Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Category Codes

Category Codes

When entering non-catalogue items you will need to select a category code. These can be searched either by number or by name.

If you use the latter it’s best to pick a key word and surround it with the wildcard symbol % to give the best chance of finding it – don’t forget to change the search criteria from Category to Description.

Below is a list of some of the most commonly used codes in the department split up by heading (with the number in brackets the first three digits denoting the subset, in case you wanted to look at more choices in that area). I have also tried to indicate the most likely VAT status of each, though this will also depend on the funding you are using and a handful of other factors.

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and only serves as a guide to the more frequently used codes.

PPE (106)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
106.1061 Protective clothing and PPE, incl. gloves, aprons, masks etc Standard

Office supplies (201/2)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
201.2011 office furniture e.g. desks, chairs, partitions etc. Standard
202.2021 Stationery/ office supplies, but not toners or cartridges Standard
202.2023 Other general goods outside of Scientific categories Standard

sceintific equipment/consumables (301)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
301.3011 Scientific equipment e.g. fridges, freezers, centrifuges etc. Zero (if intended use is medical research)
301.3013 Repairs, servicing and maintenance of scientific equipment. Zero (if intended use is medical research)
301.3014 Use for scientific gases (incl cylinder/tank hire, etc.) Standard
301.3101 Chemicals and lab reagents, including media and serums Zero (if intended use is medical research)
301.3102 Scientific utensils e.g. glassware, plasticware, syringes, pipettes etc.

Zero (if intended use is medical research)

Sequencing (302)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
302.3024 Sequencing services (e.g. Source Biotechnology, Novogene, etc) Standard

IT & Computing (401)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
401.4012 Purchase of desktops, laptops and tablets Standard or zero VAT, depending on use
401.4014 Computer accessories e.g. cables, hard drives etc. Standard or zero VAT, depending on use
401.4018 Purchase of software licences Standard or zero VAT, depending on use

printing & publishing (403)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
403.4034 Purchase of printer and photocopier consumables (e.g. toners and cartridges) Standard
403.4035 Photocopying and publications charges (with VAT) Standard
403.4036 Printing of books, booklets, posters & leaflets etc. Zero VAT

Advertising (503)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
503.5033 Purchasing advertising space Standard

Catering (601)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
601.6018 Catering charges (incl. supplies of Tea & Coffee) Standard

Professional services (701)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
701.7014 Photographers, video services, etc Standard
701.7015 Legal services, solicitors, etc Standard
701.7017 All other professional servcies Standard

Consultancy (703)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
703.7038 Consultancy fees (talk to NDCN Orders first) Standard

Couriering & Postage (704)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
704.7041 Couriering (within the UK) Standard
704.7042 Postage (Stamps only) Zero VAT
704.7043 Couriering (to/from the rest of the world) Zero VAT

personnel costs (802)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
802.8025 Purchase training courses Standard (where applicable)
802.8026 Purchase memberships for professional bodies Standard (where applicable)
802.8027 Purchase eye tests for VDU use Standard (where applicable)

Travel expenses (803)

Cat. Code What items can you use it for? VAT rate generated
803.8031 Purchase travel tickets for staff by train, tram, air etc. Zero VAT
803.8032 Purchase car hire, taxis and chauffeur services, etc. Standard
803.8035 Purchase college, hotel or guest house accommodation Standard
In this section