What are
NUTS codes
Also known as: Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics, NUTS classification
NUTS codes are geographic codes used to identify regions and areas across Europe. Think of them as an address system for procurement — they pinpoint exactly where a contract will be performed or goods delivered. The codes are part of the EU's standardized system for statistical division of territories and are mandatory in all contract notices for public tenders.
How do NUTS codes work?
NUTS stands for "Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics" and is organized hierarchically across three levels, as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003. Each code starts with a two-letter country identifier, followed by numbers and letters that become more specific at each level:
- NUTS 1: Major socio-economic regions (e.g., DE for Germany, split into DE1–DEG)
- NUTS 2: Basic regions for regional policy (e.g., DE30 for Berlin)
- NUTS 3: Small regions for specific analysis (e.g., DE300 for Berlin city)
Below NUTS 3, there are also LAU (Local Administrative Units) covering individual municipalities. The current NUTS 2024 classification includes 92 NUTS 1 regions, 244 NUTS 2 regions, and 1,165 NUTS 3 regions across the EU and EEA.
Why are NUTS codes important in procurement?
Under EU Directive 2014/24/EU, contracting authorities must include the NUTS code for the place of performance in their notices. This requirement ensures that suppliers can:
- Filter tenders by geographic area on platforms like TED
- Quickly assess whether a contract is logistically feasible for their business
- Set up geographic alerts for relevant regions
NUTS codes complement CPV codes, which specify what is being procured. Together, the two systems provide a complete picture: CPV tells you what the contract is about, while NUTS tells you where it will be performed. Tools like Cobrief let you combine NUTS codes with other filters to find tender procedures that match both your expertise and geographic reach.
NUTS codes are a fundamental tool for anyone involved in public procurement in Europe. By understanding the codes, suppliers can efficiently locate relevant contracts in their area, while contracting authorities ensure their notices reach the right economic operators regardless of national borders.