NACE 32.3 – Manufacture of Sports Goods | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 32.3 covers the manufacture of sports goods, fitness equipment, fishing tackle, hunting equipment and other sports and leisure articles. The group belongs to Section C (Manufacturing) and Division 32.

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

What does NACE 32.3 cover?

NACE 32.3 (Manufacture of sports goods) classifies companies that produce equipment for sport, fitness and leisure — an industry with substantial public procurement volume from municipalities, schools and sports facility operators.

Group 32.3 covers the following product areas:

Public Tenders: Sports Goods Public Contracts

Municipalities, school sports facilities and public sports institutions regularly procure sports goods — from the simple gymnastics mat to the complete fit-out of a sports hall.

Typical Contract Types

• School sports hall equipment: Complete procurement of gymnastics equipment, crash mats, climbing ropes and balance equipment for school gyms
• Municipal outdoor fitness: Installations of outdoor fitness equipment in parks and public open spaces
• Ball sports equipment: Football goals, basketball hoops, volleyball nets and barriers for municipal sports grounds and school sports facilities
• Athletics installations: Long jump pits, high jump mats, hurdles for municipal athletics facilities
• Swimming pool equipment: Starting blocks, turning platforms, lane dividers for public outdoor and indoor pools

Relevant CPV Codes for NACE 32.3

Contracting Authorities and Bidders

Public Contracting Authorities

Municipalities and cities are the dominant contracting authorities for outdoor sports equipment and municipal sports facility fit-out. School authorities (municipalities, federal states) regularly procure gymnastics equipment for school sports halls. Public swimming pools and leisure centres tender special equipment. Sports universities procure high-performance equipment for research and teaching.

Bidders and Suitability Requirements

• Product standards: Sports equipment must comply with European standards (e.g. EN 913 for gymnastics equipment, EN 15312 for outdoor fitness equipment)
• Installation competence: Evidence of qualified installation and commissioning, as many devices require building authority approval
• References: Comparable supplies and installations to public institutions
• Maintenance contract: Maintenance and inspection services (annual safety inspections under EN 1176 for play equipment) are frequently tendered together

FAQ

Do special safety requirements apply to public playground equipment? Yes, playground equipment in public spaces must comply with EN 1176 (Playground equipment and surfacing). For tendering, technical test certificates, annual maintenance evidence and a manufacturer's warranty are generally required. Safety acceptance by a qualified expert after installation is usually part of the contract.

Can used sports equipment be offered in public tenders? As a rule, new equipment is required. Exceptions are possible where contracting authorities expressly permit used equipment. For safety-relevant equipment (gymnastics equipment, playground equipment), this is the exception due to standards requirements and liability issues.

NACE 32.3 in context: Section C and Division 32

• NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section
• NACE 32 – Other manufacturing: Parent division
• NACE 32.2 – Manufacture of musical instruments: Adjacent group
• NACE 32.4 – Manufacture of games and toys: Further group in Division 32

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