NACE 26.5 – Manufacture of Measuring, Testing and Navigation Instruments | Public Tenders
NACE 26.5: Measurement technology, clocks and navigation systems in public procurement. CPV codes for monitoring and measurement technology in authorities.
Definition: NACE 26.5 covers the manufacture of measuring, testing and navigation instruments as well as clocks and time-measurement technology. This includes scientific instruments, industrial measuring devices, meteorological equipment, navigation devices (GPS), traffic-monitoring technology and time and frequency standards.
Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: April 2026
What does NACE 26.5 cover?
NACE 26.5 (Manufacture of measuring, testing and navigation instruments) classifies manufacturers of precision instruments used in public administration, the security sector, environmental monitoring and transport.
Group 26.5 is broken down into the following classes:
| Class | Title | Typical products |
|---|---|---|
| 26.51 | Manufacture of instruments and appliances for measuring, testing and navigation | Temperature sensors, pressure-measuring devices, flowmeters, tachographs, radar speed devices, GPS systems, weather sensors, laboratory analysers |
| 26.52 | Manufacture of watches and clocks | Standard clocks, precision clocks, time-registration systems, public clock installations |
Public contracting authorities under NACE 26.5 include the Federal Environment Agency and state environmental offices (emissions measurement), road-traffic authorities (speed monitoring), weights-and-measures authorities and inspection bodies, weather services (DWD), laboratories of public institutions and water utilities and wastewater-treatment-plant operators.
Public tenders: scope of activity NACE 26.5
Measurement technology and monitoring instruments are omnipresent in the public sector — from traffic monitoring to environmental measurement, millions of euros are procured every day in measuring and testing equipment.
Typical contract types
- Traffic-monitoring technology: speed-measurement systems (fixed and mobile), red-light monitoring, toll-collection systems
- Environmental monitoring stations: air-quality measuring devices (NOx, PM10/PM2.5), noise-level meters for immission control
- Water management and sewerage: flowmeters, level gauges, quality-measurement devices for drinking water and wastewater
- Laboratory equipment for public institutions: analytical equipment for food inspection, forensic laboratories, environmental laboratories
- Navigation and geodesy: GPS receivers, surveying equipment for cadastral offices and road planning
- Tachographs and recording devices: inspection equipment for authorities monitoring commercial freight and passenger transport
Thresholds and procurement procedures
Measuring devices are tendered as supply contracts (EU threshold EUR 221,000). For highly specialised measurement systems (e.g. calibrated measuring devices), the negotiated procedure may be admissible. Calibration-relevant devices are subject to the German Measuring and Calibration Act (MessEG).
Relevant CPV codes for NACE 26.5
The bridge between the NACE classification and the tender search is formed by the CPV codes (Common Procurement Vocabulary), which must be stated in every notice on TED.
| CPV code | Title | Application area |
|---|---|---|
| 38000000 | Laboratory, optical and precision equipment | Parent category measurement technology |
| 38420000 | Instruments for measuring flow, level and pressure of liquids and gases | Flowmeters, water-measuring devices |
| 38540000 | Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring | Test rigs, inspection devices |
| 34993000 | Traffic lights | Traffic-control systems |
| 38900000 | Various evaluation or testing instruments | Environmental measurement technology, laboratory analysers |
| 38810000 | Industrial process-control equipment | Special machinery with integrated measurement technology |
Current tenders are published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.
For whom is NACE 26.5 relevant in procurement law?
Public contracting authorities
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and state environmental offices procure environmental-measurement equipment for nationwide and regional measuring-station networks. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and state police authorities procure traffic-monitoring technology. Municipal utilities (water, gas, heat) are significant buyers of flow and quality-measurement devices as utility contracting authorities.
Companies and bidders
Manufacturers and suppliers of measuring instruments must typically provide the following evidence:
- Calibration and approval: approval by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) for calibration-relevant measuring devices
- Accreditation: DAkkS-accredited calibration as evidence of capability
- Technical standards: compliance with relevant DIN/ISO standards (e.g. ISO 17025 for laboratory equipment)
- References: demonstrated experience with authorities or regulated industries
Frequently asked questions on NACE 26.5 and public tenders
What is the difference between calibration-relevant and non-calibration-relevant measuring devices?
Calibration-relevant measuring devices (e.g. water meters, electricity and gas meters, police speed-measuring devices) must be approved under the MessEG and calibrated at regular intervals. Non-calibration-relevant laboratory instruments are only subject to general quality standards.
How do I find tenders for environmental-measurement equipment?
Search on TED by CPV code 38900000 or 38420000. For air-quality measuring equipment, also check CPV 38000000. State-specific tenders appear on the respective procurement portals.
Must measuring devices for police meet special requirements?
Yes. Speed-measurement devices for traffic monitoring by police or municipalities require PTB approval as well as type approval from the PTB. Only approved devices may be used for official fine proceedings.
- NACE C – Manufacturing: parent section
- NACE 26 – Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products: parent division
- NACE 26.4 – Manufacture of consumer electronics: displays, AV technology
- NACE 26.6 – Manufacture of irradiation, electromedical and electrotherapeutic equipment: medical technology
Last updated: April 2026
All information provided without warranty. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement.
Book a demo.
See what BOND finds for your company — tenders, suppliers, and partners you'd never discover on your own. Cancel any month, anytime.