commodityCode

The commodityCode element is an optional child of the lineItemData element, which specifies the Identifier assigned by the card acceptor that categorizes the purchased item. Although the schema defines it as an optional child of the enhancedData element, it is required by Visa for Level III interchange rates.

Type = String; minLength = 1; maxLength = 12

Parent Elements:

lineItemData

Attributes:

None

Child Elements:

None

A commodity code is a numeric code representing a particular product or service. The code can be 3, 5, 7, or 11 digits in length. The longer the code the more granular the description of the product/service. For example, code 045 is used for Appliances and Equipment, Household Type, while code 04506 represents the sub-set of Appliances, Small Electric. The codes are issued by the NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. Their site, NIGP, offers a subscription based code search engine, as well as downloadable lists for purchase. You can also find many lists published online by performing a simple search on “Commodity Codes”.