NATO Stock Number

An NSN on the tag of a pair of trousers

A NATO Stock Number, or National Stock Number (NSN) as it is known in the US, is a 13-digit numeric code, identifying all the 'standardized material items of supply' as they have been recognized by all NATO countries. Pursuant to the NATO Standardization Agreements, the NSN has come to be used in all treaty countries. However, many countries that use the NSN program are not members of NATO (e.g. Japan, Australia and New Zealand). A two-digit Material Management Aggregation Code (MMAC) suffix may also be appended,[1] to denote asset end use but it is not considered part of the NSN. In the United Kingdom it is known as a Domestic Management Code (DMC).

An item having an NSN is said to be "stock-listed".

Structure

Structure of an NSN

The NATO Stock Number consists of the NATO Supply Class (NSC or FSC) and the National Item Identification Number (NIIN). However the NIIN alone uniquely identifies the item, the FSC merely adds context by indicating the general classification of the item. The format of an NSN might be described as follows:

abcd-ef-ghi-jklm

Each element, a through m, was originally intended to be a single decimal digit. As inventories grew in complexity, element g became alphanumeric, beginning with uppercase A for certain newly added items. By 2000, uppercase C was in use.

Federal Supply Classification Group (FSCG)

The initial subgroup, abcd, is the Federal Supply Classification Group (FSCG) [2] or National Supply Classification Group (NSCG). In theory, similar items would always have closely related numbers in this section of the NSN, no matter how the section is referred to. As the number of items has steadily increased and the system has become more complicated, it has not always been possible to keep similarity in numbers when the items are similar.

National Item Identification Number (NIIN)

The nine digits, ef-ghi-jklm, comprise the NIIN (National Item Identification Number). This format improves readability but is optional as NIINs are often listed without hyphens.

The first two digits of the NIIN (the ef pair) is used to record which country was the first to codify the item—which one first recognized it as an important item of supply. This is generally the country of origin, meaning the country of final manufacture. The formal name of the field is CC for Country Code or NCB, because NCB also stands for National Codification Bureau. The NCB is the organisation, typically a government agency, in charge of maintaining the NCS database within a given country. The other seven characters are a non-significant identification code. Following are the NCB codes:[3]

Country NCB Code(s) Country NCB Code Country NCB Code
United States 00 and 01 Hungary 51 New Zealand 98
United States (unassigned) 02 through 10 Chile 52 United Kingdom 99
NATO-standard items 11 Croatia 53
West Germany / Germany 12 Republic of North Macedonia[4] 54
Belgium 13 Latvia 55
France 14 Oman 56
Italy 15 Russian Federation 57
Czechoslovakia / Czech Republic 16 Finland 58
Netherlands 17 Albania 59
South Africa 18 Kuwait 60
Brazil 19 Ukraine 61
Canada 20 and 21 Belarus 62
Denmark 22 Morocco 63
Greece 23 Sweden 64
Iceland 24 Papua, New Guinea 65
Norway 25 Australia 66
Portugal 26 Afghanistan 67
Turkey 27 Georgia 68
Luxembourg 28 ? 69
Argentina 29 Saudi Arabia 70
Japan 30 United Arab Emirates 71
Israel 31 India 72
Singapore 32 Serbia 73
Spain 33 Pakistan 74
Malaysia 34 Bosnia-Herzegovina 75
Thailand 35 Brunei Darussalam 76
Egypt 36 Montenegro 77
Republic of Korea 37 Jordan 78
Estonia 38 Peru 79
Romania 39 Colombia 80
Slovakia 40 Qatar 81
Austria 41 Algeria 82
Slovenia 42
Poland 43
United Nations-standard items 44
Indonesia 45
Philippines 46
Lithuania 47
Fiji 48
Tonga 49
Bulgaria 50

As the list shows, users of the NCS system not only include the 29 NATO member countries, but the 34 NATO-sponsored countries as well. It is also grouped into tiers indicating participation and access.

Tier 1 Nations (Afghanistan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Republic of North Macedonia, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand) Nation has access to unclassified NSN data. There is a one-way data exchange and it does not participate in technical NCS management.[5]
Tier 2 Nations (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Serbia, Singapore, Sweden, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates) Nation has a codification system that has been certified as fully NCS compliant. There is a two-way data exchange and participation in technical NCS management.[6]
Tier 3 Nations (Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States): Nation is a NATO member and has a full membership in the NATO Codification Bureau (NCB).[7][8]
Other Nations (Fiji, Ireland, Kuwait, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago). Pakistan (74), Papua New Guinea (65) and the Philippines (46) have NCB codes but are not currently in the 1st Tier. Fiji (48), Kuwait (60), and Tonga (49) are not currently in Tier 1 and their NCB codes are no longer listed. Ireland and Trinidad and Tobago are neither in Tier 1 nor do they have assigned NCB code numbers. Ireland, Kuwait, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad and Tobago maintain connections to the NCB through a liaison office.[9]

The first countries to receive NCB code numbers were the United Kingdom (99), Australia (66), and New Zealand (98)—as they had already been involved in the program. NATO was assigned the NCB code (11) for its items as it was the next number available after the 00 to 10 block set aside for the United States' own use. Canada received (20) and (21) because it was already supplying items for the United States and the Commonwealth before the system was in place; 20 was for old and current items of supply and 21 was for new items. The NCB code (69) was issued but has been discontinued; it might have belonged to former partners Taiwan, Iran or Iraq.

Iceland (24) and Luxembourg (28) are assigned NCB codes of their own but do not use them. All of Luxembourg's transactions are catalogued by Belgium (13) and Iceland uses other nations' NSNs when they make or order any stock items.

Related Terms

Department of Defense Identification Code (DODIC)

This is an alphanumeric four-symbol code consisting of either one letter followed by three numerals (for example, A123) or two letters followed by two numerals (for example, AB12). (The numeral "Zero" (0) and the letter "O" (O) are considered the numeral "0" in the alphanumeric system to reduce confusion.) This code is shown either after the NSN or on the line underneath it on the container. The DODIC identifies the item, while the NSN identifies what type of item it is and how it is packaged and contained.

Sometimes the DODIC also contains a two-numeral NCB code prefix for the manufacturer's or repacker's country if it is different from the packager's country.

  1. A059 is the DODIC code for 5.56mm NATO M855 Ball type ammunition. The DODIC code also indicates that it is packed in 10-round stripper clips, 3 clips per cardboard spacer (3 clips / 30 rounds), and 4 spacers packed in a 4-pocket M8 bandoleer (one 3-clip spacer per pocket / 120 rounds per bandoleer). There are seven M8 bandoleers packed per recloseable metal M2A1 ammo can (840 rounds per can) and there are two M2A1 ammo cans per wire-bound plywood crate (1680 rounds per crate).
  2. Bulgaria has the NCB code number 50.
  3. Therefore, the DODIC code 50-A059 designates Bulgarian-manufactured 5.56mm NATO ammunition equivalent to 5.56mm NATO M855 Ball and packed in 10-round clips in M8 bandoleers.

Department of Defense Ammunition Code (DODAC)

The DODAC includes the 4-digit NSC of the ammunition and the 4-symbol DODIC. This is used in calculating ammunition transactions to reduce errors. It is notated on DD Form 581, DA Form 3151-R, and most ammunition reports.

  • 1305 is the NSC for Ammunition Through 30mm.
  • A059 is the DODIC code for 5.56mm NATO M855 Ball type ammunition.
  • 1305-A059 is the DODAC code for a transaction involving a batch, lot, or amount of 5.56mm NATO ammunition.

Local Stock Number (LSN)

A Local Stock Number is an experimental, substitute, or limited issue item. Its NCB code is replaced by "LL" and the first three characters of its NIIN are "L99". For instance, the experimental 5.56x45mm NSWC Crane Close Quarters Battle Receiver was originally codified as 1005-LL-L99-5996. When the weapon was codified as the Mark 18 MOD 0 Close Quarters Battle Rifle, the upper receiver received the NSN of 1005-01-498-1913.

Line Item Number (LIN)

A six-position alphanumeric code assigned by the Army Materiel Command that identifies the generic nomenclature of specific types of equipment. Standard LINs consist of one alphabetic character followed by five numeric characters. SUBLINs (SUBstitute LINs) are equivalent LIN items that can be used in the place of Primary LINs. The Department of Defense uses LINs and SUBLINs when drawing up contracts with vendors or planning budgets.

NATO Symbols

  • A container marked with a "square cross" in a circle⊕ means the item is made exactly to NATO standards and specifications.
    NATO Standard symbol
  • A container marked with a rounded "Cross pattée" means it is a substitute item that is compatible and acceptable by NATO standards.
    NATO Interchangeable symbol
  • A solid circle • indicates Ball Ammunition.
  • A empty circle made with four dashed lines ◌ indicates Blank Ammunition.
  • A horizontal Rectangle — represents Tracer Ammunition.
  • A point-up Triangle represents Armor-Piercing Ammunition.
  • A large horizontal rectangle with 5 triangles along the top (like a picket fence) indicates an ammunition charger / stripper clip. The number to the right indicates how many rounds it contains. Sometimes the Charger / Clip model designation is listed to the far right (e.g. MK 3 CGR for the 7.62mm Mark 3 Charger).
    • On old Ammo containers an oval surrounding two 4-dot lines represented an 8-round En-Bloc Charger. A narrow rectangle through the base of 5 cartridge shapes indicated a 5-round Stripper Clip.
  • A large horizontal rectangle with a voided triangle from its base represents a bandoleer. The number to the right indicates how many rounds it holds. Sometimes the bandoleer model designation is listed to the far right (e.g., M2 BDR for the 7.62mm M2 bandoleer).
  • A horizontal straight line through two circles indicates linked ammunition. The alphanumeric code after it indicates the type of links used (e.g., M27 for 5.56mm M27 links).
    • Early US Military ammunition boxes were marked with vertical rectangles or cartridge shapes lll instead. When the symbol was straight it indicated .30 ammunition and when the symbol was angled it indicated .50 ammunition. The Lot number was also marked with a "B" suffix for cloth belts or L for metal link belts.

Lot Number

The Lot Number is used for quality control. If a batch is faulty or defective, the Lot Number can be used to track down who made it, where it was made, and when it was made.

The Lot Number consists of the 1, 2, or 3-letter manufacturer's code, the two-numeral year of manufacture, the letter code - A (January) through M (December) - indicating the month, an interfix (or "batch") code that consists of 1 or more numerals, and the serial number (indicating the sequence the lot is in the batch). If the batch is disrupted for any reason (machinery overhaul or repair, product improvements initiated, or a new batch of components used in assembly) an alphabetic letter code is added at the end.

Example: Amalgamated Bio-Carbon (manufacturer code ABC) makes a batch of 40mm grenade shells in January, 2000. The batch's interfix number is 1 and its serial number is 234. The Lot Number would therefore be ABC-00-A-1-234. If part of the batch was manufactured on a different or overhauled assembly line, it would receive the Lot Number ABC-00-A-1-234A.

If the lot is made up of salvaged ammunition, it must be from the same Lot. If different ammunition types are mixed (as when ball and tracer ammunition are linked into a machinegun belt) and they originally had separate lot numbers, they must have all the ammunition lot numbers marked on the packaging. The repacker also has to put their manufacturer or military depot code and the two-digit year it was repacked on the packaging as well.

History

The NSN is an expanded version of the older Federal Stock Number (FSN), which lacked the national-origin code labeled ef above, in the second subgroup. Items predating 1974 in warehouses are frequently stenciled with FSNs. As of 1998, the system is principally administered by the Defense Logistics Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense.

Other stock numbering systems are in use within the US DoD, but as of 2005, the NSN remained the most common and least ambiguous way to identify most standardized items of supply.

Federal Stock Number

A Federal Stock Number (FSN) was an 11-digit numeric code. It was first used by the Defense Munitions Board's Cataloging Agency in 1949 to identify items in the Joint Army-Navy Catalog System. On July 7, 1952 Public Law 82-436 (Defense Cataloging and Standardization Act) was passed by the second session of the 82nd Congress. It authorized the FSN to replace the Ammunition Identification Code (AIC) and Ordnance Stock Number (OSN). The Federal Stock Number was used officially from 1953 to 1974, when it was replaced by the National Stock Number. The conversion from FSN to NSN was typically done by adding "00" between the first set of numbers (the Federal Supply Class, or FSC) and the second set of numbers.

For example, the FSN:

FSN would become NSN
3139-121-6210 -----------------> 3139-00-121-6210
8415-082-5645 -----------------> 8415-00-082-5645

NIIN / NSN Catalogs

NIIN / NSN Catalogs include a significant number of items directly associated with military equipment in general, as well as items of a more generic use. These include Electronic Components, Medical Equipment, Office Furniture, Food items, Clothing, Industrial goods (pumps, valves, motors ...) and all kinds of Fasteners (bolts, nails, rivets ...), to name a few. For this reason, catalogs have a broader appeal, beyond their original audience (Defense agencies and their direct contractors.)

The US Catalog covers in the order of 6 Million NIINs (Items of Supply) for a total of 13 Million Items of Production (Part Number + Manufacturer reference).

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (Capellen, Luxembourg) compiles on a regular basis the catalogs of several member nations, for the production of the NATO Master Catalogue of References for Logistics (NMCRL). This combined catalog, totaling 16 Million NIINs for approximately 32 Million Parts, is then published on DVD.

몇몇 회사나 정부 기관은 NIIN 카탈로그를 온라인이나 다른 매체에 게시한다. 이러한 카탈로그는 [미국] 보안상의 이유 또는 단순히 대상 청중의 관심 부족으로 인해 일부 항목 및/또는 일부 정보가 제외될 수 있기 때문에 정보의 완전성 측면에서 크게 다르다. 이러한 카탈로그의 배포는 가입 비용과 접근 또는 수출 제한 측면에서도 다양하다. 단지 "부품 번호" 조회만을 제공하는 반면, 파라메트릭 검색(물리적 치수, 재료, 색상 등 기술적 특성에 의해 구동되는 항목 검색)이나 관련 데이터 집합에 대한 링크 등의 고급 기능을 제공하는 것도 있다.

NIIN 카탈로그 뒤에 있는 데이터는 DoD의 Defense Logistics 인력에 의해 지속적으로 업데이트되고 유지되며, 정보 변화를 카탈로그로 만드는 경우가 많다. 시장에 나와 있는 일부 NIIN 카탈로그는 데이터베이스에 대한 정기적인 업데이트를 위해 제작된다. 다른 카탈로그는 동일한 데이터를 제시하지만, 현재 정부 요구 사항에 따라 업데이트되지 않는다. 예를 들어 일반적으로 변경되는 하나의 품목 요구사항은 화물과 포장(팔레트당 품목 수, 적층 높이 등)이다. 또한 주기적으로 제조업체 부품 번호가 승인된 국가 재고 번호와 연관되어 있는지 확인하는 것이 중요하다.

가상화된 NSN

특정 숫자가 마치 NSN인 것처럼 소설 작품, 특히 군사 공상과학 소설에서 언급되는 것은 전례가 없는 일이 아니다. 이것은 거짓 문서 기법을 변형시킨 것으로 볼 수 있는데, 진실한 분위기를 내기 위해 창조적으로 사용된 것이다.

  • 영화 '에이리언'의 M41A 펄스 소총은 NSN 3055-00-721-4790을 마치 진짜인 것처럼 언급되어 왔다(FSG는 부정확하지만: 30은 기계식 송전 장비인 반면 10, Wearms는 아마도 오른쪽 FSG일 것이다.
  • 플레이어가 감압 비상사태를 막기 위해 공상과학 컴퓨터 게임 미션 크리티컬에서 사용해야 하는 우주선 선체 수리 키트에는 플라스틱 상자 옆면에 'NSN 5920-385-19468' 스텐실이 달려 있다.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 4, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ http://www.logisticsinformationservice.dla.mil/H2/search.aspx
  3. ^ Group of National Directors on Codification AC/135 - FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - 1. What is a NATO Stock Number (NSN)?
  4. ^ The Republic of North Macedonia (formerly the [Former Yugoslavian Republic of] Macedonia) is a country based on the borders of "Slavic" Macedonia within the former Yugoslavia. It was involved in a naming dispute with Greece, which contains the territory of "Greek" Macedonia and the historical kingdom of Macedon within its borders. This was resolved in June, 2018 and the nation was renamed the Republic of North Macedonia beginning in February, 2019.
  5. ^ Tier 1 Nations (c.2019)
  6. ^ Tier 2 Nations (c.2019)
  7. ^ NATO Contacts (c.2019)
  8. ^ "NATO Codification System – NCS the Global Language of Logistics" (PDF). NATO. January 2018.
  9. ^ Other Nations (c.2019)

External links