What is a NATO Codification System?

Unlike other systems, the NCS combines classifications with logistical information that is pertinent to the NATO militaries. For an item to be included in the NCS, it must first pass a number of classification phases. First of all, an item is identified and given an item name. The appropriate supply group and supply class are also chosen. To help accurately classify the part, identification guides are used to properly describe the item. Additionally, the manufacturer information and relevant management information is attached to the component. After these initial steps are taken, a NATO stock number (NSN) is assigned to the item. Included in the 13-digit NSN is a 4-digit NATO Supply Classification Code, a 2-digit National Codification Bureau (NCB) number, and a  7-digit serial number. With these additional codes, the military can discern the general scope of the component and the country that it originated from. 

NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) codes are assigned to all manufacturers, suppliers, all the military branches themselves or stock or supply the NATO militaries. NCAGE codes are essentially and I.D. code for manufacturers, which help streamline the sourcing process. Unlike NSNs, manufacturers wishing to do business with the military or gain government contracts can apply for NCAGE code. The NATO Support Agency (NSPA) is in charge of assigning a NCAGE code, which is a 5-digit alphanumeric sequence.

The application for an NCAGE can be done online and includes various paperwork and business information. Once approved however, NCAGE codes allow business access to one of the most lucrative parts supply chain. The NATO Master Catalog of References for Logistics (NMCRL) is a database that contains all NSN assigned to an item of supply, all the related parts, and all the global NCAGE codes. It is a huge resource within the military sourcing chain. With this type of database,  NSN parts can be quickly and efficiently sourced, leaving little room for sourcing confusion. 

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