The VBN group codes
Different flowers and plants are traded under their names, each with their own product code, at the VBN auctions. For statistical purposes, the products are classified in product groups, each of which has a separate VBN group code. The group codes make it possible to obtain statistical information on different levels. The following four levels are distinguished.
- the first level indicates whether the group concerned relates to cut flowers, house plants or garden plants (application level).
- the second level is used to group products sharing a number of general characteristics (characteristics level). At this level a distinction is made between for example bulb flowers, orchids, decorative material etc.
- the third level is used to classify products according to genus (genus level).
- the fourth level classifies the products on the basis of species, type of flower or auctioning unit.
For example
The numbers at level 1 have the following meanings:
1 = cut flowers
2 = house plants
3 = garden plants
The numbers at level 2 have the following meanings in combination with the groep of cut flowers:
1 01 = cut flowers
1 02 = shrubs for forcing
1 03 = bulbous and tuberous flowers
1 04 = chrysanthemums
1 05 = orchids
1 07 = decorative greenery/berry shrubs other
1 10 = decoration materials
The numbers at level 2 have the following meanings in combination with the group of house plants:
2 01 = berry/fruit-bearing plants
2 02 = flowering plants
2 03 = bulbous/tuberous plants
2 04 = bromelias
2 05 = cactus/succulents
2 06 = green plants
2 07 = conifers
2 09 = orchids
2 10 = palm trees
2 11 = ferns
2 12 = carnivorous plants
2 13 = arrangementen
2 99 = other house plants
The numbers at level 2 have the following meanings in combination with the group of garden plants:
3 02 = conifers
3 05 = trees/shrubs/climbers
3 06 = patio house plants
3 09 = annual and biennial bedding plants
3 10 = perennials
3 14 = arrangementen
3 16 = decoration materials
3 17 = dry bulbs and tubers
