NAICS Code: Classify your business
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to categorize businesses based on their economic activities. It is maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau and is used by government agencies, including the U.S. DoD.
Why you need it: Government agencies, including the U.S. DoD, use NAICS codes to identify qualified suppliers.
NAICS codes use a six-digit numerical format, where:
- First two digits: Identify the economic sector
- Third digit: Identifies the subsector
- Fourth digit: Represents the industry group
- Fifth digit: Specifies the industry
- Sixth digit: Defines the specific business activity.
| NAICS Code | Industry Description |
|---|---|
| 236220 | Commercial and Institutional Building Construction |
| 325412 | Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing |
| 336412 | Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing |
| 334111 | Electronic Computer Manufacturing |
| 423430 | Computer and Peripheral Equipment Wholesalers |
| 541330 | Engineering Services |
| 541512 | IT Consulting Services |
How to find your NAICS code:
- Visit the Statistics Canada or the NAICS Association websites.
- Browse the NAICS hierarchy or search for your code using keyworks related to your business activity.
- Select the NAICS code or codes that best match your product or service.
- Make a note of this code and any related codes for your sector.
FSC Code: Classify your products
The U.S. DoD uses Federal Supply Classification (FSC) codes to categorize and manage inventory, equipment, and supplies efficiently.
Why you need it: FSC codes help you find solicitations specifically for the goods you sell.
FSC codes contain four digits and are grouped into Federal Supply Groups (FSGs), with the first two digits representing the broader category (e.g., 10 for weapons) and the last two providing a more detailed classification (e.g., 1005 for small arms).
| FSC codes | Federal Supply Group (FSG) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1305 | Weapons & Combat Equipment (FSG 10-13) | Ammunition (Small Arms) |
| 1510 | Aircraft & Space Equipment (FSG 15-20) | Fixed-Wing Aircraft |
| 2010 | Marine Equipment (FSG 15-20) | Ship Propulsion Components |
| 5820 | Electronics & IT Equipment (FSG 58-70) | Radio & Communication Equipment |
| 6505 | Medical, Safety & Clothing (FSG 65-84) | Pharmaceuticals |
| 8405 | Medical, Safety & Clothing (FSG 65-84) | Outerwear Clothing |
| 8415 | Medical, Safety & Clothing (FSG 65-84) | Footwear & Gloves |
How to find your FSC code:
- Visit the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) Directory from the Defense Logistics Agency website
- Click the Access H2 FSC Search option link under the subtitle ‘H2 Federal Supply Classification Search and Directory’
- Under System Access left-hand navigation bar, select H2 Federal Supply Classification (FSC) Search
- Use FSC Search (second search bar) or the Keyword Search (third search bar) to find your product category
- Click Search for your Federal Supply Classification FSC code and a brief description.
PSC: Classify your products and services
Unlike FSC codes, Product Service Codes (PSC) are used by the U.S. DoD to identify and classify services and products procured through contracts. The system uses a four-digit alphanumeric format. Why you need it: PSCs are essential for finding contract opportunities for both products and services on sites like SAM.gov.| Category | PSC | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons & Ammunition | 1005 | Small Arms (Guns, 30mm and below) |
| IT & Software | DG11 | Satellite Communications and Telecom Access Services |
| Education | U004 | Training Scientific/management |
| Construction | Y1AA | Construction of Office Buildings |
| Medical Equipment | 6515 | Medical and Surgical Instruments |
How to find your PSC:
- From the Acquisition.gov webpage, click the latest PSC Excel (xlsx) document
- From the Excel file, sort your products and services alphabetically:
- Select the Product and Service Code Name column, right-click, select “Sort A-Z” and find your product
- You can also use the Search function (CTRL F) to search on your product
- Make note of the “PSC Code” in the row of your product