UNv26.0801 of the UNSPSC Codeset is now available. Access codesets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about UNSPSC®

General Questions

The UNSPSC Codeset Tool (Subscribers Only)

Non-Subscriber Codeset Questions

Standards Based Questions

What is the UNSPSC?
The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code is a hierarchical convention that is used to classify products and services. It is an eight-digit numeric code that identifies products or services. It is not a barcode. It is not used in the supply chain. The UNSPSC was jointly developed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (D & B) in 1998 and has been managed by GS1 US since 2003. GS1 US will transition the management of the UNSPSC back to UNDP by the end of 2024.

What are the benefits of Coding Products and Services? 
By embedding UNSPSC classification standards into your product management systems - purchase orders, invoices, electronic documents, product catalogs, and websites - all parties throughout the extended supply chain benefit.

  • Procurement can keep an eye on how much is spent buying what. This information is readily available to analyze the specifics in the buying process at the level of detail that most suits the business needs in a timely and precise manner. It can cut in half or less the time it takes to find the products needed by searching by commodity code through brokers, online exchanges, business partners, etc. across the globe. It allows organizations to spot buying patterns across departments or business units to leverage better conditions from suppliers and realize overall savings. 

  • Marketing can get field data fast for market research, product development, and sales analysis, ultimately delivering to the company's bottom line, via customer satisfaction.

  • Sales can monitor sales channels and distribution all the way to the store shelf or end user. It enables a sales department to gather market intelligence quickly via electronic platforms for accurate sales analysis. It will extend the reach of their products to customers across the globe by publishing e-catalogs, and registering with search engines or third-party marketplaces. 

Who Uses UNSPSC? 
Companies that need the code have been requested to do so by a government agency or retailer/distributor to identify what kind of company they are or what kind of product they are providing. Companies also use the code for internal cost analysis and procurement.

Why can’t I purchase the Codeset? I have tried and am taken to a page that tells me I’m in a sanctioned country. 
GS1 US is compliant with the United States Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctioned Countries Policy. Our records show that you are located in one of the sanctioned countries identified by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Due to this, we are unable to conduct business with your company.

How do I login to the UNSPSC Codeset Maintenance Tool? 
Go to ucom.unspsc.org and enter your credentials.

How do I find a code?
Click here to access the UNSPSC Codeset Maintenance Tool. Log into your UNSPSC account and select View Codeset’s located at the top of the page. Select a Codeset version and search by Code, Title or Definition to display results.

How do I download the Codeset?
Click here to access the UNSPSC Codeset Maintenance Tool. Log into your UNSPSC account and select Codeset Downloads located at the top of the page.

Can you help me replace the only user on file for our company user?
Please contact UNSPSC support so we can accommodate your needs.

I have access to the tool. How do I add a new user? How many users can we add?
Log into your UNSPSC account and select My Account located at the top of the page. You may invite additional users by selecting Add New User and completing the required fields. There is no limit to the number of users.

How can I update my company name and/or address?
Please contact UNSPSC support so we can accommodate your needs..

Will I lose access to the tool during the transition? 
All UNSPSC services will remain active until the end 2024. You can continue to access and utilize the code during this period.

Can you help me replace the only user on file for our company users in the UCoM tool?
Please submit your request at Contact Us.

Is there a fee for the Codeset? How do I download the Codeset?
Anyone can download the current Codeset for free in a PDF format. Non-subscribers can purchase a download of the Codeset in Excel. Different versions of the UNSPSC Codeset have different value.

Can you tell me what code we should use to identify our company or product?
We cannot tell someone what code to use. We can show you how to search the code and so that you can make the decision on which code is the best match for your organization. If you need additional support, you can work with a UNSPSC Solution Provider.

Does UNSPSC offer an API for the Codeset?
We do not offer a UNSPSC API solution currently or in the foreseeable future.

Can UNSPSC be Incorporated into machine learning (ML) to help a purchaser select and enter the right UNSPSC for their purchase. I would be interested in incorporating models already in use, or getting access to UNSPSC data, based on others’ purchasing activities, to train our own ML.
Currently, we only offer the UNSPSC Codeset in three different formats, PDF, XLS, and TXT. The PDF can be downloaded from the UNSPSC Store and is free. The Excel Spreadsheet can be purchased in the UNSPSC Store. In addition to online browsing, Subscribers get access to the Codeset TXT file format, which can be easily used in spreadsheet software or database software. If you need additional support, you can work with a UNSPSC Solution Provider.

Will new translated versions be offered?
Due to low interest in translated Codeset’s in the past, we are not planning to add new translated versions.

What languages is the Codeset being translated in?
The Codeset is published in English. Translated versions provided by community members are available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

What languages is the Codeset being translated in?
The Codeset is published in English. Translated versions provided by community members are available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

How can I view the Codeset in another language?
You can view a translated version of the UNSPSC Codeset using the Translate tools in Web Browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Are there any system requirements to download Codeset versions?
There are no specific system requirements. You will need to ensure your organization will allow you to download files from the internet.

If I can't find the code for my product what should I do?
Codeset modifications can only be requested by subscribers. Please go to the UNSPSC Store to select the subscription that will work for your company.

How can I find my company's UNSPSC code?
UNSPSC is a commodity code that identifies goods and services sold by a company not generally the company itself.

We would like permission to use UNCPSC for Commercial Use/License. 
The use of UNSPSC codes is free. You can embed the Codeset into your solution without any restrictions. You will need to sign an addendum to the terms & conditions. Please submit your request at Contact Us. 


Is Item Synchronization the same as Product categorization using UNSPSC?|
Item synchronization means that the information regarding a product is consistent throughout the supply chain. This includes identifiers like UNSPSC.

I mark some of my products with a U.P.C. and some with an EAN symbol. What do I mark with UNSPSC? How does UNSPSC mesh with bar coding?
UNSPSC is a commodity classifier; it is not marked on products. Generally, commodity identifiers are assigned by manufacturers/suppliers although this may vary by needs of the business or the marketplace.

Will UNSPSC replace GTINs?
GTINs are used to identify trade items while UNSPSC is used to classify commodities, which generally are not as granular as trade items.

How does the UNSPSC and the Global Product Classification (GPC) relate?
GPC (unlike UNSPSC) provides detailed trade item classification attributes and values for catalogues while UNSPSC (unlike GPC) provides a global classification framework for all products and services in all industry sectors.

How does UNSPSC differ from NAICS and SIC?
The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) coding systems that describe the operations of a business, while the UNSPSC provides a very specific product-centric viewpoint.

Can the UNSPSC be encoded in XML?
Yes, the UNSPSC is a code table and XML is syntax. One can encode anything in XML including the UNSPSC.

Does having a UNSPSC subscription make the customer a member of GS1 US? Do they receive access to tools such as myGS1 US and Data Hub?
UNSPSC is owned by the UNDP and managed by GS1 US. UNSPSC Subscription does not grant access to GS1 US Products and Services.

I am a member of GS1 US? Do I have access to the UNSPS Codeset?
GS1 US membership does not grant access to UNSPSC Tools or Codeset downloads.

What happens to my current subscription?
If you have any unused subscription time, refunds will be processed in January 2025.

Where do I get support for inquiries for UNSPSC code sets or subscriptions going forward? Where do I purchase additional UNSPSC offerings?
We are actively collaborating with UNDP to ensure a seamless and efficient transition.

What is the contact information for UNDP?
We are actively collaborating with UNDP to ensure a seamless and efficient transition. When we have contact information we will share. 

Will I receive a refund? When will I receive a refund?
 If you're eligible and have any unused subscription time, refunds are scheduled to be processed in January 2025.

Instead of a refund can the funds be transferred to the new support platform?
No, funds from your current subscription cannot be transferred to the new support platform. If you're eligible and have any unused subscription time, refunds are scheduled to be processed in January 2025.