UNSPSC

The United Nations Standard Product and Services Code (UNSPSC) is an international classification system for goods and services. It is considered to be the most efficient, flexible and broadest covering classification system in existence today and has been used for over 20 years.

It is used, among other things, to create an overview of the consumption of companies and public authorities and to conduct systematic searches related to e-commerce. Several public bodies require suppliers to disclose the UNSPSC code on their product or service as a requirement in their tenders and contracts.

The translation of UNSPSC version 19.0501 has been handled by GS1 Denmark on behalf of Digitalization Board, Danish Regions and KL. The project is part of The Common Public Digitalisation Strategy 2016-2020.
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Go to the UNSPSC solution Download UNSPSC

Questions and answers

Why is there a danish version of UNSPSC?

Public institutions and private companies in Denmark operate in a global marketplace and therefore rely on internationally recognized classification standards. UNSPSC is the world's most widely used classification standard for organizations with broad purchasing portfolios across goods and services.

UNSPSC is used for catalog searches, invoice coding, and many other procurement processes where Danish-language descriptions are essential. While many Danes are proficient in English, technical terminology - whether in familiar or specialized fields - is generally easier to understand and use accurately in one's native language. This is why there is a need for a Danish-language version of UNSPSC.

Will it be mandatory to use the Danish version of the UNSPSC code list?

No. When classifying products or services using UNSPSC, the code itself is what matters.

If you have already classified your products or services using the required version of UNSPSC in another language, there is no need to classify them again. The same codes can continue to be used.

Your customers will see the Danish descriptions in their own systems while using the UNSPSC codes you have assigned.

Can I suggest changes to the Danish translation?

Yes. If you come across translations in UNSPSC that are inaccurate or could be improved, please complete the template below and send it to unspsc@gs1.dk.

The template asks for the following information:

Code
Danish title
Suggested Danish translation
Comments (optional)

What if a code is missing in UNSPSC?

If you cannot find a UNSPSC code that accurately describes your product or service, you can submit a change request to UNSPSC.

Please contact unspsc@gs1.dk for more information.

Why is segment 51 not translated to danish?

Segment 51 contains codes for pharmaceutical products. In Denmark, ATC codes are used to classify pharmaceuticals, so this segment has not been translated into Danish.

Is UNSPSC codes the same as GTIN?

No. A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number®) is a globally unique identifier assigned to an individual trade item.

For example, a 500 ml bottle of spring water from one manufacturer will have one GTIN, while a 500 ml bottle of spring water from another manufacturer will have a different GTIN.

However, both products can be classified under the same UNSPSC code: 50202310 - Spring or mineral water.

In other words, different products can have different GTINs while sharing the same UNSPSC code.

Is UNSPSC a generic ID?

No. A UNSPSC code is broader than a Generic ID.

For example, a 500 ml bottle of spring water, a 1.5 litre bottle of spring water, and a 1 litre bottle of peach-flavoured spring water would all have the same UNSPSC code. However, each of these products would have a different Generic ID.

Can I use the same codes for multiple costumers in different countries?

Yes, provided that the systems use the same version of UNSPSC.