(UNSPSC Code Information To Follow)
GSIN Codes Information
Download A List Of GSIN Codes Here
The federal government uses Goods and Services Identification Number (GSIN) codes to identify generic product descriptions for its procurement activities. Coming in 2020, the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) will replace GSIN codes. There is no immediate impact to businesses or government buyers.
How do I use a GSIN?
Knowing your GSIN(s) is very important for finding procurement information on Buyandsell.gc.ca. Read the Get Started with GSINs page to find out how.
How does the GSIN work?
The GSIN structure includes a prefix, a core that is made up of two levels of hierarchy, and a suffix. The hierarchy in the core is made up of the Group (first level) and the Class (second level).
The structure between goods, services, and construction codes varies as follows:
- Goods codes: are closely related to the United States Federal Supply Code / Product Service Code (FSC/PSC) classification system
- Services codes: are closely related to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Common Classification System
- Construction codes: are closely related to the United Nations Central Product Classification (CPC) Division 51, as adopted in NAFTA
The collection of codes for these three types of commodities was established in NAFTA, signed in December 1992.
Get help with GSIN codes
Use Contacts for GSIN Codes to find contact information for the division responsible for the procurement of your good or service.
United Nations Standard Products and Services Code
Download A List of UNSPSC Codes Here
The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is an open and international classification of products and services. It is composed of a five-level hierarchical classification code set and is owned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and managed by a third-party GS1 US.
The classification system is broken hierarchically into four mandatory levels of segment, family, class, and commodity, each level comprises of an eight-digit code. The fifth level, business function, is an optional level that the Government of Canada will not be adopting at this time. For more information visit the UNSPSC website.
Data Standard on Classification of Procurement Items
As part of Treasury Board’s Data Standard on Classification of Procurement Items, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is implementing an international classification system for procurement items called the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC).
Adopting UNSPSC allows for consistent recording, aggregation and reporting of procurement information within departmental financial and materiel management systems. It helps departments manage the purchase of goods and services and meet reporting obligations established through policy and trade agreements. Furthermore, it aids in the data comparison to other jurisdictions using UNSPSC.
Learn more about Treasury Board’s Data Standard on Classification of Procurement Items.