Quick answer: A CPV code (Common Procurement Vocabulary code) is a standardised 8-digit number that classifies the subject of every UK public sector contract. For example, 72000000 covers IT services and 45000000 covers construction works. Buyers must include CPV codes on every contract notice — making them the most reliable way to search for relevant tenders.
What does CPV stand for?
CPV stands for Common Procurement Vocabulary. It is a classification system developed by the European Commission to standardise the description of goods and services in public procurement across Europe. Although the UK left the EU, CPV codes remain the standard classification system for all UK public sector procurement and are used on every notice published on Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, Public Contracts Scotland and Sell2Wales.
How are CPV codes structured?
Every CPV code is 8 digits followed by a check digit, in the format XXXXXXXX-Y. The digits form a hierarchy:
Division (2 digits)
72xxxxxx
IT Services
Group (3 digits)
722xxxxx
Software programming
Class (4 digits)
7221xxxx
Programming services
Category (5 digits)
72212000
Application software development
This hierarchy means you can search broadly (e.g. 72000000 for all IT services) or narrowly (e.g. 72267000 for software maintenance specifically). When setting up tender alerts, using the top-level division code ensures you capture all subcategory contracts.
Why CPV codes matter for suppliers
Buyers are required to attach CPV codes to every contract notice. This means CPV code search is more reliable than keyword search — a buyer might title a contract "Digital Transformation Programme" rather than "Software Development", but they must still attach CPV code 72212000 (Application software development).
If you search only by keyword, you will miss contracts with vague or generic titles. Searching by CPV code ensures comprehensive coverage of your market.
CPV code divisions — complete list
There are 45 top-level CPV divisions covering every category of public sector procurement:
CPV codes for IT and technology suppliers
If you supply IT services, software, hardware or telecoms to the public sector, these are the CPV codes you should be monitoring:
How to find your CPV code
To find the right CPV code for your products or services:
- 1Start with the top-level division that best describes your sector (e.g. 72000000 for IT, 45000000 for construction)
- 2Browse down through groups and classes to find the most specific code that matches your offering
- 3Check what CPV codes buyers have used on similar contracts you have won or bid for in the past
- 4Use multiple CPV codes in your alerts — most contracts have a main CPV code and several supplementary codes
- 5When in doubt, use the broader parent code to ensure you capture all relevant contracts
Using CPV codes with PSIP
PSIP includes CPV code filtering on the search and alerts pages. You can enter one or more CPV codes to filter results to your exact category across all four UK procurement portals simultaneously.
Quick CPV filters on PSIP search:
72000000
IT Services
48000000
Software
30000000
Hardware
64200000
Telecoms
73000000
R&D
72310000
Cloud & Hosting
Frequently asked questions
What is a CPV code?
A CPV (Common Procurement Vocabulary) code is a standardised 8-digit numerical code used to classify goods and services in UK and European public sector procurement. Every contract notice published on UK procurement portals must include at least one CPV code.
How do I find my CPV code?
You can find your CPV code by searching the official CPV code database at simap.ted.europa.eu, or by browsing the main CPV divisions: 30000000 (Office machinery), 45000000 (Construction), 48000000 (Software), 72000000 (IT Services), 79000000 (Professional services), 85000000 (Health services).
Can a tender have more than one CPV code?
Yes. A procurement notice can have one main CPV code and multiple supplementary CPV codes. This is common for complex contracts covering multiple service areas.
Are CPV codes still used after Brexit?
Yes. Although the UK left the EU, CPV codes are still used across all UK procurement portals including Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, Public Contracts Scotland and Sell2Wales. They remain the standard classification system for UK public sector procurement.
What is the CPV code for IT services?
The main CPV code for IT services is 72000000. Subcategories include 72200000 (Software programming and consultancy), 72300000 (Data services), 72400000 (Internet services), and 72500000 (Computer-related services).
What is the CPV code for construction?
The main CPV code for construction works is 45000000. Subcategories include 45100000 (Site preparation), 45200000 (Building construction), 45300000 (Building installation), and 45400000 (Building completion).
How do I use CPV codes to find tenders?
Enter your CPV code into the search field on Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, or a tender intelligence platform like PSIP. CPV code search finds all contracts in your category regardless of how the buyer has worded the title, making it more reliable than keyword search alone.
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