How to check if a product has an NSN by its reference number?

The number is searched using the reference number and the manufacturer's NCAGE in NATO catalogues. State the name, reference number, and manufacturer in the form; we will check it for free and advise if the product or its equivalent is codified.

Is an NCAGE required to obtain an NSN?

Yes. A product's reference number in the NATO catalogue is linked to the manufacturer's NCAGE code, and an active NCAGE is a mandatory field in the codification request. If you lack a code, we will obtain it in parallel.

Who submits the codification application?

The procedure depends on the country. In Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine conducts codification, and we prepare and submit the package. In Germany and the USA, the procurement authority usually submits the request, while the manufacturer participates through the contract. We determine the route for your product at the first stage.

What documents are needed for defence equipment codification?

The manufacturer's NCAGE, reference number, and technical documentation. The Ukrainian route requires technical specifications in the «Технічні умови України» database, a test programme and methods, test certificates and reports, as well as design and operational documentation in Ukrainian.

How to codify UAVs or EW equipment?

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine codifies unmanned systems and EW equipment under Procedure No. 345 with the specifics of Resolution No. 1275. From 2026, the manufacturer approves the technical specifications, and an extract from the Catalogue of Items of Supply is accepted as a document for selection and contracting.

How does an NSN differ from a NIIN and a CAGE?

A NIIN consists of the last 9 digits of an NSN without the supply class. A CAGE and an NCAGE are company codes: CAGE is assigned in the USA, while NCAGE is used in other NATO system countries. An NSN designates a product, whereas CAGE and NCAGE designate its manufacturer or supplier.

The product is already codified by another country. Do we need a new number?

A new number is not assigned: the purchasing country is registered as a user nation of the existing NSN. We check this at the first stage.

Should every product variant be codified?

Every item of supply with different characteristics gets its own NSN assigned. Interchangeable products from different manufacturers are recorded under a single NSN with their reference numbers. Variants with different sizes or configurations are usually codified separately.

What does NATO certification mean?

This is how customers usually refer to one of the procedures: getting an NSN assigned to a product, obtaining an NCAGE for a company, certifying a quality system under AQAP-2110, or confirming STANAG compliance. Note what the customer requires in the form, or leave the choice to us.

Does an NSN grant the right to supply products to the army?

An NSN is a product identifier in the catalogue. Supplying requires a contract or winning a tender, and some procurements also demand supplier registration, for example in the NSPA Source File. In Ukraine, an extract from the Catalogue of Items of Supply is accepted as a procurement document for unmanned systems and EW equipment.

How to Get an NSN for Your Product ✓ NATO Codification

Q: How long does codification take?

In our experience, it usually takes 2–4 months from the start to the number, including document preparation and testing. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reviews a properly formatted package within 10 days, while the standard time between NATO NCBs is 60 calendar days. The timeline depends on the product, government processing, and force majeure.

Q: How much does codification cost?

Government bureaus conduct codification for free. You pay for our work: preparing the package, submitting it, and managing it until the result. We discuss the cost individually after receiving your form.

Turnkey NATO product codification: we prepare the package, submit the application, and manage it until an NSN is assigned.

Since 2012 · 1000+ DUNS and 100+ NCAGE registrations for clients · our own NCAGE KD8H7 and DUNS 23-021-9973 · free existing NSN check

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Summary

An NSN (NATO Stock Number) is a 13-digit product number in the NATO catalogue. An NCAGE is a five-character company code.
The number is assigned by the National Codification Bureau (NCB) of the country where the design control authority is located. The application requires the manufacturer's NCAGE, reference number, and technical documentation.
In Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine conducts the codification of defence equipment. Since 03.03.2026, simplified procedures have been set out in CMU Resolution No. 279.
In our experience, the entire process from the contract to number assignment takes 2–4 months. The timeline depends on the product, document readiness, government processing, and force majeure.

Your situation

Choose the situation that matches yours: a brief overview of the route and the first step.

The product is already in the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine catalogue

Ukraine assigns NATO numbers with the code 61, so a product from the catalogue usually already has an NSN. The NCB registers the purchasing country as a user nation of this number. Send us the number from the extract, and we will check it for free and advise what the buyer needs.

Example. A 5 kW generator is already in the Ministry of Defence catalogue with a NATO number. A Polish distributor asks for the NSN for a contract. We check the number against the catalogue, pass the supplier data to the buyer, and the Polish bureau registers as a user of the number.

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The customer is a NATO country army or agency

The number is assigned by the NCB of the design control authority's country. For a Ukrainian manufacturer, this is the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. The request usually comes from the customer country's NCB. We prepare the package and NCAGE, and manage the process until the number is assigned.

Example. The Lithuanian army orders radio equipment from a Ukrainian manufacturer. The Lithuanian bureau sends a request to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. The manufacturer already has an NCAGE, so we prepare the technical package in English and follow it through to number assignment.

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Joint production or a group of companies

The NCB is determined by the design control authority. We analyse who the authority is, whose NCAGE to indicate, and in which country to submit the application.

Example. A plant in Ukraine makes the housing, while a partner in Czechia holds the electronics and the drawings for the whole product. The Czech bureau assigns the number, the application lists the NCAGE of the Czech design owner, and the Ukrainian plant can be added to the number as another manufacturer.

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There is no customer yet

From 2026, codification in Ukraine proceeds without confirming a need of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We prepare the product in advance: NCAGE, technical data package, and checking existing numbers.

Example. A startup has built a drone charging station and is preparing for procurement. We obtain the NCAGE, prepare the specifications and the package, check for similar items that already have numbers, and file for codification without a contract.

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The tender mentions "NATO certification"

We analyse the requirement: NSN, NCAGE, AQAP, or STANAG. We explain what is needed for each item and manage it on a turnkey basis.

Example. A body armour tender says "NATO certification". The review shows the buyer needs an NCAGE code and test reports under STANAG 2920; an NSN is not required at the bid stage. We list each item with its timeline.

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First supply or a startup

We start with an NCAGE, which is required for any application. In parallel, we prepare the NSN package.

Example. A company is shipping thermal sights for the first time. We start with the NCAGE and collect drawings and specifications in parallel, so the NSN package can be filed as soon as the code is issued.

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How long does codification take

In our experience, the entire process from the contract to number assignment usually takes 2–4 months: preparing technical specifications and documents, testing, and subsequent review. The timeline depends on the product, document readiness, government processing, and force majeure; complex items and ammunition may take longer.

Official timeframes only apply to the review of a complete package. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reviews a properly formatted package with confirmed test characteristics within 10 days. The standard time between NATO NCBs under ACodP-1 is 60 calendar days, or 7 days for an urgent request.

If the tender is in a few weeks, send us the date and list of items. Within one working day, we will advise on the realistic route: registering as a user nation of an existing number, an urgent request between NCBs (ACodP-1 standard is 7 days), or the regular procedure.

How much does codification cost

Government bureaus conduct codification for free, including in Ukraine. You pay for our work, and the cost is discussed individually. It depends on four factors: the number of items and variants, the route (Ukraine or another country's NCB), the presence of an NCAGE, and document readiness.

We work under a contract and issue an invoice and completion certificate. To estimate the cost, three form fields or an email with a list of items are enough; we will reply within one working day.

Why clients trust us with codification

General guidelines describe the overall procedure, while the bureau checks specific packages down to the smallest detail: the link between documents and the NCAGE, reference number, class, and characteristics. This is why clients have trusted us with such procedures for years:

In business since 2012

For fourteen years, we have managed company registrations, tax and migration matters, and banking and regulatory procedures in 50+ jurisdictions. We know registry and government requirements from our own cases.

1000+ DUNS and 100+ NCAGE codes

We have completed this many registrations for clients, and obtained NSNs for client products. We resolve typical errors and prepare answers to bureau requests in advance, so the package goes into processing clean.

Our own registry numbers

Crystal Tax has its own NCAGE KD8H7 and DUNS 23-021-9973. We completed these procedures for our own company.

Delivering results

We respond to government agency comments and refine documents at no extra cost until we achieve the result. If a licence or accreditation is required, we work through an accredited partner, while we remain responsible to you for the result.

Contract and confidentiality

The scope of work, timelines, and confidentiality are set out in the contract. We disclose company, product, and contract data strictly to the extent required by the procedure.

How to get an NSN for a product: our workflow

The NATO codification process consists of six stages, and we manage all of them ourselves.

NATO codification process flowchart: questionnaire, free NSN verification, NCB route, technical data package, submission and NSN assignment — How to get an NSN for a product with Crystal Tax

Diagnostics. We clarify what the customer requires: an NSN, NCAGE, AQAP, STANAG, or specific tender conditions.
Free number check. We search for an NSN for the product and its equivalents. If the product is already codified, the NCB registers the purchasing country as a user nation of the existing number.
Route. We determine the responsible NCB and the request procedure for your country and the customer's country.
Technical data package. We verify that the documents originate from the manufacturer, contain a reference number, and allow determining the item name (INC) and class (NSC). We prepare the characteristics description and translations.
Submission and support. We submit the package, respond to NCB requests, and refine documents based on comments at no extra cost.
Result. We verify the assigned NSN and catalogue data, and explain how to state the number in tenders and deliveries.

Documents required for codification

Codification requires the manufacturer's NCAGE, reference number, and technical documentation from the manufacturer, which determine the product's name and class.

Metal part on a workbench next to a technical drawing and calliper: preparing a technical data package for the NATO codification process — A reference number and manufacturer technical data package are required to get an NSN assigned

Basic package

The manufacturer's NCAGE code. If you are a supplier, yours is also required.
The reference number (P/N) exactly as stated in the documentation and labelling.
Manufacturer's documentation: drawing, specification, technical specifications, or datasheet, with a logo and details matching the NCAGE data.
Documents in English or the manufacturer's national language.
Customer details: a tender, contract, or letter demanding an NSN.

For the Ukrainian route

Technical specifications approved by the manufacturer and entered into the «Технічні умови України» database.
Test programme and methods, test certificate, and test reports.
Design and operational documentation, description with tactical and technical characteristics.
Documents in Ukrainian.

What is an NSN (NATO Stock Number)

An NSN (NATO Stock Number) is a 13-digit item of supply number in the NATO catalogue, used by armies to order, store, and track products. Therefore, the customer includes the NSN requirement in the technical specification, tender, or contract.

Number structure

Here is an example from the Ukrainian Codification Procedure: 1005-61-123-4567.

NATO Stock Number (NSN) structure using 1005-61-123-4567 as an example: supply class, NCB code, sequential number — NSN structure using an example from the Ukrainian Codification Procedure

1005 — the class according to the NATO Supply Classification (NSC): 10 is the weapons group, 1005 covers firearms up to 30 mm.
61 — the code of the National Codification Bureau that assigned the number. 61 is Ukraine, 12 is Germany, 43 is Poland, 99 is the UK, 00 and 01 are the USA.
123-4567 — a sequential number with no semantic meaning.

NSN, NIIN, and reference number

The NIIN consists of the last 9 digits of the NSN: the bureau code and the sequential number. The manufacturer's reference number (P/N) is linked to the NSN along with the manufacturer's NCAGE code. Therefore, the product is found in the catalogue by its reference number.

How to find an NSN by reference number

The number presence is checked by the reference number and the manufacturer's NCAGE in NATO catalogues. We perform this check for clients for free: if the product or its equivalent is already codified, a new number is unnecessary.

NSN and NCAGE: what is the difference

An NCAGE is a five-character company code, while an NSN is a 13-digit product number. An active manufacturer's NCAGE is mandatory for an NSN application: the product's reference number in the catalogue is linked to the manufacturer's code. How to get an NCAGE code.

"NATO certification" context: NSN, NCAGE, AQAP, STANAG

Customers usually mean one of these procedures when they ask for product certification. They have different outcomes:

Procedure	What it confirms	Who receives it	When it is required
NSN	Identifies a product in the NATO catalogue	Product	The customer requires the number in the specification, tender, or contract
NCAGE	Identifies a company: manufacturer, supplier, or developer	Company	Before codification, for SAM.gov, NSPA, and defence tenders
AQAP-2110	Company quality system meeting NATO requirements based on ISO 9001. The certificate is issued by an accredited body	Company	The customer demands a certified quality system
STANAG	Technical interoperability of the product with a NATO standard	Product	The specification refers to a specific standard, confirmed by testing
NSPA Source File	Supplier registration in the NSPA database	Company	Participation in NSPA tenders

If the customer requires several items, we will draw up a joint plan and manage them on a turnkey basis, arranging the AQAP audit through an accredited partner. NSPA and NATO Bonfire registration.

Who assigns the NSN

An NSN is assigned by the National Codification Bureau (NCB) of the country where the design control authority is located. The rules are uniform for 66 system countries — 32 NATO members and 34 sponsored nations — and are set out in the ACodP-1 manual of the AC/135 committee. The process is usually initiated by the buyer: the customer country's NCB sends a request to the manufacturer country's NCB.

Ukraine

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine conducts the codification of defence equipment; Ukraine has been a Tier 2 sponsored nation since 2019. The product is entered into the Catalogue of Items of Supply and assigned a NATO Stock Number. Details are provided in the section on codification in Ukraine below.

Poland

Codification usually occurs as part of a contract: the contractor submits technical data to the national bureau at the customer's request.

Germany

The procurement authority submits the request; the manufacturer participates through the customer and the contract.

United Kingdom

The UKNCB codifies products under Ministry of Defence contracts and supplies to NATO countries. The bureau has suspended a separate commercial service for exporters.

USA

The procurement authority usually submits the request, while the manufacturer provides data through the contract.

Production outside NATO countries

The number is assigned by the NCB of the country that purchases and uses the product.

We will tell you which NCB is responsible for your product and who should submit the request after you complete the form. We check for an existing NSN for free.

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Defence equipment codification in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine conducts the codification of defence equipment under Procedure No. 345: the product is entered into the Catalogue of Items of Supply and gets an NSN assigned. Unmanned systems and electronic warfare (EW) equipment follow the specifics of Resolution No. 1275, while ammunition is covered by Procedure No. 902.

Codification of UAVs and EW equipment

Unmanned systems and EW equipment are codified under Procedure No. 345 with the specifics of Resolution No. 1275. An extract from the Catalogue of Items of Supply is accepted as a document for qualification selection and contracting.

What changed in 2026

Since 03.03.2026, CMU Resolution No. 279 has been in effect:

the manufacturer approves the technical specifications and enters them into the «Технічні умови України» database, without needing Ministry of Defence approval;
codification proceeds without confirming a need of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; the need is checked when items are added to procurement lists;
an extract from the Catalogue of Items of Supply is accepted as a procurement document for unmanned systems and EW equipment;
ammunition is codified within 10 days of receiving the technical specifications, without repeated demonstration tests if the customer participated in preliminary ones.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has also published a draft of a new Item of Supply Codification Procedure. We track it and incorporate changes into our workflow.

Extract from the Catalogue of Items of Supply

After codification, the product gets an NSN assigned, and the manufacturer receives an extract from the Catalogue. This is used in tenders and contracts, so we verify the extract data against the product documents.

Why codification applications are returned

Applications are mostly returned due to documents lacking a reference number, an inactive NCAGE, or an already existing number.

The product is already codified by another country.
The documents are unrelated to the manufacturer or lack a reference number.
The NCAGE is inactive, or its name and address are outdated.
Characteristics are stated without supporting tests.
The documents are in a language the NCB does not accept.

We resolve these issues before submission.

How to start

Complete the form online or in DOCX: we will contact you within one working day, check if the product has an NSN for free, and confirm the route.

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Other services for suppliers

Getting an NCAGE codeObtaining an organisation code or updating an existing record. An active NCAGE is a prerequisite for codification.Read more →

SAM.gov, TED, NATO Bonfire, NSPARegistration on government and defence procurement platforms.Read more →

NSPA ePortal registrationSource File registration and an eProcurement account with NSPA.Read more →

Getting a DUNS numberA D-U-N-S number for tenders, foreign partners, Apple, and Google Play.Read more →

Trademarks abroadRegistering your product brand in the markets you supply.Read more →

Legal opinionsWritten opinions on tender, counterparty, or regulatory requirements.Read more →

Sources and legal framework

ACodP-1, NATO Manual on Codification, July 2026 edition (NSPA, AC/135); AC/135: NATO Codification System FAQ; NCS codes chart; Постанова КМУ № 345 (Порядок постачання товарів оборонного призначення) (CMU Resolution No. 345 (Procedure for the Supply of Defence Equipment)); Постанова КМУ № 279 від 02.03.2026 (CMU Resolution No. 279 of 02.03.2026); Постанова КМУ № 1275 від 11.11.2022 (CMU Resolution No. 1275 of 11.11.2022); Наказ Міноборони № 673 «Порядок кодифікації предметів постачання» (діє; проєкт нової редакції від 03.02.2026) (Ministry of Defence Order No. 673 “Item of Supply Codification Procedure” (active; draft new edition of 03.02.2026)). Material checked and updated on 25.09.2026.

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How long does codification take

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