NACE 20.4 – Manufacture of Soap, Detergents, Cleaning and Personal-Care Products | Public Tenders
NACE 20.4: cleaning products and hygiene articles in public tenders. CPV codes, contracting authorities and procurement examples for public authorities.
Definition: NACE 20.4 covers the manufacture of soap and detergents, cleaning agents, personal-care products and perfumes. These products are indispensable in the daily operations of public institutions — from schools to hospitals to administrative buildings — and are tendered regularly.
Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: January 2026
What does NACE 20.4 cover?
NACE 20.4 (Manufacture of soap and detergents, cleaning and polishing preparations, perfumes and toilet preparations) classifies manufacturers of hygiene and cleaning products — an area with high procurement relevance for all public institutions.
Group 20.4 within Section C and Division 20 covers:
| Class | Title | Typical Products |
|---|---|---|
| 20.41 | Manufacture of soap and detergents, cleaning and polishing preparations | Liquid soaps, detergents, washing-up liquids, shampoos, skin creams, oral-care products |
| 20.42 | Manufacture of perfumes and toilet preparations | Perfumes, deodorants, shaving products |
Public tenders: cleaning and hygiene products
Cleaning and hygiene products are among the most procured consumables in the public sector — framework agreements for soaps, detergents and cleaners are tendered regularly at all levels of administration.
Typical contract types
- Building-cleaning and care products: All-purpose cleaners, sanitary cleaners, floor cleaners for public buildings; often part of facility-management tenders
- Hand-wash soaps and skin-care products: Liquid soaps for dispensers in public authorities, schools, hospitals
- Detergents for institutional laundries: Commercial detergents for hospital and care laundries and uniform care (police, armed forces)
- Dishwashing products: Commercial dishwashing agents for canteens and institutional catering of public bodies
- Disinfecting cleaners: Product combinations of cleaning and disinfection for medical facilities
- Environmentally friendly alternatives: Growing demand for products with the EU Ecolabel or the Blue Angel
Thresholds and procedure types
Cleaning-product procurement is frequently tendered in combination with cleaning services (NACE 81.2). Central purchasing bodies bundle needs under framework agreements that regularly exceed EU thresholds.
Relevant CPV codes for NACE 20.4
| CPV Code | Title | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 39830000 | Cleaning products | General cleaning products |
| 39831000 | Washing and cleaning products | Detergents, cleaners |
| 39831200 | Detergents | Industrial cleaning products |
| 33711900 | Soap | Hand-wash soaps, liquid soaps |
| 39831600 | Disinfecting cleaners | Combination cleaners for medical facilities |
| 39812000 | Polishes and creams | Care and maintenance products |
Current tenders with these CPV codes are published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.
Contracting authorities and bidders
Public contracting authorities
The most important buyers of products in NACE 20.4 are public-sector building-cleaning services, hospitals and care homes (disinfecting cleaners, laundry agents), schools and universities (hand washes, all-purpose cleaners), municipal canteens and large kitchens (dishwashing products), the armed forces (detergents for uniforms in large quantities) and central purchasing bodies that conclude framework agreements for many user authorities.
Companies and bidders
Cleaning-product manufacturers and traders should consider the following in public tenders:
- Environmental certifications: EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, AISE Charter for sustainable cleaning products
- Product safety: REACH-compliant formulations, labelling under the CLP Regulation
- Dosing systems: Compatibility with dispensers and dosing devices in large buildings
- Supply capability: Capacity for large framework-agreement volumes, reliable delivery logistics
Frequently asked questions about NACE 20.4 and public tenders
Are cleaning products tendered separately or with cleaning services?
Both are common. Building-cleaning contracts often include material costs (cleaning products) in the overall price. Standalone supply tenders for cleaning products (e.g. for in-house staff) are also awarded, particularly by larger authorities or central purchasing bodies.
How important are sustainability criteria in cleaning-product tenders?
Very important. Public contracting authorities are increasingly required to consider environmental criteria. The EU Ecolabel or Blue Angel for cleaning products are recognised forms of evidence. Biodegradability, packaging reduction and concentrate supply are also used as award criteria.
NACE 20.4 in context: Section C and Division 20
- NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section
- NACE 20 – Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products: Parent division
- NACE 20.2 – Disinfectants: Related group
- NACE 20.5 – Other chemical products: Related group
Last updated: January 2026
All information provided without warranty. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.
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