UNSPSC codes for products
Standardize product and unit-of-measure classification with UNSPSC codes for EDI, tax, and cross-border reporting flows.
The product_unspsc module lets Odoo assign UNSPSC codes to products and units of measure based on the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code. This classification layer matters when the business relies on e-invoicing, accounting integrations, or compliance requirements in specific countries.
Using standardized codes makes product data easier to exchange with external systems and creates a shared structure for accounting, tax reporting, and catalog management teams.
What UNSPSC codes are used for
Key points
• Classify products and services through a globally recognized coding structure.
• Support e-invoicing and EDI flows in markets that require standardized product classification.
• Give accounting and product teams a common taxonomy instead of ad hoc manual labels.
• Make international reporting and partner data exchange easier to align.
Important fields and menus
| Fields | Trường dữ liệu | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UNSPSC Category | Danh mục UNSPSC | Field used to assign a UNSPSC code to a product or unit of measure. |
| UNSPSC Code | Mã UNSPSC | Central catalog of standardized classification codes. |
| Code | Mã | The UNSPSC identifier, commonly an 8-digit hierarchical code. |
| Name | Tên | Descriptive name of the UNSPSC code. |
| Applies To | Áp dụng cho | Defines whether the code is meant for Product or UoM. |
| Active | Hoạt động | Controls whether the code appears for new selections. |
Understanding the UNSPSC structure
UNSPSC is a hierarchical classification system with layers that move from a broad segment to a specific commodity. A full code commonly uses 8 digits and becomes more specific at each level.
Key points
• Teams should choose the most specific code that still matches the real item instead of stopping at a broad category.
Basic hierarchical structure
| Part | Digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | 2 | The broadest industry grouping |
| Family | 2 | A product family within the segment |
| Class | 2 | A more detailed product class |
| Commodity | 2 | The concrete end-item or code |
Assigning a UNSPSC code to a product
Key points
• When assigning a product, the selector usually shows only codes with Applies To = Product.
• If the business uses EDI, it is worth defining who is allowed to assign or change codes so classification stays consistent.
Steps
1. Go to Inventory → Products → Products and open the item that needs classification.
2. Find the UNSPSC Category field in the general product information.
3. Search by numeric code or by descriptive name.
4. Select the correct code and save the product.
5. Review the display value to confirm the expected code is attached.
Assigning a UNSPSC code to a unit of measure
Steps
1. Go to Inventory → Configuration → Units of Measure.
2. Open the unit that needs classification, such as kg, meter, or liter.
3. Fill the UNSPSC Category field with the appropriate code for that UoM.
4. Save and verify that the selected code really has Applies To = UoM.
Applies To values
| Applies To | Target object | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Product record | When classifying sold or purchased goods and services |
| UoM | Unit of measure | When standardizing units such as kg, m, or liter |
Managing the UNSPSC catalog
Steps
1. Go to Accounting → Configuration → UNSPSC Codes to review the available catalog.
2. Use the list view to inspect codes, names, and Applies To scope.
3. Open a record when you need to confirm details or change its Active status.
4. Disable a code only when you are sure it should no longer be selectable for new data.
Typical fields on a UNSPSC code
| Field | Meaning | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Code | The standard UNSPSC identifier | It should usually remain aligned with the source standard |
| Name | Human-readable description | Helps users search and choose correctly |
| Applies To | Product or UoM scope | Controls where the code can be used |
| Active | Usage status | Disable to prevent new selection while keeping history intact |
Search, filters, and daily operations
Key points
• Users can search the UNSPSC Category field with both code fragments and descriptive names.
• In the UNSPSC code list, filters by Applies To or Active help narrow review work quickly.
• Grouping by Applies To separates Product-oriented and UoM-oriented codes cleanly.
• Archiving or disabling is safer than deleting once the system already contains transactional history.
Implementation notes
Key points
• Markets that depend on EDI or country-specific e-invoicing often require more precise UNSPSC mapping than internal-only workflows do.
• It helps to define a clear owner for classification so different teams do not apply inconsistent logic.
• If users cannot find a suitable code, they should check the search terms, the Applies To scope, and whether the relevant code was disabled.
• Classification is best done early in the product lifecycle rather than after the data has already flowed into invoices and reports.