NACE 24.2 – Manufacture of Steel Tubes, Pipes and Fittings | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 24.2 covers the manufacture of seamless and welded steel pipes, hollow sections and pipe fittings. These products are indispensable components in energy, water and industrial infrastructure.

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

What does NACE 24.2 cover?

NACE 24.2 (Manufacture of steel tubes, pipes and fittings) classifies manufacturers that produce pipeline components for industry, construction and infrastructure — with high relevance for public utility infrastructure.

Group 24.2 within Division 24 covers:

Application areas range from district-heating and gas pipelines to drinking-water supply and oil pipelines and industrial process plants. Hollow sections serve as load-bearing structural elements in building and bridge construction.

Public tenders: steel pipes and pipeline systems

Steel pipes and pipe fittings are procured in public procurement for pipeline construction measures, utility infrastructure and industrial plants — partly as pure material supplies and partly embedded within construction works.

Typical contract types

• District-heating pipelines: municipal energy utilities procure pre-insulated pipe systems for new construction and refurbishment
• Drinking-water supply: waterworks and municipal utilities procure pressure pipes, fittings and valves
• Gas pipeline network: network operators and public energy companies procure steel pipes for medium and high-pressure lines
• Bridge and hall construction: public construction projects use steel hollow sections as load-bearing components
• Public-sector industrial plants: wastewater treatment plants, heating power stations and waste-incineration plants require process pipework

Relevant CPV codes

Contracting authorities and bidders

Public contracting authorities

District-heating and gas utilities (often municipal), water utilities, wastewater-treatment-plant operators and railway infrastructure operators are among the most important contracting authorities. As utility contracting authorities in the electricity, gas and heating sectors, many energy utilities are subject to utilities procurement law, which means different procedural rules.

Bidders and eligibility requirements

• Product certifications: DIN EN 10216/10217 for pressure pipes, DVGW certifications for gas and water pipework
• Factory production control: evidence of quality assurance in the manufacturing process
• Technical references: comparable supplies to utility companies
• Logistics capability: ability to deliver large volumes on time, warehousing

Frequently asked questions on NACE 24.2 and public tenders

Are pipeline construction works classified under NACE 24.2 or NACE 42.2? NACE 24.2 concerns the manufacture of pipes as products; NACE 42.2 classifies the construction of utility lines (laying, connection). For integrated contracts covering supply and installation, the dominant service is decisive.

Which standards are typically prescribed for steel pipes in public tenders? EN 10216 (seamless steel tubes), EN 10217 (welded steel tubes), DVGW worksheets for gas/water and EN 253 for pre-insulated district-heating pipes are frequently referenced.

• NACE C – Manufacturing: parent section
• NACE 24 – Manufacture of basic metals: parent division
• NACE 24.1 – Basic iron and steel: upstream production stage
• NACE 24.3 – Other first processing of iron and steel: related group

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