa.eu/web/simap/cpv. Enter a keyword and browse the results to find the most relevant code for your services.
Most suppliers have 3 to 10 relevant CPV codes that cover the full range of contracts they could bid for.
TenderSignal uses CPV codes alongside keyword matching to power its sector-based tender alerts. When you create a saved search, you can target specific sectors and keywords so you only receive alerts for genuinely relevant opportunities. Browse tenders by sector or set up your first alert to see it in action.
No. CPV codes are assigned by the buyer, not the supplier. However, knowing your relevant CPV codes helps you set up effective search alerts and find the right tenders more efficiently.
Most suppliers have between 3 and 10 relevant CPV codes. A focused, accurate list is more useful than a long list of loosely related codes.
Yes. The UK retained the CPV system after Brexit and it continues to be used on Find a Tender Service and Contracts Finder. All UK above-threshold contract notices include CPV codes.
Yes. A contract often has a primary CPV code and several supplementary CPV codes to describe all aspects of the goods or services being procured.
The full CPV taxonomy is available at simap.ted.europa.eu/web/simap/cpv and on the EU Publications Office website. Many procurement portals also provide a searchable CPV picker when you set up your supplier profile.