Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
The main vocabulary is used to precisely define the specific subject of a contract, whether it’s for supplies, works, or services. It is organized in a tree structure comprising codes of up to 9 digits. This includes an 8-digit code plus a final check digit. Each code has an associated wording that clearly describes the type of procurement.
The CPV consists of a main vocabulary and a supplementary vocabulary.
The main vocabulary is based on a tree structure comprising codes of up to nine digits associated with a wording that describes the supplies, works or services forming the subject of the contract.
- The first two digits identify the divisions (XX000000-Y);
- The first three digits identify the groups (XXX00000-Y);
- The first four digits identify the classes (XXXX0000-Y);
- The first five digits identify the categories (XXXXX000-Y);
Each of the last three digits gives a greater degree of precision within each category.
A ninth digit serves to verify the previous digits.
The supplementary vocabulary may be used to expand the description of the subject of a contract. The items are made up of an alphanumeric code with a corresponding wording allowing further details to be added regarding the specific nature or destination of the goods to be purchased.
The alphanumeric code is made up of:
- a first level comprising a letter corresponding to a section;
- a second level comprising four digits, the first three of which denote a subdivision and the last one being for verification purposes
How to use the CPV
Is the use of the CPV classification mandatory in the standard forms?
The use of the CPV is mandatory in the European Union as from 1 February 2006.
The CPV version 2008 is the current CPV version to:
- Fill the notices of calls for competition
- Search business opportunities in TED
- Find contract notices in the archive of TED
Static web format : 
CPV 2008 Guide: PDF
CPV 2008 Explanatory Notes: PDF
CPV 2008 Supplementary Codes Explanatory Notes: PDF