NATO Stock Number (NSN)

A NATO Stock Number (NSN) is the unique 13-digit identifier assigned to an item of supply in the NATO Codification System. It is made up of a four-digit NATO Supply Classification Code, a two-digit Nation Code and a seven-digit Item Identification Number, as set out in the NATO Codification System booklet.

The NSN gives every codified item one number that allied armed forces, governments and suppliers can use to refer to it. For a Canadian supplier, the number is most often seen in Department of National Defence (DND) solicitations, where it names the exact part or item the Crown wants to buy.

How the 13 digits of an NSN are built

The NSN has three parts. The NATO Supply Classification Code (NSC) uses four digits. The Nation Code uses two digits. The Item Identification Number uses seven digits. The Nation Code and the Item Identification Number together form the NATO Item Identification Number (NIIN), which is nine digits long.

A CanadaBuys notice from DND procurement identifies a valve by NSN 4810-01-531-3686. Read against the structure above, 4810 is the classification code, 01 is the nation code, and 531-3686 completes the item identification number. The same notice also specifies a part number and a NATO Supply Code for Manufacturers (NSCM), so the NSN sits alongside other identifiers rather than replacing them.

The NATO Codification System behind the number

NSNs come from the NATO Codification System (NCS). The system gives equipment, components and military system parts a consistent name, description, classification and unique NSN, according to the NATO NCS fact sheet.

NATO's ePortal states that the NCS uses one 13-digit NSN to identify an item, or a group of functionally interchangeable items, according to form, fit and function. NATO describes the system as supporting interoperability, global identification of materiel and spares, replacement identification, inventory management and procurement.

Where NSNs appear in Canadian defence procurement

• Item descriptions: PSPC procures items on behalf of DND by NSN, often together with the manufacturer's part number and NSCM.
• Bid documentation: A hydraulic-pump solicitation requires bidders to indicate the NSCM. It also requires packing slips for standard and commercial parts to identify the NSN, manufacturing standard, manufacturer's part number and model number, where applicable.
• Marking: A defence request for proposal requires the contractor to mark supplied items with the NSN. Where the specified marking is not feasible, the item is etched or indelibly marked.
• U.S. Foreign Military Sales: Canada's FMS guidance says material should be identified by NSN whenever possible. PSPC reviews the requisition and statement of work before preparing a Letter of Request to the relevant U.S. Department of Defense organization.
• Procurement inquiries: The Canadian International Trade Tribunal lists the NSN among the details used to describe the product or service in a procurement inquiry, alongside the solicitation or contract number.

What an NSN means for a supplier bidding on Canadian public contracts

Treat the NSN in a solicitation as the definition of the item. Offer the part that matches the stated NSN, and supply any manufacturer information the solicitation asks for, including the NSCM, part number, manufacturing standard and model number.

Check the packing and marking clauses before you price. Where a solicitation requires the NSN on packing slips or on the items themselves, build that work into your delivery process. The Canadian examples above show these requirements in particular defence procurements. They do not show that every Canadian procurement requires an NSN, so read each solicitation for its own terms.