CPV Codes in Public Procurement Law 2026

Definition: CPV codes (Common Procurement Vocabulary) are the binding numerical classification codes of the European Union with which contracting authorities describe and categorise the subject matter of their tenders in a uniform manner, enabling EU-wide, language-independent identification of procurement projects.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal basis: Regulation (EC) No 2195/2002, as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 213/2008; Directive 2014/24/EU Annex II

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What are CPV codes?

CPV codes are the binding classification system for all EU-wide contract notices and an important instrument for market monitoring in public procurement. The Common Procurement Vocabulary was introduced by Regulation (EC) No 2195/2002 and updated by Regulation (EC) No 213/2008. It replaced national classification systems and provides a uniform basis for searching for tenders on the TED platform (Tenders Electronic Daily).

Every EU-wide contract notice must contain at least one main CPV code and, where appropriate, additional supplementary CPV codes. Incorrect or overly broad CPV coding may result in relevant bidders failing to find the procurement procedure.

Structure of the CPV codes

Each CPV code consists of an eight- to nine-digit number that maps a hierarchical product classification.

XX000000-Y
││││││││ │
││││││││ └── Check digit (1 digit)
│└───────── Category / subcategory (7 digits)
└────────── Top-level division

The structure is broken down into:

• Divisions (2 digits, e.g. 45 = construction works)
• Groups (3 digits, e.g. 451 = site preparation)
• Classes (4 digits)
• Categories (5 digits)
• Subcategories (8 digits + 1 check digit)

Examples:

• 45000000-7 – Construction works (general)
• 72000000-5 – IT services: consulting, software development, internet and support
• 33100000-1 – Medical equipment
• 79100000-5 – Legal services

Main vocabulary and supplementary vocabulary

The CPV standard distinguishes between a main vocabulary for describing the subject matter of the contract and a supplementary vocabulary for additional features.

The main vocabulary comprises the actual product and service categories. The supplementary vocabulary contains alphanumeric codes for additional features such as materials, target groups or particular characteristics (e.g. "for persons with disabilities").

Use in practice

Contracting authorities are obliged to indicate the appropriate CPV code in every EU-wide notice; bidders use CPV codes to search for tenders in a targeted manner.

For bidders, CPV codes are the most important filtering tool on TED and national procurement platforms. Structured CPV monitoring – for example via automatic notifications – makes it possible to identify relevant tenders at an early stage. Many e-procurement platforms (e.g. AUSSCHREIBUNGEN.DE, Vergabe24, the Austrian eVA) offer CPV-based search functions.

Tips for choosing CPV codes:

• Use specific codes, not just top-level divisions
• Combine multiple supplementary CPV codes where the contract covers several service areas
• Use the official CPV reference work of the European Commission

FAQ

Where can I find the full CPV directory? The official CPV directory is published in the Official Journal of the EU and can be accessed via the EUR-Lex portal. The European Commission also provides a searchable online version.

Can a contracting authority use the wrong CPV code? Incorrect coding can result in suitable bidders not finding the procedure – which is contrary to the principle of transparency. In serious cases, it can be a ground for review.

Is there a difference between a CPV code and a CPV code group? Yes. A single CPV code denotes a specific service, while a CPV group (e.g. all codes within division 72) is used for search filtering.

Are CPV codes updated regularly? The current version dates from 2008. A revision has been discussed at EU level but has not yet taken place.

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Last updated: January 2026 All information without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.