“The UNSPSC hierarchy consists of four levels: Commodity, Segment, Family & Class“
The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a comprehensive global classification system that structures products and services in a hierarchical format. Used globally, UNSPSC streamlines procurement, optimizes spend analysis, and enhances supply chain management. By categorizing goods and services into four levels—segments, families, classes, and commodities—businesses can efficiently classify their offerings. This structured approach improves data accuracy, resource management, and decision-making. With Version 26.0801 covering 158,448 items, UNSPSC plays a vital role in maintaining clarity and efficiency in large-scale operations. To learn more, explore how Canada applies UNSPSC codes in public tendering and procurement. Link to Canadabuys (opens in a new window)
The UNSPSC hierarchy consists of four levels:
- Segment: The broadest category representing general product or service groups.
- Family: A subset of segments that narrows the classification.
- Class: A further breakdown within families.
- Commodity: The most specific level, detailing individual products or services.
Each level adds two digits to form an eight-digit UNSPSC code. For example, “10101501” translates to “Cats” under “Live Plant and Animal Material.”
Let’s explore 20 UNSPSC code examples, breaking them down by level:
10101501 – Cats
- Segment: 10 (Live Plant and Animal Material)
- Family: 1010 (Live Animals)
- Class: 101015 (Domestic Animals)
- Commodity: 10101501 (Cats)
10101502 – Dogs
- Segment: 10 (Live Plant and Animal Material)
- Family: 1010 (Live Animals)
- Class: 101015 (Domestic Animals)
- Commodity: 10101502 (Dogs)
10101516 – Cattle
- Segment: 10 (Live Plant and Animal Material)
- Family: 1010 (Live Animals)
- Class: 101015 (Domestic Animals)
- Commodity: 10101516 (Cattle)
44121702 – Inkjet Printers
- Segment: 44 (Office Equipment and Accessories)
- Family: 4412 (Office Machines)
- Class: 441217 (Printers)
- Commodity: 44121702 (Inkjet Printers)
44121703 – Laser Printers
- Segment: 44 (Office Equipment and Accessories)
- Family: 4412 (Office Machines)
- Class: 441217 (Printers)
- Commodity: 44121703 (Laser Printers)
43211503 – Desktop Computers
- Segment: 43 (Information Technology Equipment)
- Family: 4321 (Computer Equipment)
- Class: 432115 (Computers)
- Commodity: 43211503 (Desktop Computers)
43211508 – Laptops
- Segment: 43 (Information Technology Equipment)
- Family: 4321 (Computer Equipment)
- Class: 432115 (Computers)
- Commodity: 43211508 (Laptops)
43212105 – Monitors
- Segment: 43 (Information Technology Equipment)
- Family: 4321 (Computer Equipment)
- Class: 432121 (Display Devices)
- Commodity: 43212105 (Monitors)
43211708 – Keyboards
- Segment: 43 (Information Technology Equipment)
- Family: 4321 (Computer Equipment)
- Class: 432117 (Input Devices)
- Commodity: 43211708 (Keyboards)
43211709 – Mice
- Segment: 43 (Information Technology Equipment)
- Family: 4321 (Computer Equipment)
- Class: 432117 (Input Devices)
- Commodity: 43211709 (Mice)
47121701 – Brooms
- Segment: 47 (Cleaning Equipment)
- Family: 4712 (Cleaning Tools)
- Class: 471217 (Sweeping Tools)
- Commodity: 47121701 (Brooms)
47121702 – Mops
- Segment: 47 (Cleaning Equipment)
- Family: 4712 (Cleaning Tools)
- Class: 471217 (Sweeping Tools)
- Commodity: 47121702 (Mops)
60121101 – Textbooks
- Segment: 60 (Educational Materials)
- Family: 6012 (Books)
- Class: 601211 (Educational Books)
- Commodity: 60121101 (Textbooks)
60121102 – Workbooks
- Segment: 60 (Educational Materials)
- Family: 6012 (Books)
- Class: 601211 (Educational Books)
- Commodity: 60121102 (Workbooks)
60121103 – E-books
- Segment: 60 (Educational Materials)
- Family: 6012 (Books)
- Class: 601211 (Educational Books)
- Commodity: 60121103 (E-books)
60121104 – Audiobooks
- Segment: 60 (Educational Materials)
- Family: 6012 (Books)
- Class: 601211 (Educational Books)
- Commodity: 60121104 (Audiobooks)
60121105 – Reference Books
- Segment: 60 (Educational Materials)
- Family: 6012 (Books)
- Class: 601211 (Educational Books)
- Commodity: 60121105 (Reference Books)
60121106 – Novels
- Segment: 60 (Educational Materials)
- Family: 6012 (Books)
- Class: 601211 (Educational Books)
- Commodity: 60121106 (Novels)
47131805 – Trash Bags
- Segment: 47 (Cleaning Equipment and Supplies)
- Family: 4713 (Disposal Equipment)
- Class: 471318 (Waste Containers)
- Commodity: 47131805 (Trash Bags)
47131806 – Recycling Bags
- Segment: 47 (Cleaning Equipment and Supplies)
- Family: 4713 (Disposal Equipment)
- Class: 471318 (Waste Containers)
- Commodity: 47131806 (Recycling Bags)
UNSPSC codes offer a universal framework for classifying products and services, facilitating better procurement decisions and spend analysis. Organizations across industries leverage this system to create transparency and improve operational efficiency. Understanding these codes can empower businesses to manage resources effectively and optimize procurement strategies.
How to find the correct UNSPSC code:
The simplest way to resolve this is by utilizing our search engine, conveniently accessible -> here.
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