Who Can Request a NSN Assignment?

National Stock Numbers (NSNs) are 13-digit serial numbers assigned by the Defence Logistics Agency under the U.S. Department of Defense. Every component that is stocked, procured, and sourced within the federal supply chain must have an NSN. The 13-digit code can be broken down into smaller subcategories that each lend some information about the component itself.

To begin, an NSN usually has the structure, XXXX-XX-XXXXXXX. The first four digits of the NSN are known as the federal supply classification group, which is directly linked to a catalogue called the H2 handbook. The federal supply classification group number is split into the federal supply group and the federal supply classification. The federal supply group (FSG) number begins the NSN and tells you what group the component belongs to. In aviation, federal supply group 15: aircraft and airframe structural components is key. Under the FSG are the various federal supply classes (FSCs), which are the second 2-digits of the NSN. The FSC is more specific than the FSC, no helps to narrow down the classification of the component. Under FSG 15 there are FSCs such as aircraft, fixed wing (1510) and aircraft, rotary wing (1520). The H2 handbook lists all the official FSGs and FSCs. There is also further information such as what exactly is included under the FSC a list of exclusions.

An NSN can only be assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency when a component is deemed necessary by either the U.S military, government contractor, or participating country. A manufacturer can not simply submit a request for an NSN. While this may seem a little unfair, it helps to maintain the uniformity and integrity of the NSN system. Dating back to the WWII era, the NSN system was designed to overcome the various sourcing issues that were common during the war. As there was no formal system for naming a component, the U.S. military found it difficult to locate a certain part. Stock levels were unclear as there would be a deficit of the part in one place, but a surplus in another. Once more, there was no clear standard of manufacturing, since manufacturers had the freedom to name their part. It became apparent that there a clear parts sourcing system was needed.

The NSN system has successfully been implemented into the current federal supply chain. NSNs are also known as NATO numbers as the system is used by all participating NATO countries. The DoD can easily source parts from other countries without a time-consuming language barrier. Stock levels of key components can easily be monitored and resources distributed accordingly. As there are over 10 million NSNs the DoD relies on suppliers such as One Click Purchasing, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, to regulate the federal supply chain. At ASAP Semiconductor, we stock a large variety of NSNs that are conveniently listed by their corresponding NSNs, FSC, FSG, or manufacturer. You can browse all the NSNs using our optimized search engine. Visit our website, www.oneclickpurchasing.com, or call us at +1-714-705-4780 to source premium NSNs today.