NACE 28.1 – Manufacture of General-Purpose Machinery | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 28.1 covers the manufacture of engines (excluding electric motors), pumps, compressors, fittings and similar general-purpose machinery that does not have its focus in any specific economic sector. These products form the technical basis for water supply, wastewater disposal and municipal infrastructure.

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

What does NACE 28.1 cover?

NACE 28.1 (Manufacture of general-purpose machinery) classifies companies that produce internal combustion engines, pumps, air compressors, taps, valves and fittings for general industrial and municipal applications — core components of public service provision.

Group 28.1 within Section C (Manufacturing) and Division 28 (Machinery and equipment) is broken down into the following classes:

Public contracting authorities in NACE 28.1 are in particular water supply companies, wastewater associations, municipal wastewater treatment plant operators, public utilities and operators of critical infrastructure.

Public Tenders: Scope of NACE 28.1

Pumps, compressors and fittings are among the recurring technical goods procured by public utility companies — replacement procurement and new investments generate a continuous volume of contracts on national and European procurement platforms.

Typical Contract Types

• Water supply: Supply and installation of centrifugal pumps, pump units and pressure control valves for water pumping stations and waterworks
• Wastewater technology: Wastewater pumps, submersible motor pumps and gate valves for wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and sewer systems
• Compressed air supply: Compressor installations for municipal workshops, wastewater treatment plants and tunnel operations
• Hydrants and fire-fighting equipment: Supply of standardised above-ground and underground hydrants as well as main shut-off valves
• Spare parts framework agreements: Multi-year framework agreements for pump spare parts and fittings to secure operational stocks
• Combined heat and power plants (CHP): Supply of internal combustion engines for CHP plants in municipal buildings and swimming pools

Thresholds and Procedure Types

Supply contracts for machinery and fittings in the water supply sector are frequently subject to utilities procurement law (Directive 2014/25/EU), provided the contracting entity operates in the water or energy sector. The EU threshold for supply contracts in the utilities sector is EUR 443,000 (as of 2024/2025). Below this threshold, national procedural rules under GWB or BVergG apply.

Relevant CPV Codes for NACE 28.1

Tenders are linked to NACE 28.1 via CPV codes, which must be specified in every EU-wide notice on TED.

Current tenders with these CPV codes can be found on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms such as DTVP or the Austrian Federal Procurement Portal.

Who is NACE 28.1 relevant for in public procurement?

Public Contracting Authorities

Water supply companies and wastewater operators — whether as municipal own-account enterprises, GmbHs or special-purpose associations — are the dominant buyers in this segment. As utility contracting entities, they are subject to specific procurement obligations. In addition, operators of district heating, gas supply, wastewater treatment plants and municipal workshops regularly procure products from NACE 28.1.

Companies and Bidders

Machinery manufacturers in NACE 28.1 must typically provide the following evidence in public tendering:

• Technical capability: Reference lists of comparable supplies and installation works, works certificates
• Economic capability: Annual turnover, credit references, insurance cover
• Quality evidence: ISO 9001, DVGW approvals for drinking water components, CE marking under the Machinery Directive
• Standards conformity: DVGW W 303, EN 805, EN 1074 for fittings in water supply

Framework agreements allow manufacturers and dealers to act as principal supplier to a municipality or special-purpose association over several years.

Frequently Asked Questions on NACE 28.1 and Public Tenders

Which companies fall under NACE 28.1?
Manufacturers of pumps, compressors, fittings, internal combustion engines and hydraulic components, provided this activity forms the economic focus of the company. Dealers and system integrators may also participate in tenders.

Are water supply companies subject to utilities procurement law?
Yes — companies that provide drinking water or dispose of wastewater are generally utility contracting entities under § 100 GWB or § 164 BVergG. Their procurement is subject to its own procedural rules and thresholds.

Which approvals are required for drinking water components?
Fittings and pumps that come into contact with drinking water require DVGW approval (Germany) or a corresponding national conformity certification and must meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance.

How do I find tenders for pumps and fittings?
Via CPV search on TED (CPV 42122000, 42130000) and on national platforms. Utility contracting entities frequently also operate their own procurement portals.

NACE 28.1 in context: Section C and Division 28

• NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section
• NACE 28.2 – Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery: Lifting equipment, packaging machinery, refrigeration plants
• NACE 28.3 – Manufacture of agricultural and forestry machinery: Tractors, combine harvesters
• NACE 28.9 – Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery: Printing, mining and construction machinery

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