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Understanding A National Stock Number (NSN)

The National/NATO Stock Number (NSN)  is the 13-digit stock number (arranged in a 6530-00-142-8775 format) that replaced the 11-digit Federal Stock Number (FSN).

It consists of the following:

• A 4-digit Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code
• A 2-digit number that indicates which National Codification Bureau (NCB) assigned the NSN.  Each NATO country has a NCB central cataloging office.
• A 7-digit non-significant number.

Within the NSN is the 9-digit National Item Identification Number (NIIN).  The NIIN is composed of the NCB number and the 7-digit item number.

For a list of all NSN's Stamped Out uses, click here.