NACE 18 – Printing and Reproduction of Recorded Media | Public Tenders
NACE 18: printing and media reproduction in public tenders. CPV codes, contracting authorities and contract types for printing services and publications.
Definition: NACE 18 covers printing and printing-related activities as well as the reproduction of recorded audio, video and data media. Public contracting authorities are significant customers for printing services of all kinds.
Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: April 2026
What does NACE 18 cover?
NACE 18 (Printing and reproduction of recorded media) classifies businesses providing printing services or reproducing media — a sector with diverse procurement relevance from brochures to security printing.
| Group | Title | Typical Goods |
|---|---|---|
| 18.1 | Printing and service activities related to printing | Offset printing, digital printing, screen printing, bookbinding |
| 18.2 | Reproduction of recorded media | CD/DVD pressing, USB duplication |
Public tenders – printing industry
Public contracting authorities are among the largest customers for printing services — from official forms to gazettes to image brochures and security printing.
Typical contract types:
- Official print products and forms: Pre-printed forms, decisions, official notices
- Image brochures and information materials: Citizen information, annual reports
- Election and voting documents: Ballot papers, polling notifications
- Posters and banners: Information campaigns, event publicity
- Security printing: ID documents, certificates with security features
- Packaging printing: Labels and packaging for state products
| CPV Code | Title | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 22000000 | Printed matter and related products | Printing services in general |
| 22100000 | Printed books, brochures and leaflets | Information brochures |
| 22300000 | Postcards, greeting cards and other printed matter | Promotional and communication material |
| 22450000 | Counterfeit-proof printed matter | Security printing, ID documents |
| 79800000 | Printing and related services | Printing services |
| 79810000 | Printing services | Offset printing, digital printing |
Contracting authorities
The principal contracting authorities for printing services are:
- Federal and state authorities: Forms, annual reports, statute gazettes
- Electoral authorities and municipalities: Election documents, official gazettes
- Bundesdruckerei GmbH: Security printing, ID documents (also a contracting authority itself)
- Universities and research institutions: Academic publications
- Public museums and cultural institutions: Exhibition catalogues, visitor brochures
FAQ
Are public printing contracts tendered? Yes. Printing contracts above the national thresholds must be tendered. Larger print volumes (e.g. annual reports, information campaigns) frequently exceed the EU thresholds for service contracts (EUR 221,000).
What is security printing and who tenders it? Security printing covers documents with anti-counterfeiting features (watermarks, holograms, UV inks). Contracting authorities include Bundesdruckerei, residents' registration offices and notary authorities. Suppliers often require special security certificates.
Related NACE entries:
- NACE C – Manufacturing
- NACE 18.1 – Printing and service activities related to printing
- NACE 18.2 – Reproduction of recorded media
- NACE 17 – Manufacture of paper and paperboard
- NACE 58 – Publishing activities
Last updated: April 2026 All information provided without warranty. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.
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