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Purchasing Categories

Find purchasing categories available in Oracle Procurement.

Looking for some quick guidance? Consider using one of our most common purchasing categories for your purchase:

  • Furniture over 5k (Inventorial)
  • Furniture under 5k
  • Lab Equipment over 5k (Inventorial)
  • Lab Equipment under 5k
  • Lab Equipment Maintenance/Repair Services
  • Lab Supplies
  • Lab Chemicals/Reagents
  • Office Supplies
  • Services - Advertising/Public Relations/Promotions
  • Services - Consulting
  • Software - SaaS/Cloud
  • Software - Download

If you are looking for a list of Expenditure Types instead, you may review the full list and our KBA on how to populate them.

  • Tax is driven off the Purchasing Category
    • Purchasing category is mapped for catalog and punchout items based on the UNSPSC provided by the supplier, and cannot be changed
    • Purchasing category is selected by the PO requisitioner on request forms
  • Qualified tax reduction and exemptions can be indicated through the checkboxes in the distribution section of the requisition/checkout page
  • If an item is taxable based on the purchasing category, but the supplier’s invoice does not charge sales tax, then use tax will be applied.

Review the table below for a list of available purchasing categories including chart string account values associated with them, their taxability, and examples of when you might use each one. 

Purchasing Category Taxable Chart String Account Value Chart String Account Description Examples
Cell Phone services N 534200 Communication Services Reserved for ITS
Cloud Computing Services N 530102 Management Services

Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure

Data Circuits/Internet N 534200 Communication Services Reserved for ITS
Desktop/Laptop/Workstations under 5K Y 525902 Capital Exp - Computing Equip Desktop, Laptop, Tablets, iPads
Desktop/Laptop/Workstations over 5K (Inventorial) Y 525902 Capital Exp - Computing Equip Desktop, Laptop, Tablets, iPads

IT Peripherals/Accessories under 5K

Y 534100

Computer Supplies and Equipment less than 5k

Monitors, Keyboard, Mice, Web Cams

IT Peripherals/Accessories over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Hard Drives, Memory

IT Programming Services

N

530102

Management Services

Contract Computer Programmer - Temp Labor

IT Technical Services

N

530102

Management Services

Contract IT Project Resource: BSA, Project Manager

IT/Telecom Hardware Maintenance or Support

N

534000

Software Maint & Support

Extended IT Hardware Warranty

Local/Long Distance Telephone

Y

523201

Other Materials and Supplies

Reserved for ITS

Network Hardware under 5K

Y

534100

 

Computer Supplies and Equipment less than 5k

 

Network Switches, Routers, Wireless Access Points

 

Network Hardware over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

525902

Capital Exp - Computing Equip 

Network Switches, Routers, Wireless Access Points

Other IT Hardware under 5K

Y

534100

Computer Supplies and Equipment less than 5k

Hardware not falling under peripherals, network hardware, or desktops/laptops/workstations

Other IT Hardware over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Hardware not falling under peripherals, network hardware, or desktops/laptops/workstations

Other Voice/Data

N

534200

Communication Services

Reserved for ITS

Servers under 5K

 

Y

534100

Computer Supplies and Equipment less than 5k

Computer Servers

Servers over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

525902

Capital Exp - Computing Equip

Computer Servers

Software - Download

N

526100

Capital Exp - Software Less Than or Equal To $5M

On Premises Software (No Media)

Software - SaaS/Cloud

N

526100

Capital Exp - Software Less Than or Equal To $5M

Hosted Software,   SaaS

Storage Hardware under 5K

Y

  534100

Computer Supplies and Equipment less than 5k

Storage Array, NAS Server, JBOD's

Storage Hardware over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

  163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Storage Array, NAS Server, JBOD's

Telecom Audio Visual Equipment under 5K

Y

522203

Audio Visual Supplies

Displays, Cameras, Video Equipment, Projectors

Telecom Audio Visual Equip over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

522203

Audio Visual Supplies

Displays, Cameras, Video Equipment, Projectors

Telecom Contractor Provided Materials

 

Y

523201

Other Materials and Supplies

Cabling Materials

Telecom Voice Equipment under 5K 

Y

522203

Audio Visual Supplies

Telephone Desk Sets

Telecom Voice Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

522203

Audio Visual Supplies

LIMS, Voice Switch Hardware

Carpet and Flooring Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Carpet and floor cleaning

Carpet and Flooring Supplies

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

Wax Products for floor, carpet for remodeling classroom

Construction Labor

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

plumbing, electrical, demolition

Construction Materials

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

electrical, building insulation, rails, panels, wood slide door

Elevator Maintenance Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Elevator Repair and Inspection Services

Facility Chemicals and Lubricants

Y

532306

Fuel and Lube

Grease, Oil, Lubricants

Facility Electrical Equipment

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Pliers, Screwdrivers, Nut drivers, Measuring Devices

Facility Electrical Services

N

530101

Professional Services

AC power plugs   and sockets, circuit breakers, electronic connectors

Facility Electrical Supplies

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

Circuits, Resistors, Fuses, Batteries, Relays

Facility Equipment under 5K

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Motors, Pumps, Landscape Equipment

Facility Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Motors, Pumps, Landscape Equipment

Facility Equipment Lease/Rental

Y

532200

Equipment Rental

Forklifts, Scissor Lifts, Cranes

Facility Equipment Maintenance/Repair Service

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Tools/Equipment Repair Services

Facility Repair Parts and Materials

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

Other repair parts and materials not covered under Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Alarm/Fire, Painting

Facility Signage

Y

539000

Printing and Reproduction Services

Directional, bulding signs, door plaques

Facility Testing/Diagnostic Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Relay Testing, Structural Testing and Inspections

Facility Tools under 5K

Y

523100

Other Minor Equipment <$5K

Handtools, Flashlights, Toolsets, Powertools

Facility Tools over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Handtools, Flashlights, Toolsets, Powertools

Fire Alarm/Fire Equipment Supplies

Y

52220

Office Supplies

Fire alarm or equipment repair supplies

Fire Alarm Equipment/Fire Equipment under 5K

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Fire alarm or extinguishers

Fire Alarm Equip/Fire Equip over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Fire alarm or extinguishers

Fire Alarm/Equipment Maintenance Services

N

530109

Safety Fire & Environmental Service

Fire alarm repair services

Firearms/Ammunition under 5K

Y

522308

Safety, Fire & Environmental Supply

Guns and ammunition

Firearms/Ammunition over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Guns and ammunition

Hazardous Waste Disposal

N

532303

Custodial Services

Medical waste syringes, repair shops equipment and oil

HVAC/Refrigeration Equipment under 5K

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Lab refrigerators, AC units, cooling units

HVAC/Refrigeration Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Lab refrigerators, AC units, cooling units

HVAC/Refrigeration Supplies under 5K

Y

522900

Maintenance and Cleaning Supplies

Repair supplies for lab refrigerators

HVAC/Refrigeration Supplies over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Repair supplies for lab refrigerators/HVAC

HVAC Equipment Maintenance Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Repair services for lab refrigerators/HVAC

Janitorial Equipment under 5K

Y

522900

Maintenance and Cleaning Supplies

Carpet cleaning machines, vacuums, floor scrubbers

Janitorial Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Carpet cleaning machines, vacuums, floor scrubbers

Janitorial Services

N

532303

Custodial Services

litter pick up, locking buildings

Janitorial Supplies

Y

522900

Maintenance and Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies, carpeting, flooring, bathroom supplies

Kitchen Equipment under 5K

Y

522001

Food and Beverage Supplies

refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines

Kitchen Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines

Kitchen Equipment Maintenance

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Repair services for refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines

Kitchen Supplies under 5K

Y

522001

Food and Beverage Supplies

repair supplies for refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines

Kitchen Supplies over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

repair supplies for refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines

Landscape Maintenance Services

N

530101

Professional Services

Tree trimming, watering plans

Laundry/Uniform/Linen Services

N

530105

Laundry Services

Laundry of linen, UC own uniforms, Rental & Laundry of Uniforms, bedding, medical gowns

Laundry/Uniform/Linen Supplies

Y

522800

Employee Wearing Apparel

Logo mats, linen, uniforms, medical gowns

Locks and Security Equipment under 5K

Y

522201

Office Supplies

key, security locks

Locks and Security Equip over 5K (Inventorial)

Y 163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Security locking systems

Locks and Security System Maintenance Services

N

530108

Purchased Security Services

Repair services for locking systems

Material Handling Equipment under 5K

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Pallet jacks, dollies, conveyor belts

Material Handling Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Pallet jacks, dollies, conveyor belts

Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal

N

532303

Custodial Services

porta-potties

Other Building Repair/Maintenance

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Not electrical, HVAC, or plumbing

Painting and Decorating Supplies

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

Paint, Primer, Brushes, Paint Tape

Personal Protective Equipment Supplies

Y

522308

Safety, Fire & Environmental Supply

Gloves, Goggles, Masks, Gowns

Pest Control Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Pest extermination, fumigation

Plumbing Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Pipe repair, plumbing installation

Plumbing Supplies

Y

  522900

Maintenance and Cleaning Supplies

Supplies for pipe repair or plumbing installation

Pool/Spa Maintenance

N

530101

Professional Services

Cleaning services, chlorine

Pool/Spa Supplies

Y

522900

Maintenance and Cleaning Supplies

Vacuum cleaning systems

 

Sports/Fitness/Recreation Equipment under 5K

Y

523201

Other Materials and Supplies

Exercise equipment, sports field equipment

 

Sports/Fitness/Rec Equip over 5K (Inventorial) 

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Exercise equipment, sports field equipment

Utilities - Cable TV

N

550400

Utilities-Other

Cable TV installation or repair

Utilities - Electricity

N

550200

Utilities-Electricity

Electrical building services

Utilities - Water/Sewage

N

550300

Utilities-Water & Sewer

Water and sewer building services

Automotive Fuel

Y

532306

Fuel and Lube

Gasoline

Chartered Bus/Rail

N

536007

Transportation Services

Bus transportation and rentals

Parking/Transportation Supplies

Y

539100

Supplies

Plackards, traffic cones

Parking/Valet Services

N

536007

Transportation Services

Valets for special events

Public Transit

N

536007

Transportation Services

San Diego School services, Preuss School

Rideshare/Limo/Taxi Services

N

536007

Transportation Services

Limo, taxi, or rideshare transportation/driver services

Vehicle Lease

Y

532200

Equipment Rental

Leased vehicles not managed through UC San Diego Fleet Services

Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Services

N

532304

Motor Vehicle Srvcs and Maint

Oil checks, maintenance, or repair on vehicles

 

Vehicle Purchase under 5K

Y

525903

Capital Exp - Vehicles(Automotive)-Dmv Registered

Vehicles purchased (not leased)

Vehicle Purchase over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

525903

Capital Exp - Vehicles(Automotive)-Dmv Registered

Vehicles purchased (not leased)

Vehicle Rental

Y

532200

Equipment Rental

Vehicles rented (not leased) with no driver services

Vehicle Repair Parts/Materials 

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

Repair supplies for oil checks, maintenance, or vehicle repair

Clinical Trials Services

N

530106

Lab - Test & Diagnostic Services

Clinical Conductor Site Software applications, assay diagnostic to determine clinical trial endpoint, storage of clinical trial records, clinical trial consent form translation

Clinical Trials Supplies

Y

520500

Medical Care Materials and Supplies

Test tubes, labelers, diagnostic equipment, study-related drugs

Controlled Substances/Narcotics

Y

520351

Controlled Drugs/Narcotics

Acetic anhydride, Benzyl chloride, Acetone, Hydrochloric acid

DNA/RNA/Oligo Sequencing Services

N

522401

Lab Supplies

ELISA assay, RNA Oligo Purification, IDT Oligo, M-MuLV Reverse Transcriptase

DNA/RNA/Oligos/Antibodies

Y

522401

Lab Supplies

Immunoprecipitation Kit, GSK3 antibody, ARAF

Drugs/Pharmaceutical Products

N

520350

Pharmaceuticals

Neosporin, Benadryl, Rimantadine, Proleukin

Lab Animals

Y

522402

Laboratory/Research Animals

Mice, rats, swine

Lab Animals Services 

N

530101

Professional Services

Domestic animal transfer, serum samples diagnostic, fetal genetic enginering

Lab Animals Supplies

Y

522401

Lab Supplies

Feeders, pellets, brittle, ear tags

Lab Chemicals/Reagents

Y

522400

Chemicals

Ethyl alcohol, hydorgen peroxide, sodium chloride

Lab Equipment under 5K

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Thermal cyclers, hotplates, balances, multichannel pipettes

Lab Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Centrifuges, ULT freezers, microscope systems

Lab Equipment Capital Lease 

Y

532200

Equipment Rental

Capital equipment leases

Lab Equipment Maintenance/Repair Parts

Y

522300

Repair Materials & Parts

A replacement part that must be purchased for an equipment repair

Lab Equipment Maintenance/Repair Services

N

532300

Repairs, Alterations, Maintenance

Service agreements, equipment repair (labor)

Lab Equipment Rental/Operating Lease

Y

532200

Equipment Rental

Lab equipment rentals, scope rental

Lab Gases

Y

522401

Lab Supplies

Dry ice, liquid nitrogen, Helium

Lab Supplies

Y

522401

Lab Supplies

Test tubes, pipette tips, gloves, masks, consumables

Lab Testing Kits/Assays

Y

522401

Lab Supplies

Testing kits, assays, library prep kits, sequencing kits

Lab Testing/Diagnostic Services

N

530106

Lab - Test & Diagnostic Services

Sample analysis services, data analysis services, lab tests, studies performed by supplier

Medical/Surgical Supplies

Y

523200

Other Non-Medical Supplies

Scalpels, gowns, syringes, lumbar kits, HIV test kit

Chartered Vessel

N

536007

Transportation Services

Hired or freighted ships

Marine/Ship Equipment under 5K

Y

522403

Marine Supplies

Radar equipment, GPS receivers

Marine/Ship Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Radar equipment, GPS receivers

Marine/Ship Fuel

Y

532306

Fuel and Lube

Fuel for ships or marine vessels

Marine/Ship Repair

N

530107

Marine Services

Repair services for ships or marine vessels

Marine/Ship Services

N

530107

Marine Services

Services other than repair performed on ships or marine vessels

Marine/Ship Supplies

Y

522403

Marine Supplies

Ship safety supplies, life jackets, life boats

Food/Beverage

N

522002

Food

Coffee

Handling

Y

539100

Transportation and Shipping Srvcs

Package handling, packing, or tracking services

Shipping

N

539100

Transportation and Shipping Srvcs

Package shipping services

Books

Y

522500

Printed Items and Other Classroom Aids

Publications

Document Storage/Shredding

N

532303

Custodial Services

Shredding: One time purge, recurring weekly, monthly, etc. shredding charges.   Data storage for   clinical trial research documents, HR information, Financial reports

Furniture under 5K

Y

522303

Furniture <$5K

chairs, workstations accessories, modular furniture

Furniture over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Wood Conference tables, modular furniture

Mail/Postage/Messenger

N

522200

Mail/Postage/Messenger Services

Messenger/mail/postage services for promotional materials

Office Equipment under 5K

Y

522301

Equipment <$5K

Fax Machines, HP printers, Shredding machines, safes 

Office Equipment over 5K (Inventorial)

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Scan, Printer, Fax Multi Function Machine

Office Supplies

Y

522201

Office Supplies

Paper trucks or Printed Envelopes over $5k

Packaging Materials

Y

522201

Office Supplies

Bubble Wrap, Packing Boxes, Tapes made be consider MRO not Office Supplis

Printer/Copier Maintenance

Y

163003

Capital Exp - Inventorial Equipment

Maintenance or repair on printers and copiers

Printer/Copier Rental

Y

522201

Office Supplies

 

Printed/Copied Materials

Y

539000

Printing and Reproduction Services

Printing or copying services not related to printer or copier rental

Promotional Items/Merchandise

N

530101

Professional Services

Logos, t-shirts, department swag

Event Equipment Rental

Y

530104

Event Services

Tables, chairs, tablecloths

Event Site Rental

Y

530104

Event Services

porta-potty rentals for an event, film equipment, screens

Events Management

Y

530104

Event Services

Coordination services, hosting services

Events Services (Nontaxable)

N

530104

Event Services

Nontaxable setup services or delivery of rented equipment

Events Services (Taxable)

Y

530104

Event Services

Taxable setup services or delivery of rented equipment

Installation - AV

Y

530103

Audio Visual Services

Installation of Purchased AV Hardware

Installation - Equipment

Y

530110

Installation of Equipment

Mechanical or electrical/electronic devices

Installation - Furniture

Y

530101

Professional Services

Glass walls for a conference room

Installation - Telecom

Y

534200

Communication Services

Installation of telephone desk sets

Market Research

N

530101

Professional Services

Surveying, Polling

Patient Treatment/Care

N

530101

Professional Services

Clinical Trial Analysis, kits, patient billing

Recharge - UCSD Fleet Services Vehicle Rentals

N

532200

Equipment Rental

Vehicles rented through Fleet Services

Recharge - UCSD STORE Water Cooler Rental

N

532200

Equipment Rental

Water cooler rentals, recurring water delivery through STORE

Recharge - UCSD Transportation Parking Permits

N

536007

Transportation Services

Parking permits for visitors

Security Services

N

530108

Purchased Security Services

Security for architecture projects, Security Personal example Dalai Lama, Governor

Services - Advertising/Public Relations/Promotions

N

530101

Professional Services

Marketing Agencies to promote sponsors to public

Services - Audit

N

530101

Professional Services

Taxation, management consulting, finance

Services - Clinical

N

530101

Professional Services

Integration of science theory and clinical knowledge for federal funding clinical projects

Services - Consulting

N

530101

Professional Services

Professional services in which method and deliverables are undefined

Services - Engineering/Design

N

530101

Professional Services

Building design, project or equipment design

Services - Field Research

N

530101

Professional Services

Conducting off site research

Services - Instructional/Training/Development

N

530101

Professional Services

Department retreats and trainings, extension instructors

Services - Legal

N

530700

Legal Services

Legal services

Services - Marketing

N

530101

Professional Services

Clinical assistance to identify purpose, development or product improment

Services - Media/Digital

N

530101

Professional Services

Digital photography services, design

Services - Medical

N

530101

Professional Services

Medical analysis services, ambulances, body transportation

Services - Medical Coding/Billing

N

530101

Professional Services

assistance to submit and recive payment for testing treatment and procedures for different agencies..

Services - Moving/Relocation

N

530101

Professional Services

Commercial Relocation- Moving from one building to another; Household Relocation for new employee to join UCSD

Services - Real Estate

N

530101

Professional Services

Real estate services

Services - Recruiting

N

530800

Recruiting Services

Recruitment of patients or experiment participants

Services - Temporary Employment

N

530100

Purchased Services-Temp Help

Recruitment of or payment to temporary employees

Services - Transcription

N

530101

Professional Services

Medical   converting a health professional, transcripts and genetic material   for publishing 

Services - Translation/Interpreter

N

530101

Professional Services

multilingual communication both oral and written for publishing

Trade Shows/Exhibits

N

530101

Professional Services

Trade shows, participation in exhibits