NATO Codification: How to Get an NSN for Your Product 2026

Summary

Summary by chapter

  • NSN = supply class (NSC) + bureau code + sequential number; the last 9 digits are the NIIN.
  • NCAGE is a five-character company code; an active manufacturer NCAGE is required for an NSN application.
  • The NSN is assigned by the National Codification Bureau of the country where the design control authority is located. Ukraine: NCB code 61, Tier 2 sponsored nation since 2019, codification by the Ministry of Defence; simplified procedures under CMU Resolution No. 279 since 03.03.2026.
  • Usually, in our experience, it takes 2–4 months from contract to NSN assignment, depending on the product, document readiness, government processing and force majeure; complex items and ammunition may take longer.

  1. What is an NSN

    NATO Codification. Getting a NATO Stock Number (NSN) for your product

    A 13-digit product number in the NATO catalogue

    Armies use it to order, store and track the product

    Voice-over: Need a NATO Stock Number for your product? Here is how to get one. An NSN is 13 digits in the NATO catalogue. Armies use it to order, store and track your product.

  2. Number structure: 1005-61-123-4567

    1005
    Supply class (NSC)
    61
    NCB code: 61 — Ukraine
    123-4567
    Sequential number

    NIIN — 9 digits.

    Example from the Ukrainian Codification Procedure

    Voice-over: The first four digits are the supply class. 61 is the bureau code for Ukraine. Then comes a sequential number, and the last 9 digits form the NIIN.

  3. NSN vs NCAGE

    NCAGE
    company code5 charactersKD8H7 · Crystal Tax NCAGE
    NSN
    product number13 digits1005-61-123-4567 · example from the Procedure

    An active manufacturer NCAGE is required for an NSN application

    Voice-over: An NCAGE is a five-character company code. The NSN identifies the product itself. To apply, the manufacturer needs an active NCAGE.

  4. Who assigns the NSN, Ukraine and CMU Resolution No. 279

    The NSN is assigned by the National Codification Bureau of the country where the design control authority is located

    61
    Ukraine: NCB code 61; Tier 2 sponsored nation since 2019; Codification by the Ministry of Defence
    2026
    Since 03.03.2026 — simplified procedures under CMU Resolution No. 279

    Voice-over: Who assigns it? The bureau of the country where the design documentation owner is located. In Ukraine, that’s the Ministry of Defence, and since March 2026 the procedure is simpler.

  5. How we get your NSN: 6 steps

    1. Questionnaire & requirement analysisWe clarify what the customer requires: NSN, NCAGE, AQAP, STANAG or tender conditions
    2. Free NSN verificationWe search for an NSN for the product and its equivalents
    3. Route: NCB and request procedureWe determine the responsible NCB for your country and the customer’s
    4. Technical data package & NCAGEManufacturer documents with reference number, characteristics, translations
    5. Submission and NCB requestsWe refine documents based on comments at no extra cost
    6. NSN assigned, catalogue extractWe verify the assigned NSN and catalogue data

    Does an NSN already exist? Yes: Buyer nation registered as a user of the NSN.

    Voice-over: We handle the whole process. We clarify what your customer requires and check for free whether an NSN already exists. If it does, the buyer nation is registered as a user. If not, we find the right bureau, prepare the package, submit it and answer requests at no extra cost. Finally, we verify the number in the catalogue.

  6. How long codification takes

    Usually, in our experience, 2–4 months from contract to NSN assignment

    Timing depends on the product, document readiness, government processing and force majeure.

    Voice-over: How long does it take? In our experience, usually 2–4 months. Timing depends on the product, the documents and government processing.

  7. Free NSN check

    We will check for free whether your product already has an NSN

    Fill in the questionnaire on the service page.

    Since 2012 · 1000+ DUNS and 100+ NCAGE registrations for clients

    Voice-over: Let’s start simple: we’ll check for free whether your product already has an NSN. Fill in the questionnaire at crystal.tax, and we’ll reply within one working day.

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