Recognised by NATO: what NSN says about your product

Ever spotted a NATO Stock Number (NSN) on one of our product pages or technical data sheets and wondered what it means? It might look like just another code, but behind those 13 digits lies international recognition, logistical trust and a seal of approval from defence authorities.

NATO isn’t just about joint operations and cooperation between nations; it also means standardisation. That includes shared systems, harmonised documentation and, yes, unified product codes like the NATO Stock Number or National Stock Number (NSN). This system allows procurement teams across member states to speak the same "logistical language" when ordering supplies, from fuel additives to field equipment.

When you choose a product with an NSN, you know you’re choosing a solution that’s recognised, reliable and ready for international use.

A NATO Stock Number is a 13-digit code used to identify a specific product across all NATO member states. Once assigned, it becomes part of a central NATO database, making the item officially catalogued and easily orderable by any military force within the alliance.

As a manufacturer, you can’t just apply for a NATO Stock Number yourself. A product only receives one when:

1. A NATO organisation (such as the Belgian Ministry of Defence) decides to purchase your product.
2. The contracting country’s National Codification Bureau (NCB) submits an official request for a NATO Stock Number.
3. Once approved, the NSN becomes an internationally recognised reference for that item.

In short: if one NATO country uses your product for defence purposes, other countries can too. Easily and officially.

You’ll find our NSNs on both our product pages and the Technical Data Sheet (TDS).

Any questions about our NSN-coded products? Feel free to reach out via our contact form or email us at info@aero-sense.com.