NATO Codification Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the NATO supply and codification terms behind every NATO Stock Number. Written by Dibblee Industries — a SAM- and ITAR-registered Canadian supplier (NCAGE L0TZ1) that has worked inside this system since 1940.

NSN NATO Stock Number

A NATO Stock Number (NSN) is a 13-digit code that uniquely identifies a standardized item of supply used by NATO and allied armed forces. It is structured as a 4-digit Federal Supply Class, a 2-digit National Codification Bureau code, and a 7-digit item number, assigned under the NATO Codification System.

NIIN NATO Item Identification Number

A NATO Item Identification Number (NIIN) is the last 9 digits of an NSN — a 2-digit National Codification Bureau code plus a 7-digit serial. The NIIN identifies the item itself independent of its Federal Supply Class, so it stays constant even if the item is reclassified.

FSC Federal Supply Class

A Federal Supply Class (FSC) is the first 4 digits of an NSN — a code that groups items of supply into roughly 650 classes by commodity type. For example, FSC 4010 is Chain & Wire Rope. The first 2 digits of the FSC are the Federal Supply Group.

FSG Federal Supply Group

A Federal Supply Group (FSG) is the first 2 digits of a Federal Supply Class — the top level of the supply classification, dividing all items into about 80 broad groups. For example, FSG 40 covers Rope, Cable, Chain & Fittings, which contains classes such as FSC 4010 and FSC 4030.

NCAGE NATO Commercial and Government Entity code

A NCAGE code is a 5-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a manufacturer or supplier organization within the NATO Codification System. Dibblee Industries holds NCAGE L0TZ1. Inside the United States the equivalent identifier is the CAGE code.

FLIS Federal Logistics Information System

The Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS) is the United States Defense Logistics Agency's master database of NATO Stock Numbers, holding item characteristics, management data, and the suppliers associated with each NSN. It is the authoritative US source from which NSN records are drawn.

NMCRL NATO Master Catalogue of References for Logistics

The NATO Master Catalogue of References for Logistics (NMCRL) is NATO's master catalogue of NATO Stock Numbers and NCAGE codes across all member nations, published by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). It is the alliance-wide reference for cross-referencing items between national supply systems.

DEMIL Demilitarization code

A demilitarization (DEMIL) code is assigned to an item to indicate the degree of destruction or control required before it can be disposed of, ensuring military property is not released improperly. Codes range from no demilitarization required to mandatory total destruction, and govern surplus and disposal decisions.