PSC 3456

Overview

The Product and Service Code (PSC) system is the federal government’s standard taxonomy for classifying what is being bought across contracts, enabling consistent reporting, analysis, and visibility in systems such as FPDS; the codes are governed by the PSC Manual maintained on Acquisition.gov. ¹

PSC 3456 designates “Cutting and Forming Tools for Secondary Metalworking Machinery.” It is used when the principal item purchased is the cutting or forming tooling used with secondary metalworking machines (distinct from the machines themselves or general machine‑tool accessories). The code appears within PSC Group 34 (Metalworking Machinery) and focuses on the tooling that interfaces with secondary operations (e.g., pressing, punching, shearing), not the equipment itself. ¹

• See also on G2X:
  • G2X — PSC 3456 overview
  • G2X — PSC 3455 Cutting Tools for Machine Tools
  • G2X — PSC 3461 Accessories for Secondary Metalworking Machinery

What this PSC covers

• Cutting and forming tools intended for use with secondary metalworking machinery in PSC Group 34 (Metalworking Machinery). ¹
• Tooling supporting operations associated with secondary metal forming and cutting machine classes (e.g., bending/forming, presses, punching and shearing), with the scope limited to the tools rather than the machines. ¹
• Excludes cutting tools for machine tools, which fall under 3455. ¹
• Excludes non‑tool accessories for secondary metalworking machinery, which fall under 3461. ¹
• Examples, materials, and size ranges for items within 3456 are not specified by official sources. ³
• Classification should reflect the predominant item on the award; items not primarily “cutting or forming tools” should be coded under a more suitable PSC. ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Classification boundaries within Group 34

• Use 3456 for the cutting/forming tools themselves; use 3455 when the tools are for machine tools (e.g., lathes, mills) rather than secondary metalworking machinery. ¹
• Accessories that are not cutting/forming tools belong under 3461 for secondary metalworking machinery or 3460 for machine‑tool accessories, as applicable. ¹
• The machines that perform bending, pressing, punching, or shearing are coded under classes such as 3441, 3442, and 3445; 3456 applies to their tools, not the equipment. ¹

FPDS reporting notes

• PSC is entered in FPDS data element 8A and should reflect the predominant product on the award; environmental attributes (if applicable) are captured in element 8L. ¹
• The PSC Manual provides the governing guidance for code selection and environmental reporting, and is updated periodically on Acquisition.gov. ¹

DoD trade agreements considerations

For DoD procurements, PSC Group 34 (Metalworking Machinery) is among the product categories listed under DFARS 225.401‑70 for Trade Agreements applicability when thresholds are met. Agency policy and thresholds still govern specific applicability. ²

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC 3456 cover?
  PSC 3456 covers cutting and forming tools used with secondary metalworking machinery. It is separate from machine‑tool cutting tools (3455) and from non‑tool accessories for secondary metalworking machinery (3461). ¹

• How is PSC 3456 different from PSC 3455 and PSC 3461?
  Use 3456 for tools used by secondary metalworking machines; use 3455 for cutting tools used by machine tools; use 3461 for accessories (not tools) for secondary metalworking machines. ¹

• Are there official NAICS crosswalks for PSC 3456?
  Not specified by official sources. ³

• Are purchases under PSC 3456 subject to Trade Agreements for DoD?
  DFARS 225.401‑70 lists PSC Group 34 among product groups covered by Trade Agreements when applicable thresholds are met; contracting officers still apply threshold and exception rules. ²

Useful resources

• Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual — April 2025 edition (PDF). ¹
• PSC Manual landing page and archives. ³
• DFARS Subpart 225.4 — Trade Agreements (DoD). ²

References

1. Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual, April 2025 edition (PDF): https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. Acquisition.gov — DFARS Subpart 225.4, Trade Agreements: https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/subpart-225.4-trade-agreements
3. Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Code Manual (landing/archives): https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual