Federal Supply Groups

US Defense Logistics Agency

The structure of the FLIS database is very well defined. Following the anatomy of the NSN it is hierarchical: FSG -> FSC -> NCB -> NIIN. This provides a natural path for navigiation through the millions of NATO stock items currently cataloged (codified).

FSG (Federal Supply Groups) are a two-digit code used by the US Government and other NATO Nations to identify the primary category of items listed in the stock database. FSG are also known as NSG or NATO Supply Groups and form NSN group. FSGs are used as part of a Federal Supply Code Lookup (military nsn database) and are part of the Federal Supply Classification Groups and Classes. The full updated list of FSG (NSN Group) can be found in the latest Federal Supply Classification Handbook. The Federal Supply Group is the first two digits of NATO Numbers ( NATO Stock Number / National Stock Number).

Federal Supply Groups (FSG)
Federal Supply Group (FSG)

A federal supply group (FSG) is a way the U.S. government categorizes supply items that it purchases. Some key things to know about federal supply groups:

  • They are two-digit codes used to group similar items that have some degree of interchangeability.
  • In the 1960s, the Federal Supply Group was superceded by the NATO Supply Group (NSG) system, which is used by the USA and other NATO and allied nations.
  • They help government agencies efficiently manage procurement. Using these codes allows buyers to quickly search and identify standard items that meet their needs.
  • Some common federal supply groups include information technology (FSG 70), furniture (FSG 71), clothing and textiles (FSG 83), medical equipment and supplies (FSG 65), office supplies (FSG 75), etc.
  • The complete list of groups is maintained in the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS) by the Defense Logistics Agency for the USA and by NAMSA for the master NATO Catalog.
  • As of 2023, there were about 80 federal supply groups.
  • The groups are used in various procurement paperwork and contracts. Understanding the codes helps vendors determine which opportunities align with their offerings.
  • So in summary, federal supply groups are category codes that help the government organize, identify, buy, and manage the extensive range of products needed to carry out its missions.
  • The grouping system brings order and efficiency to government procurement.

Federal Supply Groups (FSGs)

The Federal Supply Group (FSG) is a two-digit code used by the U.S. government and other NATO nations to identify the primary category of items listed in the stock database. It is the first two digits of a National Stock Number (NSN). There can be up to 99 FSGs, each covering a broad category of items, with currently about 80 in use as of 2023. For example:
  • FSG 10: Weapons (e.g., rifles, pistols, grenades)
  • FSG 23: Vehicles (e.g., trucks, tanks, airplanes)
  • FSG 42: Firefighting, Rescue, and Safety Equipment (e.g., fire trucks, ambulances, fire extinguishers)
  • FSG 58: Communication, Detection, and Coherent Radiation Equipment (e.g., radios, radar, lasers)
  • FSG 65: Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies (e.g., surgical instruments, bandages, syringes)
The FSG system is used by governments to:
  • Categorize and identify items: This helps to ensure that items are properly classified and coded, which reduces the risk of errors and duplication.
  • Facilitate procurement and management: By grouping similar items together, the FSG system makes it easier to purchase and manage supplies and equipment.
  • Standardize communication: The FSG system provides a common language for describing and identifying items, which facilitates communication and collaboration between different government agencies.
Here are some of the benefits of using FSGs:
  • Increased efficiency: FSGs can save time and money by making it easier to find and purchase the right items.
  • Improved accuracy: By using FSGs, government agencies can reduce the risk of errors and duplication.
  • Enhanced transparency:FSGs can help to improve transparency and accountability in government spending.
Here are some of the challenges of using FSGs:
  • Complexity: The FSG system can be complex and difficult to understand.
  • Ambiguity: There can be some ambiguity in the classification of certain items.
  • Lack of standardization: The FSG system is not standardized internationally, which can make it difficult to collaborate with other countries.
Despite these challenges, the FSG system remains a valuable tool for the U.S. government and other NATO nations. It is a flexible and adaptable system that can be used to meet the needs of a wide range of organizations. Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

List of Federal Supply Groups (FSG) List of Federal Supply Groups (FSG)

Weapons
10 Weapons

Note-This group includes combat weapons as well as weapon-like noncombat items, such as line throwing devices and pyrotechnic pistols. Also included in this group are weapon neutralizing equipment, such as degaussers, and deception equipment, such as camouflage nets. Excluded from this group are fire control and night devices classifiable in groups 12 or 58.

Nuclear Ordnance
11 Nuclear Ordnance

Note-This group includes, in particular, nuclear ordnance training weapons, practice ballistic units, and all components specially designed therefor, when not specifically classified elsewhere. Also included in the group are specially designed simulators and mockups, which are integral parts of the above. Excluded from this group are general purpose nose cones, case sections, flare sections or center sections designed to carry payloads other than nuclear and/or for use on a missile, rocket, or re-entry vehicle to attain the necessary aerodynamic configuration.

Fire Control Equipment
12 Fire Control Equipment

Note-Fire control assemblies, subassemblies, and components are classified: a. In appropriate classes of this group when: (1) Designed for multiple applications to different kinds of fire control equipment. (2) Modified for use with guided missile remote control systems. (3) Designed specifically for shipborne guided missile remote control systems. (4) Radar equipment, designed specifically for fire control systems. (5) Both day and night viewing characteristics are incorporated into an integral unit. b. In Class 1270 or 1280, when designed specifically for aircraft gunnery or aircraft bombing fire control, respectively. c. In Class 1430, when designed specifically for guided missile remote control systems, except shipboard type. d. In appropriate classes of Group 58, when designed for multiple applications to both fire control and communication equipment. e. In appropriate classes of Group 58 when designed for night vision.

Ammunition and Explosives
13 Ammunition and Explosives

Note-Excluded from this group are items specially designed for nuclear ordnance application.

Guided Missiles
14 Guided Missiles

Note-This group includes missiles (with or without warheads or explosive components) incorporating mechanisms capable of altering normal flight paths. Radar and infrared assemblies and components designed specifically for use with guided missiles are classified in the appropriate classes of this group. This group also includes guided bombs that have been converted to guided missiles by addition of a means of propulsion. Excluded from this group are case sections, nose cones, flare sections, center sections, warheads, explosive components, rockets, and auxiliary components of missiles and reentry vehicles which are designed or constructed for exclusive use with or for housing of nuclear warheads and/or warhead sections. Also excluded are space vehicle nose cones and space capsules specifically designed to carry loads peculiar to space research and space travel.

Aerospace Craft and Structural Components
15 Aerospace Craft and Structural Components

Aerospace Craft Components and Accessories
16 Aerospace Craft Components and Accessories

Aerospace Craft Launching, Landing, Ground Handling, and Servicing Equipment
17 Aerospace Craft Launching, Landing, Ground Handling, and Servicing Equipment

Note-Excluded from this Group are trucks, trailers, and servicing equipment specially designed for guided missile or atomic ordnance use

Space Vehicles
18 Space Vehicles

Note-This group includes space vehicles, such as space capsules, man-made moons, orbitals, satellites, space platforms, and the like, manned or unmanned. Excluded from this group are guided missiles and rockets.

Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, and Floating Docks
19 Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, and Floating Docks

Note-Only complete ships, small craft, floating docks, floating dry docks, and dredges (with or without hull) are classified in this group. End items, assemblies, parts, attachments or accessories for use in or on the above are classified in Group 20-Ship and Marine Equipment, unless other classes (outside of Group 19) are appliable.

Ship and Marine Equipment
20 Ship and Marine Equipment

Railway Equipment
22 Railway Equipment

Ground Effect Vehicles, Motor Vehicles, Trailers, and Cycles
23 Ground Effect Vehicles, Motor Vehicles, Trailers, and Cycles

Tractors
24 Tractors

Note-This group includes only complete tractors and tractor chassis. Assemblies, subassemblies, parts, attachments or accessories are excluded from this group.

Vehicular Equipment Components
25 Vehicular Equipment Components

Note-The term "vehicular" as delimited for group 25, is applicable to those vehicles and tractors included in groups 23 and 24, construction vehicles included in group 38, and warehouse trucks, tractors, and trailers included in group 39. It does not apply to railway vehicles (group 22), aircraft (group 15), or watercraft (group 19). An item of supply which is a "vehicular" component, within the scope delimited above, is classified in this group regardless of whether it has additional applications on vehicles outside the delimitations for this group.

Tires and Tubes
26 Tires and Tubes

Engines, Turbines, and Components
28 Engines, Turbines, and Components

Engine Accessories
29 Engine Accessories

Note-Unless specifically excluded, engine accessories for all vehicles, such as aircraft, motor vehicles, ships, tractors, and construction vehicles, as well as accessories for stationary engines, are classified in this Group.

Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment
30 Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment

Bearings
31 Bearings

Note-All bearings, including specially designed, lubricated, and/or selected, are to be classified in the appropriate classes of this group. Bearings are parts that supports another part which rotates, slides, or oscillates in or on it.

Woodworking Machinery and Equipment
32 Woodworking Machinery and Equipment

Metalworking Machinery
34 Metalworking Machinery

Service and Trade Equipment
35 Service and Trade Equipment

Special Industry Machinery
36 Special Industry Machinery

Agricultural Machinery and Equipment
37 Agricultural Machinery and Equipment

Construction, Mining, Excavating, and Highway Maintenance Equipment
38 Construction, Mining, Excavating, and Highway Maintenance Equipment

Materials Handling Equipment
39 Materials Handling Equipment

Rope, Cable, Chain, and Fittings
40 Rope, Cable, Chain, and Fittings

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Air Circulating Equipment
41 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Air Circulating Equipment

Firefighting, Rescue, and Safety Equipment; and Environmental Protection Equipment and Materials
42 Firefighting, Rescue, and Safety Equipment; and Environmental Protection Equipment and Materials

Pumps and Compressors
43 Pumps and Compressors

Note-This group excludes pumps and compressors designed for use on individual types of equipment, such as engine fuel pumps, aircraft propeller feathering pumps, fork lift operating pumps, compressors for operating gun turrets, and vehicular brake system compressors. Also excluded are items specially designed as or for use on fuel dispensing equipment. The FSC indexes and structure will govern the classification of these items permitted classification in a single class only.

Furnace, Steam Plant, and Drying Equipment; and Nuclear Reactors
44 Furnace, Steam Plant, and Drying Equipment; and Nuclear Reactors

Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment
45 Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Water Purification and Sewage Treatment Equipment
46 Water Purification and Sewage Treatment Equipment

Pipe, Tubing, Hose, and Fittings
47 Pipe, Tubing, Hose, and Fittings

Valves
48 Valves

Note-This group may include specially designed valves for use on individual types of equipment or systems. Excluded are such items as tire valves, engine intake and exhaust valves, explosive valves, carburetor valves, water mixing valves, and flush valves.

Maintenance and Repair Shop Equipment
49 Maintenance and Repair Shop Equipment

Note-Specialized equipment which is designed for automotive maintenance and repair, and which is also used for the maintenance and repair of nonautomotive vehicles or equipment, will be classified in Class 4910. Jigs, fixtures, and templates used in conjunction with maintenance and repair shop specialized equipment are classified in this group. However, jigs, fixtures, and templates used in conjunction with metalworking machinery are classified in Group 34. Infrared assemblies, subassemblies, and components specifically designed as test and maintenance specialized equipment are classified in the appropriate classes of this group. Excluded from this group is infrared equipment designed for testing communications and night vision equipment.

Hand Tools
51 Hand Tools

Measuring Tools
52 Measuring Tools

Hardware and Abrasives
53 Hardware and Abrasives

Prefabricated Structures and Scaffolding
54 Prefabricated Structures and Scaffolding

Lumber, Millwork, Plywood, and Veneer
55 Lumber, Millwork, Plywood, and Veneer

Construction and Building Materials
56 Construction and Building Materials

Communication, Detection, and Coherent Radiation Equipment
58 Communication, Detection, and Coherent Radiation Equipment

Note-Excludes oscillator items which should be classified in FSC 5955 or 5963; fiber optic items which should be classified in Group 60; electronic modules as defined under Class 5963; and electrical cable, cord and wire assemblies, harnesses and sets, related to FSG 58 equipment (see FSC 5995). In Group 58, more than in any other group, it frequently happens that the same name is listed as an index entry in each of several classes. In addition, that name may also appear as an entry in groups other than 58. Each such entry refers to a distinctly different part or assembly, even though the different items have the same name. The listing of the same names in two or more classes indicates that, in one form, the part or assembly covered by the name is applicable to the equipment covered by one class, and in another form is applicable to the equipment covered by another class. For example, the item name CODER, AUDIO FREQUENCY is applicable to two distinctly different assemblies, one of which has an application in cryptologic equipment, covered by Class 5810, and the other in radar equipment covered by Class 5840. Consequently the name CODER, AUDIO FREQUENCY is an entry under each of the two classes. When an item identification bears a name which is indexed under more than one class of Group 58, or in Group 58 and in some other group, the item will be classified in the same class as its next higher assembly in the manner described in the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS) Procedures Manual, DoD 4100.39-M. Also excluded from this group are data transmission and communications equipment such as terminals, sensors and other devices designed for use with a configuration of ADPE.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components
59 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components

Note-Mounting hardware, included in classes of this group, includes such specially designed items as brackets, holders, retainers, etc. Excluded from classes in this group are such hardware items as screws (Class 5305), bolts (Class 5306), studs (Class 5307), washers (Class 5310), rivets (Class 5320), and other common items indexed to specific classes, other than in Group 59. The FSC indexes and structure will govern the classification of items used on or with mounting hardware cited above.

Fiber Optics Materials, Components, Assemblies, and Accessories
60 Fiber Optics Materials, Components, Assemblies, and Accessories

Note- Fiber Optics is a general term used to describe the function where optical energy (i.e., light/laser driven rays) is guided to another location through fiber(s). This group includes Fiber Optic items such as parts, materials and devices used for communications, data transmission, or illumination, Excludes Imaging devices under FSG 65 (medical); hand tools under FSG 51; and electrical, electronic and optical instruments under FSG 66 (instruments).

Electric Wire, and Power and Distribution Equipment
61 Electric Wire, and Power and Distribution Equipment

Lighting Fixtures and Lamps
62 Lighting Fixtures and Lamps

Alarm, Signal and Security Detection Systems
63 Alarm, Signal and Security Detection Systems

Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies
65 Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

Instruments and Laboratory Equipment
66 Instruments and Laboratory Equipment

Note-Infrared assemblies (including sub-assemblies and components) designed specifically for use as or with instruments and laboratory equipment are included in the classes of this group. Also included are computers (including computer assemblies, computer systems and components) designed specifically for use with instruments and laboratory equipment.

Photographic Equipment
67 Photographic Equipment

Note-Included are computers (including computer assemblies, computer systems and components) designed specifically for use with photographic equipment.

Chemicals and Chemical Products
68 Chemicals and Chemical Products

Note-In general, individual nonmedicinal chemical elements and compounds are classified in Class 6810. Combinations (or mixtures) of chemical compounds, or chemicals prepared in a particular vehicle (other than water) are generally classified according to use, in classes other than 6810. For example, the chemical compound DDT, is classified in 6810, whereas DDT liquid spray, the insecticide, is classified in 6840-Pest Control Agents and Disinfectants. Similarly items of supply bearing nonchemical names such as BLEACH; INSECTICIDE, ROACH; and ANTIFREEZE are generally classified according to use, in classes other than 6810, whereas corresponding chemical compounds, such as sodium hypochlorite solution, chlordane, and ethylene glycol are classified in 6810. Medicinal chemicals are generally classified in 6505-Drugs and Biologicals; in vitro diagnostic substances and reagents are classified in 6550-In Vitro Diagnostic Substances, Reagents, Test Kits and Sets. Excluded from this group are liquid chemicals designed exclusively for use as propellant fuels and oxidizers.

Training Aids and Devices
69 Training Aids and Devices

Note-Included are computers (including computer assemblies, computer systems and components) designed specifically for use as, or with training aids and devices.

Information Technology Equipment (Including Firmware), Software, Supplies and Support Equipment
70 Information Technology Equipment (Including Firmware), Software, Supplies and Support Equipment

Furniture
71 Furniture

Household and Commercial Furnishings and Appliances
72 Household and Commercial Furnishings and Appliances

Food Preparation and Serving Equipment
73 Food Preparation and Serving Equipment

Office Machines, Text Processing Systems and Visible Record Equipment
74 Office Machines, Text Processing Systems and Visible Record Equipment

Office Supplies and Devices
75 Office Supplies and Devices

Books, Maps, and Other Publications
76 Books, Maps, and Other Publications

Musical Instruments, Phonographs, and Home-Type Radios
77 Musical Instruments, Phonographs, and Home-Type Radios

Recreational and Athletic Equipment
78 Recreational and Athletic Equipment

Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
79 Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

Brushes, Paints, Sealers, and Adhesives
80 Brushes, Paints, Sealers, and Adhesives

Containers, Packaging, and Packing Supplies
81 Containers, Packaging, and Packing Supplies

Note-A chest, case, box, roll, bag, or other container, when specifically designed for housing of a set, kit, outfit, or individual item (with or without attachments or spares), for its protection when not in use, or for the convenience of the user, is classified in the same class as the item or items for which designed, or in such other class as is appropriate. However, when the chest, case, box, roll, bag, or other container is primarily a shipping container, it is classified in Group 81.

Textiles, Leather, Furs, Apparel and Shoe Findings, Tents and Flags
83 Textiles, Leather, Furs, Apparel and Shoe Findings, Tents and Flags

Clothing, Individual Equipment, Insignia, and Jewelry
84 Clothing, Individual Equipment, Insignia, and Jewelry

Note-Where applicable, clothing items which are intended for use by both men and women are classified in the appropriate "men's" class.

Toiletries
85 Toiletries

Note-Excluded from this group are medicated cosmetics and toiletries that have been determined to be drugs in accordance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. For medicated cosmetics and toiletries, see Class 6508.

Agricultural Supplies
87 Agricultural Supplies

Live Animals
88 Live Animals

Subsistence
89 Subsistence

Note-Subsistance items which are specifically prepared for dietetic use are classified in Class 8940. Nondietetic foods, even though they bear the same approved item names as corresponding dietetic foods, are classified in Classes other than 8940.

Fuels, Lubricants, Oils, and Waxes
91 Fuels, Lubricants, Oils, and Waxes

Nonmetallic Fabricated Materials
93 Nonmetallic Fabricated Materials

Nonmetallic Crude Materials
94 Nonmetallic Crude Materials

Metal Bars, Sheets, and Shapes
95 Metal Bars, Sheets, and Shapes

Ores, Minerals, and Their Primary Products
96 Ores, Minerals, and Their Primary Products

Miscellaneous
99 Miscellaneous