European Union updates CPA classification rules ensuring accurate and harmonised statistical reporting systems

On 20 April 2026 European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/880 corrects Regulation (EC) No 451/2008 concerning the statistical classification of products by activity (CPA). The amendment addresses structural errors identified in CPA Version 2.2, which was previously introduced by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3103. These corrections are necessary to ensure accurate and consistent data transmission from Member States to Eurostat and to maintain the reliability of EU statistical systems. The Regulation introduces targeted technical adjustments within the CPA classification table, including deletion, insertion, and replacement of specific product codes and descriptions across multiple sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Key updates involve corrections to classifications for petroleum products, natural gas, wood products, food items, machinery, and sanitary products, ensuring alignment with current economic activities and statistical requirements. To maintain consistency with EU national accounts reporting under Regulation (EU) No 549/2013, the application of this Regulation is set from 1 September 2029. The Regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and is directly applicable across all Member States. Overall, it ensures improved coherence, accuracy, and harmonisation in EU statistical classifications.