Classification systems
Classification via eCl@ss
General information
eCl@ss is offered as standard to exchange product data between suppliers and customers. This standard is indicated with a four-stage, hierarchical classification key. The eCl@ss key must always have 8 digits.
More information and an overview of the different eCl@ss versions are available on the following page: https://www.eclass.eu
Here is an example of an eCl@ss ID taken from www.eclass.eu/en.html:
Please note:
The different eCl@ss versions are not 100% compatible.
A number for the lowest eCl@ss level must always be stated in the catalogue (BMEcat).
Higher-level eCl@ss numbers are indicated by zeros at the end.
eCl@ss characteristics can also be processed.
Implementation in BMEcat
The eCl@ss label is transferred in the ARTICLE_FEATURES field.
Presentation in BMEcat without eCl@ss features:
<ARTICLE_FEATURES>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>ECLASS-5.1.4</REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_GROUP_ID>20010101</REFERENCE_FEATURE_GROUP_ID>
</ARTICLE_FEATURES>
Presentation in BMEcat with eCl@ss features:
<ARTICLE_FEATURES>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>ECLASS-5.1.4</REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_GROUP_ID>20010101</REFERENCE_FEATURE_GROUP_ID>
<FEATURE>
<FNAME>BAA059001</FNAME>
<VALUE>123456</VALUE>
<ORDER>1</ORDER>
</FEATURE>
<FEATURE>
<FNAME>BAA271001</FNAME>
<VALUE>4058072009083</VALUE>
<ORDER>2</ORDER>
</FEATURE>
<FEATURE>
<FNAME>BAA316001</FNAME>
<VALUE>Ampoule</VALUE>
<ORDER>3</ORDER>
</FEATURE>
</ARTICLE_FEATURES>
Please note:
“ECLASS” must always be capitalised and the corresponding version number attached with a hyphen.
Version notation: ECLASS-5.1.4 / ECLASS-6.0 / ECLASS-7.0 etc.
It is possible to write the eCl@ss number with and without a hyphen, e.g. 22-22-22-22 or 22222222.
Several classifications (e.g. different eCl@ss versions, UNSPSC etc.) can be stated per item.
Implementation in the Mercateo workflow
The eCl@ss version is entered in column X and the associated eCl@ss number in column Y.
Exclusive catalogues and customer requirements
Special requirements may apply to exclusive customer catalogues with regard to the eCl@ss label. You can either find these on the landing page (invitation for exclusive suppliers -> subpoint “Additional information”) or you are informed of them directly by the customer. You can find an evaluation with regard to eCl@ss within the test results in catalogue management.
Classification via UNSPSC
General information
UNSPSC codes are used to classify products. This is an international classification system for enterprise resource planning. More information is available on the following page: https://www.unspsc.org/
UNSPSC is not mandatory information for Mercateo public catalogues. If you should provide an exclusive catalogue for a certain customer, please orient yourself towards the requirements of your customer.
Implementation in BMEcat
The UNSPSC label is transferred in the field of ARTICLE_FEATURES.
<ARTICLE_FEATURES>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>UNSPSC-19.01</REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_GROUP_ID>50363611</REFERENCE_FEATURE_GROUP_ID>
</ARTICLE_FEATURES>
Please note:
UNSPSC must always be capitalised and the corresponding version number attached with a hyphen.
Version notation UNSPSC-17.01 / UNSPSC-13.5 etc.
The UNSPSC codes have 8 or 10 digits.
It is possible to write the UNSPSC codes with and without a hyphen, e.g. 50-36-36-11 or 50363611.
Several classifications (e.g. different eCl@ss versions, UNSPSC etc.) can be stated per item.
Implementation in the Mercateo workflow
The UNSPSC version is entered in column X and the associated code in column Y.
Exclusive catalogues and customer requirements
Special requirements may apply to exclusive customer catalogues with regard to the UNSPSC label. You can either find these on the landing page (invitation for exclusive suppliers -> subpoint “Additional information”) or you are informed of them directly by the customer. You can find an evaluation with regard to UNSPSC within the test results in catalogue management.
Customs tariff numbers
General information
Customs authorities need proofs for goods that are delivered cross-border. Defined merchandise groups must be transmitted to Mercateo. Their IDs are to be transmitted in the catalogue or via an additional file.
The customs tariff number has 8 digits and can either be transferred via the catalogue (BMEcat) or in a separate CSV file.
Where can I find or request customs tariff numbers?
A complete list is available on the website https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
Do all articles need a customs tariff number?
Mercateo has defined the customs tariff number as a mandatory entry. Please enter a customs tariff number for all products
Technical implementation in the catalogue
The customs tariff numbers are transferred within the . The name of the classification system is StBA. Here is an example:
<ARTICLE_FEATURES>
<REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>StBA
</REFERENCE_FEATURE_SYSTEM_NAME>
<FEATURE>
<FNAME>WA_NR</FNAME>
<FVALUE>84238190</FVALUE>
</FEATURE>
</ARTICLE_FEATURES>
Alternatives
If conversion in the catalog is not possible, you can also import the customs tariff numbers using a separate CSV file. You can find more information under Additonal data under the corresponding bulletpoint.
You can find more information about technical implementation in the Mercateo Catalogue Tool