CAGE and NCAGE Codes are identifiers used to recognize companies, facilities, and organizations involved in government, defense, and aerospace procurement. A CAGE Code generally identifies a U.S. organization or facility, while an NCAGE Code generally identifies an organization located outside the United States.
For aerospace buyers, understanding these identifiers can support supplier research, international sourcing, NSN research, and accurate requests for quotation (RFQs).
CAGE stands for Commercial and Government Entity. It is a five-character alphanumeric identifier associated with commercial and government entities in the United States and its applicable territories. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) maintains CAGE information for U.S. entities.
It identifies an aircraft manufacturer, aerospace component producer, distributor, repair facility, or government organization involved in procurement. Companies operating multiple facilities may have different CAGE Codes for different locations.
A CAGE Code may appear alongside a company name, manufacturer part number, NSN, solicitation, or procurement record. However, the code identifies an organization and does not independently verify product authenticity, certification, condition, availability, or suitability.
An NCAGE Code means NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code. It generally identifies organizations or facilities located outside the United States.
NCAGE Codes are part of the NATO Codification System, with the applicable national codification authority handling registration according to the organization's country.
For aerospace procurement, an NCAGE Code can help identify an international manufacturer, distributor, repair facility, or other supplier. Buyers can review it alongside the organization name, location, NSN, and manufacturer part number when researching international sources.
The main difference is the location of the organization or facility. A CAGE Code generally identifies a U.S.-based entity, while an NCAGE Code generally identifies an entity outside the United States.
Both codes identify organizations connected with government and defense procurement. Neither code identifies the product itself.
An NSN identifies a standardized supply item, while a manufacturer part number (MPN) identifies a product according to the manufacturer's numbering system. Using the organization identifier with an NSN, MPN, manufacturer name, and facility information can provide a clearer picture of a potential source.
Aerospace procurement records may connect organization identifiers with NSNs, manufacturer part numbers, company names, or purchasing requirements.
Buyers can use CAGE or NCAGE information to:
For international sourcing, an NCAGE Code can provide useful information about the organization associated with a procurement record. Buyers should still verify the complete supplier, part, technical, and documentation requirements.
Start with information from a procurement document, maintenance record, technical data, supplier quotation, or parts request. Record the manufacturer name, part number, NSN, and NCAGE Code when available.
Then compare the organization name, location, and identifier. This is important because companies may operate multiple facilities, divisions, or trading names.
Aerospace Exchange provides a CAGE Code directory to support research into related manufacturer and part information. Buyers should compare available organization details with applicable procurement and customer requirements.
Also check whether the requirement specifies an OEM, approved source, part revision, condition, certification, or traceability documentation. An organization identifier supports supplier research but does not replace technical or quality verification.
Aerospace Exchange is a trusted aerospace parts sourcing provider helping buyers find aviation, defense, MRO, electronics, and industrial components. Its platform supports sourcing for standard, obsolete, discontinued, and hard-to-find parts from potential suppliers.
Buyers can use CAGE Codes, NCAGE Codes, NSNs, manufacturer names, and part numbers to research potential sources and identify relevant aerospace components. For specific requirements, buyers can also submit an RFQ to Aerospace Exchange and provide available part details to support the sourcing process.
No. An NCAGE Code helps identify an international organization or facility, but it does not independently verify that a supplier is authorized to sell a particular component.
It does not automatically confirm product authenticity, certification, condition, traceability, inventory availability, delivery performance, or suitability for a specific aircraft or application. Buyers should review supplier documentation and verify applicable procurement requirements before ordering.
Aerospace Exchange helps buyers research aerospace, aviation, defense, MRO, electronics, and industrial parts using manufacturer, CAGE, NSN, and part-number information.
If you have a CAGE or NCAGE identifier, manufacturer part number, NSN, NIIN, or manufacturer name, these details can support research into potential aerospace part sources.
For a specific requirement, submit an RFQ to Aerospace Exchange with the available part information, identifier, quantity, condition, delivery requirements, and documentation needs. Complete information can help support sourcing research and identify potential pricing and availability.
CAGE and NCAGE Codes serve similar identification purposes but generally apply to organizations in different locations. CAGE is primarily associated with U.S. entities, while NCAGE is generally used for organizations outside the United States.
For aerospace buyers, using these identifiers with an NSN, manufacturer part number, and supplier information can improve procurement research. However, neither identifier alone verifies product quality, certification, authenticity, condition, or availability.
A CAGE Code generally identifies a U.S. organization or facility, while an NCAGE Code generally identifies an organization outside the United States.
Non-U.S. entities may need an NCAGE Code for certain government registration and procurement processes. Requirements vary by country and procurement activity.
Yes. The identifier can help identify an organization or facility associated with a procurement record. Use it with the manufacturer name, part number, or NSN for better research.
No. An entity code identifies an organization or facility. It does not independently verify authenticity, condition, certification, traceability, or availability.
Provide the manufacturer name, part number, NSN or NIIN, CAGE or NCAGE Code when available, quantity, condition, delivery requirements, and documentation requirements.
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