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 |