Everything you need to know about product classification and how to classify your products…
Classifying your products to belong to a particular category ensures that Buyers are easily able to find them, compare them with similar products and optimise their trade within categories with more direct orders. Likewise, with accurate classifications suppliers can analyse and optimise their own trade performance.
ShipServ Standard Classification (UNSPSC)
Over time there have been several attempts to provide an industry standard, each with its own impediments ranging from insufficient breadth through to licensing barriers.
ShipServ has adopted UNSPSC as its standard for categorisation which all products are classified against. This will expand over time as an Open Source Catalogue based on and driven by the needs of the Marine Community.
UNSPSC Codes Downloads
If your products are not categorised already to UNSPSC, read the below for more options…
Don't have UNSPSC Classifications?
No problem, we offer a couple of alternative classification methods that may be better suited for you.
Products Classified with IMPA
If you have categorised your products with IMPA codes, you may also use these. Note: If you use IMPA codes, you must ensure you hold the applicable licence
Plain Text Product Classifications (Non IMPA or UNSPSC)
If your products are not categorised by either UNSPSC or IMPA, then you can provide your categorisation in plain text. Once supplied, we'll analyse these against UNSPSC and assign them a category.
Before we upload your catalogue we'll send you back our classifications to review. If you're happy we'll go ahead with uploading your catalogue. Otherwise, just make the necessary amendments and send them back to us.
You can search UNSPSC category matches here.
Note: This classification service will be offered as a one-off for early adopters