Learn the complete code structure, hierarchy rules, and attribute requirements of the eCl@ss taxonomy standard.
eCl@ss is the internationally recognized reference data standard for the classification and description of products and services. Developed and maintained by eCl@ss e.V., a non-profit consortium of over 4,500 companies worldwide, eCl@ss provides a standardized vocabulary that enables seamless data exchange between manufacturers, distributors, and procurement systems across the global supply chain.
What sets eCl@ss apart from other classification systems is its deeply integrated property model. Each class in the hierarchy is not only defined by its position in the taxonomy tree, but also by a comprehensive set of standardized properties (attributes) and values. This makes eCl@ss particularly powerful for Industry 4.0 applications, digital twins, and automated procurement, where precise and machine-readable product descriptions are essential for interoperability.
eCl@ss is structured across four hierarchical levels: Segment, Main Group, Group, and Commodity Class. Each Commodity Class is linked to a curated set of properties drawn from a shared dictionary of over 19,000 standardized attributes. This approach ensures that product data remains consistent regardless of the language, country, or enterprise system in which it is used, making it the backbone of product data management in manufacturing and industrial B2B commerce.
Example hierarchy showing how products are organized within this standard
Key rules and principles that define how this taxonomy organizes products
Every product is classified using a strict four-level hierarchy: Segment (2 digits), Main Group (2 digits), Group (2 digits), and Commodity Class (2 digits). This results in an 8-digit classification code such as 23-17-04-01.
Each Commodity Class is linked to a defined set of properties from the eCl@ss property dictionary. Properties have standardized names, data types, units of measurement, and value lists, ensuring that every supplier describes the same product attributes in the same way.
Every element in eCl@ss, whether a class, property, or value, is assigned a globally unique International Registration Data Identifier (IRDI) following ISO/IEC 11179. This machine-readable identifier ensures unambiguous referencing across different IT systems and languages.
eCl@ss Advanced (formerly BASIC and ADVANCED tiers) introduces Application Classes that combine multiple aspects of a product, such as commercial properties, engineering specifications, and sustainability data, into a single comprehensive digital representation suitable for Asset Administration Shells (AAS) and digital twins.
Mandatory and recommended attributes for key categories in this standard
Industries and scenarios where this taxonomy standard is most commonly applied
Manufacturers and maintenance departments use eCl@ss to classify spare parts, raw materials, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies. Standardized classification enables automated catalog matching, reduces maverick buying, and streamlines the procurement of tens of thousands of industrial components across global supply chains.
eCl@ss serves as the semantic backbone for Asset Administration Shells (AAS) and digital twin implementations. Each physical asset can be described using eCl@ss properties, enabling interoperability between IoT platforms, ERP systems, and engineering tools without manual data mapping or custom integrations.
Industrial distributors and online B2B marketplaces use eCl@ss to standardize product catalogs from multiple suppliers. This enables cross-catalog search, automated product comparison, and seamless integration into eProcurement systems such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, and Oracle Procurement Cloud.
Engineering firms and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractors use eCl@ss to classify equipment and components during plant design. The standardized property model ensures that technical specifications flow accurately from design tools (CAD/CAE) into procurement systems and asset management platforms throughout the project lifecycle.
Step-by-step guide to implementing this taxonomy standard in your product catalog
Begin by inventorying all products and components you need to classify. Identify the data attributes you currently capture and compare them against eCl@ss property sets. Determine which eCl@ss segments (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering) are relevant to your catalog and estimate the scope of the classification project.
Register with eCl@ss e.V. and obtain the appropriate license tier (Basic or Advanced) for your use case. Download the eCl@ss content files (XML/CSV) or connect via the eCl@ss API. Evaluate classification tools such as eCl@ss Content Development Platform (CDP), Contentserv, Stibo Systems, or WISEPIM that provide built-in eCl@ss mapping capabilities.
Systematically map each product in your catalog to the most specific eCl@ss Commodity Class (the fourth level). Start with your highest-volume or most critical product lines. Use the eCl@ss search portal or your PIM tool to find the best matching class. Document any products that do not have an obvious match for later review or change requests to eCl@ss e.V.
A comprehensive guide to implementing eCl@ss in your product data management workflow, including mapping templates, property checklists, and best practices for industrial product classification.
Common questions about eCl@ss
WisePIM supports all major taxonomy standards and uses AI to automatically map your products — no manual classification required.