What is the EU public procurement threshold for works contracts in 2025?

EU thresholds are revised every two years; for 2024-2025 the threshold for works contracts for central government is approximately EUR 5.538 million. Organisations should always verify the current figure published by the European Commission.

What is order splitting and why is it prohibited?

Order splitting is deliberately dividing a purchase into smaller parts to keep each below a threshold and avoid competition requirements. It is prohibited because it circumvents the controls thresholds are designed to enforce.

Do thresholds apply to contract modifications?

Yes. Material increases in scope or value can bring a previously below-threshold contract within the rules. In public procurement, modifications above defined limits may require a new competitive procedure.

Are there different thresholds for goods and services versus works?

Yes. EU directives set separate thresholds for works contracts (typically higher) and supplies and services contracts (typically lower), and they vary between central government, sub-central authorities and utilities.

How should an organisation handle a purchase that straddles a threshold?

Apply the rules triggered by the full expected contract value, not the initial order value. Where scope may grow, err on the side of the higher threshold requirements.

Procurement threshold

A spend value above which stricter procurement rules, such as multiple quotes or formal tendering, apply.

Definición

Procurement thresholds set value bands that trigger escalating requirements, from a single quote for small purchases to multiple bids or a full tender for large contracts. Public bodies also face statutory EU thresholds under the Aanbestedingswet 2012 that mandate European tendering once exceeded.

Ejemplo

Below €50,000 a single quote suffices; above it three competing offers are required, and above the EU threshold a full tender.

Por qué es un riesgo para la empresa

Thresholds that are set too high allow large purchases to escape scrutiny; thresholds set too low create bureaucratic overhead on routine purchases. Deliberate splitting of orders to stay below a threshold is a classic audit finding and can constitute procurement fraud in public-sector contexts.

Cómo gestionarlo

Set thresholds based on transaction data and audit findings, then review them when procurement volumes or organisation size change.
Enforce thresholds through system controls that block approval unless the required number of quotes is attached.
Monitor for order-splitting patterns in spend data and investigate when detected.
Keep public-sector thresholds updated when the European Commission revises EU procurement limits (typically every two years).
Document exceptions where a threshold is not triggered (for example, a single sole-source supplier) with a written rationale.

Referencias legales

Aanbestedingswet 2012 Dutch Public Procurement Act 2012

Salvo indicación en contrario, las referencias remiten al derecho neerlandés (Burgerlijk Wetboek, el Código Civil neerlandés); los instrumentos de la UE como el RGPD se aplican en toda la UE. Se trata de información general, no de asesoramiento legal. Otras jurisdicciones tratan estos conceptos de forma distinta. Verifique el texto vigente y su situación con un abogado cualificado.

Preguntas frecuentes

Preguntas comunes sobre este término.