What are CPV codes? 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. How CPV codes are structured 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: The first two digits indicate the major division (e.g. 72 for IT services) Each subsequent pair of digits narrows the category further The final digit (after a hyphen) is a verification character For example: 72000000 - IT services (broad) 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy 72212000 - Pr
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.