Buyers demand standardised product data, and the BMEcat format is the answer. This article covers everything you need for an error-free implementation. Suppliers use it to provide structured ranges to their customers, which lets companies digitalise B2B procurement processes in e-commerce end to end.
Implementing BMEcat successfully
Planning to adopt BMEcat, or looking to improve existing catalogues? In a free initial consultation we clarify requirements, standards and integration options for your system landscape.
What is BMEcat?
BMEcat is an XML-based standard for the digital exchange of product data.
The German Association for Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (BME) initiated this catalogue standard in 1999 together with the Fraunhofer Institute (IAO Stuttgart) and the University of Duisburg-Essen.
XML technology provides the basis for machine readability. IT systems process the item information automatically, and target systems import the files without manual intervention. That drives error rates in data transfer to zero.
How is the BMEcat format structured?
A BMEcat document starts with the root element BMECAT. The file consists of two main areas, each with its own function. That separation is what makes automated processing possible.
1. Header
The header carries information about the catalogue and identifies the document. Suppliers store metadata here, including catalogue ID, version and creation date. The header also defines default values such as currency and language, and it holds the address information of sender (supplier) and recipient (buyer).
2. Transaction part
The transaction part determines the scope of the data transfer. The BMEcat specification defines three transaction types, each serving a distinct use case:
T_NEW_CATALOG: transfers a new product catalogue. The system creates products in the target system. The catalogue contains product data, prices and classifications.
T_UPDATE_PRODUCTS: updates product data. Suppliers use this type for changed descriptions or attributes, which reduces the data volume.
T_UPDATE_PRICES: updates price data. The system transmits changed prices and conditions without the item master data.
Multimedia data and supporting documents (MIME_INFO)
Buyers expect visual and technical supporting information. The MIME_INFO element links this data to the catalogue while the files themselves are transferred separately, referenced from the catalogue. The element carries details of product images, data sheets, safety data sheets or company logos, with the supplier defining the type and purpose of each file.
The specification uses MIME types such as image/jpeg for images or application/pdf for documents. The MIME_PURPOSE attribute controls how the target system displays the file, distinguishing between a thumbnail, a normal image and a data sheet.
Which BMEcat versions exist?
In practice the market uses two main versions. Which one applies depends on the buyer’s technical requirements. Modern software solutions export catalogues into both formats flexibly.
BMEcat 1.2
BMEcat 1.2 is the established standard in the German-speaking market. Leading procurement platforms such as Mercateo require this format. The version transfers basic item master data, simple price structures and image references, and suits standardised procurement processes.
BMEcat 2005
BMEcat 2005 meets complex B2B requirements. As an extension of the base standard it combines multilingual catalogues in a single file. Suppliers use it to represent configurable products and dynamic pricing models. The format also transfers detailed logistics data such as dimensions, weights and customs tariff numbers, and it supports connecting external catalogues through OCI and PunchOut interfaces.
Future-proofing: from BMEcat to the European standard EuroCat (EN 17015-2)
When digitalising procurement processes, many companies ask whether existing catalogue formats are future-proof. BMEcat serves as the direct template for the first official European standard for digital product catalogues. The BME is publishing the new EuroCat standard (EN 17015-2) in 2026. To guarantee companies investment certainty, the association is producing an official syntax binding to BMEcat. Existing BMEcat architecture therefore stays protected and fully compatible with the upcoming European guidelines.
Integrating product classification systems
Buyers compare product data across industries, so suppliers structure their items according to common standards. This raises data quality, and platforms now require these classifications for catalogue listing.
ECLASS and UNSPSC standards
ECLASS sorts products and services into hierarchical classes. UNSPSC classifies items for global trade. Assigning item master data manually costs a lot of time, so Primus Catalog automates this mapping. The e-catalogue software enables automated creation and management of digital product catalogues. The system detects outdated or faulty classifications immediately, suppliers correct the data in a few clicks, and the software stores the assignment for future uploads.
ETIM and BMEcat
Electrical wholesale prefers the ETIM standard. This classification describes electrotechnical items with specific technical attributes. ETIM International publishes its own guidelines that define exact requirements for the XML structure. Specialised BMEcat software processes these industry-specific requirements without errors.
BMEcat guidelines and mandatory fields
The BME publishes official BMEcat guidelines, which suppliers obtain as a download. These guidelines define the technical requirements for data exchange and govern the use of mandatory fields and optional attributes.
Mandatory fields include item numbers, descriptions and order units. Purchasing platforms insist on compliance, and missing mandatory fields cause error messages during catalogue import.
Primus Catalog checks these requirements before export and validates the data automatically. Specialised e-procurement partners such as Pro3Con additionally support the implementation of these standards, helping suppliers avoid platform rejections.
Advantages of the BMEcat format
- Standardisation: one common format replaces laborious bilateral agreements between suppliers and customers.
- One-off effort: suppliers implement the catalogue export exactly once and can then serve any number of customers.
- Fewer errors: purchasing systems process the files without manual input, which cuts the error rate in data transfer drastically.
- Time saved: automated processing speeds up updates to product information.
- Cost savings: standard interfaces replace expensive bespoke programming, measurably reducing process costs.
- Scalability: the format handles continually growing ranges and customer numbers efficiently.
BMEcat in the system landscape (ERP & PIM)
The format connects different IT systems in product data management. PIM systems manage product data centrally; ERP systems supply stock and prices. BMEcat software bundles this information and exports it to different sales channels. The structure ensures consistent information across all systems.
Connecting to e-procurement platforms (SAP Ariba, Mercateo, Coupa)
Buyers use e-procurement systems for ordering, and cloud-based procurement optimisation plays a decisive role here. Platforms such as SAP Ariba, Mercateo Unite, Jaggaer or Coupa require structured catalogue data, and BMEcat serves that requirement as the standard format. Suppliers transfer their catalogue files to the platforms via API, FTP or SFTP, the systems read the product data automatically, and buyers then order the items directly from their ERP system.
Automating BMEcat catalogues with Primus Catalog
Manual catalogue maintenance costs time and produces errors. Primus Catalog by Pro3Con automates this process entirely. The cloud-based system imports product data flexibly from ERP or PIM systems and maps the data fields automatically. The tool checks catalogues against ECLASS and UNSPSC standards.
Faulty classifications are flagged immediately. Suppliers then export error-free catalogues in formats such as BMEcat 1.2, BMEcat 2005, Ariba CIF or CSV. Automated validation prevents platform rejections.
Integration with PunchOut catalogues
Buyers want dynamic real-time data, and PunchOut connections meet that requirement. PunchOut catalogues connect e-procurement systems directly with supplier webshops, so buyers reach the supplier’s shop straight from their e-procurement system.
Primus PunchOut generates these interfaces in under 30 seconds and complements the other cloud-based procurement solutions from Pro3Con.
The software supports the OCI 4.0, OCI 5.0 and cXML standards, delivering customer-specific prices and stock levels in real time. Suppliers combine static BMEcat catalogues with dynamic PunchOut processes.
Read everything about connecting the OCI interface
Primus Exclusion: steering customer-specific ranges
Customers often need specific product ranges. Primus Exclusion automates this whitelisting process. Suppliers publish a complete catalogue online, the customer selects the items they want through a shop interface, and the software then generates the final catalogue automatically. This removes time-consuming coordination by email or spreadsheet and lets suppliers scale their B2B business with far less effort.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the BMEcat format
What is the BME?
BME stands for “Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e.V.”, the German association for supply chain management, procurement and logistics. It represents around 10,000 buyers and logistics professionals in Europe, is the official initiator of the BMEcat catalogue format and promotes the digitalisation of European B2B procurement processes.
What is a BME catalogue (BMEcat)?
A BME catalogue (BMEcat) is a standardised, XML-based exchange format for electronic product catalogues in B2B. Suppliers and buyers use this digital standard to exchange item data, prices and multimedia documents between different IT systems automatically and without errors.
Which BMEcat version should I use?
That depends on the buyer’s requirements. BMEcat 1.2 is the widely adopted industry standard and procurement platforms such as Mercateo require it. BMEcat 2005 transfers additional information such as complex logistics data, configurable products or multilingual content.
What is the difference between BMEcat and ETIM?
BMEcat is the technical transport format – the envelope. ETIM is a classification standard – the content. ETIM defines the technical properties of electrotechnical items, and BMEcat files transfer this ETIM-classified data to the recipient in a structured way.
How long does creating a BMEcat take with software?
With specialised software such as Primus Catalog, creating a valid BMEcat catalogue takes only a few minutes. The system maps and validates the information immediately, and the error-free BMEcat is then ready for export or API transfer.