The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a globally recognized classification system for categorizing products and services. It provides a hierarchical structure that enables businesses and organizations to standardize procurement, analyze spending, and streamline supply chain management.
The UNSPSC structure is divided into four primary levels:

Segment: The broadest category, representing an overall industry or function.
Family: Groups within the segment that share functionalities.
Class: Specific categories within the family, focusing on shared characteristics.
Commodity: The most detailed level, identifying unique products or services.

Additionally, there is an optional fifth level, Business Function, which adds two more digits to the code. This level specifies the product or service’s function, such as rental or retail, providing further granularity.
The UNSPSC is regularly updated to reflect the evolving global marketplace. As of August 14, 2023, the latest release is Version 26.0801, which includes 158,448 total items.

The UNSPSC was jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Dun & Bradstreet in 1998. GS1 US was overseeing the system until December 31, 2024. Since January 1, 2025, the United Nations Development Programme has been responsible for code change requests and revisions, regular updates, and managing special projects and initiatives.

UNSPSC codes simplify procurement, sales, and controlling by ensuring consistent categorization across systems and processes. They are helpful for:

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