CPV codes
CPV (Common Procurement Vocabulary) codes are standard classification numbers for the goods, works and services described in public procurement notices. Buyers use them to describe a requirement and suppliers use them to search for opportunities.
Reviewed
In a notice, the buyer’s CPV selection gives suppliers a searchable first signal about the contract subject. A code describes the subject at a broad or detailed level, such as information technology services or software development. The main code has eight digits plus a check digit, and the hierarchy moves from broad divisions to more specific categories. A notice can contain more than one code when a requirement covers several areas.
Use codes as a discovery tool
Add relevant broad and specific codes to saved searches on Find a Tender, Contracts Finder or a devolved portal. Include words your buyers use as well: a suitable opportunity may have an imperfect code, and a precise code does not guarantee that the specification matches your offer. Review the description, lots, place of delivery and estimated value before deciding whether to bid.
Check the code against the scope
The buyer chooses the code when publishing the notice, so it may be wider than your product or service. If the main code looks wrong, read the tender documents and ask a clarification question through the stated route. For example, a notice for an IT support service might include a broad IT code alongside a more specific network-services code. Treat the code as a filter and shared reference, not as a technical specification or a guarantee that a tender is open to every supplier in that category.