NACE 14.3 – Manufacture of Knitted and Crocheted Apparel | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 14.3 covers the manufacture of knitted and crocheted apparel, including socks, stockings, tights, knitted pullovers, knitted jackets and gloves made from knitted and crocheted goods. This group supplies public institutions in particular with textiles for care, social support and leisure services.

Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: January 2026

What does NACE 14.3 cover?

NACE 14.3 (Manufacture of knitted and crocheted apparel) classifies businesses that produce garments made by knitting and crocheting processes — with public relevance primarily in procurement for care facilities, social services and institutional support facilities.

Group 14.3 within Section C (Manufacturing) and Division 14 (Manufacture of wearing apparel) is structured into two classes:

In the public procurement context, the relevant items are above all medical compression stockings (often procured through associations of panel doctors and clinics) and knitted goods for the basic outfitting of care homes and social institutions.

Public tenders: scope of NACE 14.3

Knitted and crocheted apparel is procured by the public sector primarily for institutional target groups in care, social welfare and rehabilitation — a market shaped by framework agreements of municipal and charitable bodies.

Typical contract types

• Hosiery for care homes and social facilities: Socks, stockings and underwear as part of the basic outfit for residents of municipal or non-profit care facilities
• Medical compression stockings: Procurement via municipal hospitals, rehabilitation centres and medical supply stores operating under service contracts with public bodies
• Knitted goods for refugee accommodation: Municipal bodies and state reception facilities procure knitted apparel as part of the clothing basics for residents
• Workwear and protective gloves in knitwear: Coated knitted gloves for trades work in public undertakings and works yards
• Therapy knitting and occupational-therapy materials: Procurement of knitting tools and materials for therapeutic use in psychiatric facilities and rehabilitation clinics in public ownership

Thresholds and procedure types

Knitted-apparel procurement typically falls well below the EU thresholds and is awarded under national competition. National framework agreements for care needs (e.g. via Bundesbeschaffung GmbH or the Federal Procurement Catalogue) can, however, bundle larger volumes.

Relevant CPV codes for NACE 14.3

Knitted and crocheted apparel sits under clothing and textiles in the CPV system; medical variants are classified under medical devices.

Current tenders with these CPV codes are published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.

For whom is NACE 14.3 relevant under procurement law?

Public contracting authorities

Municipal and non-profit operators of care homes and social institutions are the main buyers of knitted apparel in the public context. Municipal hospitals and rehabilitation centres procure medical compression stockings. State reception facilities and municipal accommodation for refugees provide basic clothing outfits. Public works yards and workshops procure protective gloves in knitwear. In Austria, social-assistance associations and Caritas/Volkshilfe (with public commissioning) coordinate corresponding procurement.

Companies and bidders

Manufacturers of knitted and crocheted apparel in the public market should consider:

• Hygiene standards: Washability and germ-reduction guarantees relevant for care textiles; evidence of washing-temperature resistance
• Allergy suitability: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or comparable evidence of freedom from harmful substances is frequently required by care facilities
• Medical-device status: Medical compression stockings are classified as medical devices (MDD/MDR) and require CE marking and a doctor's prescription basis
• Social criteria: Some public contracting authorities require ILO core labour standards compliance in the textile supply chain
• Supply capacity: Recurring demand requires reliable volumes and short lead times

NACE 14.3 in context: Section C and Division 14

NACE 14.3 complements apparel Division 14 with the specific product group of knitted and crocheted goods — with a different production technology to the weaving-based classes in NACE 14.1.

• NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section
• NACE 14 – Manufacture of wearing apparel: Parent division
• NACE 14.1 – Manufacture of wearing apparel: Highest-volume neighbouring group
• NACE 14.2 – Manufacture of articles of fur: Further neighbouring group
• NACE 13.9 – Manufacture of other textiles: Related group for household textiles

Frequently asked questions about NACE 14.3 and public tenders

How is knitted apparel for care homes typically procured?
Care homes in public or non-profit ownership often procure knitted apparel under framework agreements or as part of broader linen and clothing procurement. Direct procurement of smaller quantities frequently takes place as direct award or restricted tender, since thresholds are rarely reached.

Are medical compression stockings medical devices?
Yes, medical compression stockings of classes I to IV (per RAL-GZ 387) are usually classified as Class I medical devices and require CE marking. Procurement typically takes place via medical prescription or under health-insurance framework agreements.

Can small knitwear manufacturers participate in public tenders?
Yes — since many knitted-apparel procurements fall below the EU thresholds, smaller businesses are well positioned. Regional tenders by municipal institutions offer particularly good access opportunities. Bidding consortia allow even small manufacturers to bid on larger framework agreements.

What role does the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act play for knitwear manufacturers?
The LkSG obliges businesses with 1,000+ employees (from 2024) to exercise due diligence in the supply chain, which affects the knitwear industry with its global value chains. Public contracting authorities are increasingly asking for LkSG compliance evidence in order to fulfil their own due-diligence obligations.

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