Our team are Committed in Supporting your NATO Codification Needs

Launch CSIS

Authorised users can access CSIS, the UK's NATO Codification System for all UK and Foreign NSN data with UK registered interest.

e-Learning

Access our wide range of short training modules to assist our CSIS user community, or learn something about NATO Codification for free.

NATO Codification

Our previous Commercial Codification services have been suspended (see latest news). However, companies can still have their items codified through normal NATO Codification process. Click the above icon to see options.

MOD Sponsored Codification

If your Item(s) are requested by UK MOD , then you can get the item(s) Codified for free.

NCAGE

Anyone who sells, supplies, submits codification requests or provides a service to the MOD must have a valid NCAGE Code. We can help.

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About UKNCB

What we do ...

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Who We Are

The United Kingdom National Codification Bureau are a team of MOD civilian NATO Codification specialists, part of the Ministry Of Defence DE&S Support Services Portfollio. We manage and maintain all aspects of NATO Codification for the United Kingdom Government and are the Sole Authority within the UK. Using our expertise and knowledge we simplify the Codification process for MOD Delivery Teams and Industry. We also offer a unique commercial codification service that increases visibility of your product(s) in the global marketplace. We are on hand to support MOD Delivery Teams and Industry partners, offering policy assistance, training solutions and any other NATO Codification support.

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NATO Codification System

Established in 1958, the NATO Codification System (NCS) is the worldwide standard for item identification of military and civilian government items of supply using NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs). It is a uniform and common system for the identification, classification and stock numbering of Items of Supply, used by all NATO countries. and provides Item Names, Suppliers and Part Numbers, and Characteristics Data required in all phases of logistics, from procurement through to disposal. The system offers linkage between NSNs and other classification systems and is a common language of supply that promotes interoperability among nations and prevents duplication in supply chains.

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CSIS

Codification Support Information System (CSIS) is the system adopted by UKNCB to manage and process all NATO Codification activities and operations within the UK. The system boasts; a comprehensive data entry facilities for codification of NSNs comprising data-driven guided selection, automatic population from codification requests, full validation against NATO and MOD rules, automatic screening of references and technical characteristics, automatic handling of change requests for foreign items and manual creation of international requests/receipts, Data entry facilities for manufacturers to automatically create and assign NCAGEs. CSIS currently stores details of over 6 million NSNs and associated data.

Top FAQs

What is a NATO Stock Number?

The NATO Stock Number is used to identify individual items within the Supply Chain. It is a 13-digit number that is used to order and track items i.e. 5306-99-123-4567

Classification is the NATO Supply Classification which is the Group and Class that the item sits in. The Groups and Classes are listed in the ACodP2.
The Country Codes identifies the country that has codified the item. e.g. 99 tells us that this is a UK item which means that the design rights of the item lie in the UK.
The last seven digits are randomly assigned to the item.

Why get your products NATO Codified?

The easy answer is that having your products listed against a NATO Stock Number (NSN) puts that item in the shop window, viewed by over 60 Nations Defence Logistics organisations worldwide.

When is a new NATO Stock Number required?

A new NSN is required for an item of supply if it is new to the supply chain and is a different fit, form and function from any other item of supply.

How much does NATO Codification cost?

We offer FREE codification for MOD Owned Equipment. To be eligible for free codification you must work for UK MOD or work on behalf of UK MOD under a contractual arrangement. For further information please refer to our dedicated web page for 'Codification for MOD Owned Equipment '.
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Is NATO Codification Free to Ministry Of Defence?

In line with this policy, we offer FREE codification for MOD Owned Equipment. To be eligible for free codification you must work for UK MOD or work on behalf of UK MOD under a contractual arrangement. For further information please refer to our dedicated web page for 'Codification for MOD Owned Equipment '.

What is an NCAGE Code?

An NCAGE Code is a NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code. It is a five character code which holds (on CSIS) a Manufacturer/Supplier/Project Team/Service Provider’s contact details.

Why is an NCAGE Code required?

Anyone who sells, supplies, submits codification requests or provides a service to the MOD must have a valid NCAGE Code. The NCAGE Codes identifies the supplier, seller or service provider of individual items and is also used (in some cases) for payment purposes.

How do I get access to CSIS?

Please contact the CSIS Service Desk by email to: disservicedesk@boeingdefence.co.uk or by telephone 01173 170699. The CSIS search tool is available to all MOD personnel free of charge and can also be made available to authorised industry partners for a subscription fee.

How do I search CSIS for items that are already codified?

This is called ‘screening the database’. This is done using the item’s part number. A check is done of every item put up for codification to ensure no item is codified twice so creating duplicate items on CSIS.

How do I search for multiple items on CSIS Search Tool?

This is known as a Batch Search and you can run up to 2,000 items at a time. Anymore and you will need to break the batch down to 2,000.There is an online training module on our website that you can use to familiarise yourself with this process.

Can Foreign NATO Stock Numbers be seen on CSIS search tool?

Any Foreign NATO Stock Number with registered UK interest will be visible on CSIS search tool. The addition of UK interest to a Foreign NSN can be requested through an E-tasking Post Codification request.

How do I search for Foreign NATO Stock Numbers?

Foreign numbers are recognised by the country code. Anything other than 99 is not a UK item. First search would be on CSIS search tool to see if the item is there i.e. has ‘UK User Interest’ been added. If the item is not on CSIS then the next search would be on the NMCRL. This is the NATO database which contains all active NATO Stock Numbers from all participating nations. The NMCRL can be accessed by subscription: http://www.nato.int/structur/AC/135/main/links/nmcrl_plus-e.htm .

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FAQ – MOD Owned Equipment

List of Frequently Asked Questions relating to Codification for MOD owned equipment.

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Information Trifold

Our Trifold contains a lot of useful information and contacts, feel free to print a copy.

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Items Recently Codified:

Your Codification Options

Codification for UK MOD

If you are codifying on behalf of the UK MOD, existing processes are still applicable.

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Codification for Foreign Items