NATO Codification
NATO codification is a prerequisite for DALO to register and use the materiel within the Danish Defence's logistics and materiel management systems. Without the correct codification, the materiel cannot, in practice, be received into the Defence's logistics systems.
NATO Codification as a Contractual Requirement
Where NATO codification is required, DALO will provide the supplier with a NATO Codification Form, which must be completed and returned as part of the contractual deliverables.
If the product has not previously been assigned an NSN, the supplier must submit all required technical documentation within the contractual deadline to enable the codification process and the allocation of a NATO Stock Number.
Technical Documentation Requirements
Suppliers must provide all technical information necessary to identify, classify and codify each individual item.
The required documentation may include, but is not limited to:
- Technical drawings
- Product specifications
- Applicable standards
- Manufacturer information
- Product data sheets
- Other documentation necessary to uniquely identify the item
These requirements also apply to products, assemblies and spare parts supplied through subcontractors.
By submitting the required documentation, the supplier acknowledges and accepts that NATO codification authorities may use, reproduce and distribute the information for NATO codification purposes without additional compensation.
All requested information must be submitted using the NATO Codification Form provided by DALO.
NATO Codification Form
The NATO Codification Form may request information including:
- Manufacturer and supplier NCAGE codes and/or contact details
- Manufacturer and supplier part numbers
- Technical descriptions and product characteristics
- Barcodes, customs tariff codes and applicable standards
- Unit of issue, weight and dimensional data
- Storage conditions and temperature requirements
- Serial number management, batch traceability and dangerous goods information
- Price and lead time
- Any specific handling requirements, including ESD sensitivity, hazardous substances or End-User
Products Typically Subject to NATO Codification
NATO codification is commonly required for:
- Spare parts for military vehicles, aircraft and naval vessels
- Ammunition and defence equipment
- Tools, electronic equipment and communication systems
- Components and assemblies
- Defence materiel managed through military logistics systems
Further Information
For further information on packaging and labelling requirements, please refer to the Packaging and Labelling appendix.
What is NATO Codification?
The NATO Codification System (NCS) is the standardised system used throughout NATO to identify, classify and register defence materiel, equipment and spare parts. Each codified item is assigned a unique NATO Stock Number (NSN), enabling it to be identified and managed consistently across all NATO member nations.
The system supports interoperability by ensuring that identical items are recognised in the same way throughout the Alliance. For example, where multiple NATO nations use the same spare part for a military aircraft, the NSN enables them to procure, exchange, store and manage that part efficiently and without ambiguity.