NACE 24.4 – Manufacture of Basic Precious and Other Non-Ferrous Metals | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 24.4 covers the manufacture and initial processing of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, tin, nickel and precious metals. These materials are indispensable for electrical engineering, construction and high-tech industries.

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

What does NACE 24.4 cover?

NACE 24.4 (Manufacture of basic precious and other non-ferrous metals) classifies smelting operations and semi-finished-product production for the broad range of non-ferrous metals — from aluminium smelters to copper rolling mills.

Public tenders: non-ferrous metals and procurement

Non-ferrous metals from NACE 24.4 are relevant to numerous public procurement needs — from electrical infrastructure and roofing to high-performance alloys for defence.

Typical contract types

• Copper cables and wires: energy utilities and network operators procure copper conductors for electricity distribution networks
• Aluminium profiles for construction projects: window constructions, façade profiles and lightweight constructions for public buildings
• Zinc sheet for roof covering: roof refurbishment of public buildings and historic structures
• Precious metals for research and mints: state mints (Münze Österreich, Münze Deutschland) procure precious metals
• Alloys for defence: high-performance nickel, titanium and cobalt alloys for military systems

Relevant CPV codes

Contracting authorities and bidders

Public contracting authorities

Electricity utilities and network operators (utility contracting authorities), public construction administrations, defence authorities and state research and university institutions (for specialty materials) are the main buyers. Mints as public institutions procure precious metals on an ongoing basis.

Bidders and eligibility requirements

• Quality certificates: EN 485 for aluminium sheets, EN 1172 for copper strips, corresponding factory test certificates
• Raw-material origin evidence: conflict-minerals regulations (e.g. Regulation (EU) 2017/821 for tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold)
• Environmental management: ISO 14001 is frequently required due to the energy-intensive smelting process
• Supply capacity and logistics: ability to deliver in large volumes with material test certificates

Frequently asked questions on NACE 24.4 and public tenders

Do special procurement rules apply to copper and aluminium supplies? The general procurement rules apply in principle. Where energy utilities act as utility contracting authorities (Part 4 GWB/SektVO), more flexible procedural rules apply. Material-specific origin evidence and sustainability requirements may be added.

How do volatile non-ferrous metal prices affect public tenders? Contracting authorities use escalation clauses or procure via index-based contracts referencing exchange prices. For copper, the LME price (London Metal Exchange) is the common reference index for price adjustments.

• NACE C – Manufacturing: parent section
• NACE 24 – Manufacture of basic metals: parent division
• NACE 24.1 – Basic iron and steel: iron-based metals
• NACE 27.3 – Wiring and wiring devices: copper-based wiring products

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