NACE 25.7 – Manufacture of Cutlery, Tools, Locks and Hinges | Public Tenders

NACE 25.7: Tools, locks and fittings in public procurement. CPV codes, contracting authorities and procurement procedures for metal hardware.

Definition: NACE 25.7 covers the manufacture of hand tools, locksmith and joinery items, locks, fittings, cutlery and metal eating utensils — a broad product group for crafts, construction and households.

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

What does NACE 25.7 cover?

NACE 25.7 (Cutlery, tools, locks and fittings) classifies manufacturers of small metal hardware — present in everyday use in public buildings, workshops and outdoor facilities.

Class	Title	Typical outputs
25.71	Manufacture of cutlery	Knives, forks, spoons, metal kitchen utensils
25.72	Manufacture of locks and hinges	Door locks, hinges, door fittings, master-key systems
25.73	Manufacture of tools	Hand tools, saws, drills, screwdrivers, clamping tools

Public tenders: tools and locking systems

Products from NACE 25.7 are relevant in public contracts for building fit-out, security technology, workshop equipment and canteen operations — mostly as supply contracts with clearly defined technical specifications.

Typical contract types

Locking systems for public buildings: schools, administrative buildings and hospitals require master-key systems with key hierarchy
Door fittings and handles: refurbishment and new build of public buildings with accessible fittings under DIN 18040
Cutlery and kitchen equipment: canteens in schools, armed forces and hospitals procure stainless-steel cutlery
Hand tools for public workshops: municipal works yards, armed-forces maintenance, correctional facilities
Security locks for special applications: high-security locks for prisons, server rooms, ammunition stores

Relevant CPV codes

CPV code	Title	Application area
44521000	Locks	Door locks, locking systems
44521100	Door locks	Mortice locks, cylinder locks
44512000	Various hand tools	General hand tools
39221000	Kitchen equipment	Cutlery, kitchen utensils
44410000	Bathroom and kitchen articles	Sanitary fittings

Contracting authorities and bidders

Public contracting authorities

Building administrations at federal, state and local level, school authorities, hospital and care institutions and the armed forces and correctional authorities are the main buyers. Locking systems frequently require long-term maintenance contracts (key management, cylinder replacement).

Bidders and eligibility requirements

Product standards: EN 12209 for locks, EN 1906 for door handle sets, DIN 18040 for barrier-free fittings
Security certifications: for high-security locks (SKG certification, resistance classes under EN 1627)
Locking-system documentation: evidence of master-key systems and key sovereignty
Manufacturer warranties: supply commitments for replacement cylinders over the service life

Frequently asked questions on NACE 25.7 and public tenders

Do locking systems for public buildings have to be tendered? Yes, as soon as thresholds are exceeded. For new installations with significant market volume (> EUR 221,000), EU-wide tendering is required. Extensions of existing locking systems can, under certain conditions, be carried out as modifications of existing contracts without re-tendering.

Are there special requirements for door fittings in public buildings? DIN 18040 prescribes barrier-free requirements: L-shaped handle sets (accessibility), contrast with the door colour, certain grip heights. For fire doors, EN 1935 (hinges) and EN 1125/EN 179 (panic exit hardware) additionally apply.

NACE C – Manufacturing: parent section
NACE 25 – Fabricated metal products: parent division
NACE 25.6 – Treatment and coating of metals: surface treatment of metal hardware
NACE 25.9 – Other fabricated metal products: further metal hardware

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