CPV directory
Browse tenders by CPV code
Browse UK and EU public sector tenders by CPV code. The Common Procurement Vocabulary classifies every contract — pick a division to see live opportunities in your field.
What CPV codes are and why they matter
The Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) is the EU-wide classification system that UK public buyers still use to tag what they're buying. Every notice on Find a Tender and Contracts Finder carries at least one CPV code, so they're the single most reliable way to find — and be found for — the right work.
An 8-digit hierarchy
A CPV code has 8 digits plus a check digit. The first two digits are the division (e.g. 45 = construction), and each further pair narrows the category — group, class, then category. Buyers pick the most specific code that fits.
How buyers use them
Contracting authorities classify every tender, pipeline and award notice by CPV. Suppliers and alerting tools then filter by code, so the codes you target directly determine which opportunities reach you.
Why precision pays
Too broad and you drown in irrelevant alerts; too narrow and you miss adjacent work. The best approach is a small set of core divisions plus a few specific codes for your niche.
How to use CPV codes to win more work
- 1
Find your codes
Use our free CPV code finder or browse the divisions above to list the codes that describe what you sell.
- 2
Check live demand
Each division shows how many tenders are open right now, so you can see where the activity is before you invest.
- 3
Set up matching
Add your codes to FastTender and every relevant new tender is scored against your company automatically.
- 4
Watch the early signals
Pipeline and planned-procurement notices share the same CPV codes, so you can spot work months before the tender drops.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CPV code?+
A Common Procurement Vocabulary code is a standardised 8-digit number that classifies the subject of a public contract. UK and EU buyers use CPV codes on every tender, pipeline and award notice so suppliers can find relevant opportunities.
How do I find the right CPV code for my business?+
Start from what you actually deliver and search by keyword in our CPV code finder, or browse the 45 divisions above. Pick the most specific code that genuinely fits, then add a couple of broader divisions to catch adjacent work.
Can a tender have more than one CPV code?+
Yes. Buyers assign a main CPV code and can add supplementary codes for mixed contracts — for example a building project that also includes design services. Matching on any of your codes will surface it.
Do UK tenders still use CPV codes after Brexit?+
Yes. The UK retained CPV classification under the Procurement Act 2023, so Find a Tender, Contracts Finder and the devolved portals all continue to tag notices with CPV codes.
Are CPV codes the same as SIC codes?+
No. CPV codes classify what a contract is buying; SIC codes classify what a company does (and are held at Companies House). FastTender maps your SIC codes and capabilities to the right CPV codes for matching.
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