NATO product codification and obtaining an NSN

Crystal Tax supports product codification in the NATO system. We help to obtain an NSN (NATO Stock Number) for an item, compile technical data and guide the application through the national codification bureau. We work with manufacturers, developers and suppliers who already have an NCAGE code or are obtaining one concurrently.

Work begins with the customer's requirement. "NATO product certification" often refers to various procedures: NSN assignment, AQAP quality system, STANAG compliance or specific tender conditions. In the form, you can indicate exactly what the buyer requested or leave the choice to us.

NSN and NCAGE: what is the difference

An NCAGE is a 5-digit organisation code for a manufacturer, supplier or developer. An NSN is a 13-digit number for a specific item of supply in the NATO catalogue. NATO armies and agencies use NSNs to order, store and account for property, hence a customer may require the number in the technical specification or contract.

An NCAGE is required for codification. The item's P/N in the catalogue is linked to the manufacturer's code, and an active NCAGE is a mandatory field in the request. It does not assign a number to the item on its own. How to obtain an NCAGE code.

How an NSN is structured

An example from the Ukrainian codification procedure: 1005-61-123-4567.

• 1005 is the class according to the NATO Supply Classification (NSC): 10 is the "Weapons" group, 1005 is firearms up to 30 mm.
• 61 is the code of the national bureau that assigned the number. 61 is Ukraine, 12 is Germany, 43 is Poland, 99 is the United Kingdom, 00 and 01 are the USA.
• 123-4567 is a sequentially assigned number with no inherent meaning.

Who assigns an NSN

The number is assigned by the National Codification Bureau (NCB) of the country where the design authority is located. The rules are uniform across the 66 countries in the system: 32 NATO members and 34 sponsored nations. They are established by the AC/135 committee in the ACodP-1 manual.

The standard route is initiated by the buyer: the customer country's bureau sends a request to the manufacturer country's bureau, and the manufacturer provides technical data and confirms the P/N. The procedure for the manufacturer depends on the country:

• Ukraine. Codification is conducted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. The country has been a full member of the system (Tier 2) since 2019. With a complete and correctly formatted package, the timeframe is up to 10 working days. Unmanned systems and electronic warfare (EW) equipment follow a separate procedure under Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 1275.
• United Kingdom. Codification for export is processed as a paid service by the UKNCB.
• Germany, USA. The request is submitted by the purchasing authority; the manufacturer works through the customer and the contract.
• Poland and other EU countries. Codification usually occurs within a contract: the contractor submits data to the national bureau at the customer's request.
• Manufacturing outside the NATO system. The number is assigned by the bureau of the country that purchases and uses the item.

We determine the route prior to submission: which bureau is responsible for the item, who sends the request and what documents will be required.

What our support includes

1. Task diagnostics. We clarify what the buyer requires: an NSN, AQAP, STANAG or tender conditions. We verify your company's and the manufacturer's NCAGE.
2. Search for existing numbers. We check whether the item or its equivalent has an NSN. If the item is already codified, a new number is not assigned: the purchasing country is registered as a user, and you may only need to update the manufacturer's details.
3. Codification route. We determine the responsible bureau and the request procedure for your country and the customer's country.
4. Technical package. We ensure the documents originate from the manufacturer, contain the P/N and allow identification of the item name (INC) and class (NSC). We prepare a description of the characteristics and assist with English translation.
5. Submission and clarifications. We manage the application and answer the bureau's questions to the agreed extent.
6. Result verification. We cross-check the assigned NSN and catalogue data, and explain how to indicate the number in tenders and deliveries.

What data and documents are required

• The manufacturer's NCAGE code. If you are a supplier, yours is also required.
• The Reference Number (P/N) exactly as indicated in the documentation and labelling.
• The manufacturer's technical documentation: drawing, specification, technical specifications or datasheet. The document must feature a logo and company details matching the NCAGE data, as well as the P/N.
• For the Ukrainian route: technical specifications registered in the "Technical Specifications of Ukraine" database, test programme and methods, test report and protocols, operational documents.
• Documents in English or the language of the manufacturing country. The bureau has the right to reject documents in other languages.
• Customer details: tender, contract or letter requesting an NSN.

NSN, NCAGE, AQAP, STANAG: what they mean

Customers often group these requirements under "NATO certification". In reality, these are different procedures with distinct results:

If the customer requires several items, we will draw up a comprehensive plan. Registration in NSPA and NATO Bonfire.

Why applications are returned

• The item is already codified by another country.
• The documents are not linked to the manufacturer or lack a P/N.
• The NCAGE is inactive or contains an outdated name and address.
• Characteristics are declared without supporting documents.
• Documents are drafted in a language the bureau does not accept.

We resolve these issues prior to submission.

Timeframes and costs

The timeframe depends on the country and data completeness. The ACodP-1 manual allows the bureau 60 calendar days for a standard request and 7 for an urgent one. In Ukraine, with a complete package, the Ministry of Defence quotes up to 10 working days. State bureaux in most countries codify free of charge; in the United Kingdom, the service for exporters is paid.

You pay for our work: diagnostics, package preparation, application management and result verification. We will provide the cost after the form is completed: it depends on the country, the number of items and documentation readiness.

How to start

Complete the form online or download the DOCX version. To begin, company, item and customer details are sufficient; we will request documents separately via a secure channel. What happens after the form:

1. Within one working day, we will contact you to clarify the details.
2. We will confirm the codification route, document list and cost.
3. After signing the contract, we prepare the package and manage the application until the NSN is assigned.

Complete the form

Other services for defence suppliers

Sources: ACodP-1, NATO Manual on Codification (NSPA, AC/135); AC/135: NATO Codification System FAQ; NCS codes chart: national bureau codes; Наказ Міноборони № 673 «Порядок кодифікації предметів постачання»; Постанова КМУ № 1275 від 11.11.2022. Material updated 25.09.2026.