PSC 3990

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) taxonomy is a governmentwide classification system that identifies the products and services bought on federal contracts, enabling consistent coding in FPDS/SAM for spend tracking, analysis, and reporting. The PSC Manual governs the structure, definitions, and updates used by contracting and reporting systems. ¹
PSC 3990 is defined under Group 39 (Materials Handling Equipment) as Miscellaneous Materials Handling Equipment. It explicitly includes skids and pallets and excludes airfield engine transport skids. Agencies use 3990 when the procured item fits these inclusions and is not more precisely covered by another Group 39 class. ¹

See also on G2X:

• G2X — PSC 3990 overview: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/3990
• G2X — PSC 3910 (Conveyors): https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/3910
• G2X — PSC 3950 (Winches, Hoists, Cranes, and Derricks): https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/3950

What this PSC covers

• Skids for materials handling and movement. ¹
• Pallets used for storage and transport of goods. ¹
• Miscellaneous materials handling items not otherwise classifiable within Group 39 when the most accurate fit is skids or pallets. ¹
• Airfield engine transport skids (excluded; code elsewhere per PSC Manual). ¹
• Not for conveyors or conveyor feeders; those are coded under 3910 Conveyors or 3915 Materials Feeders. ¹
• Not for nonself-propelled carts/hand trucks (use 3920); not for self-propelled warehouse trucks (use 3930). ¹
• Not for rigging/slings (use 3940), hoists/cranes/derricks (use 3950), or freight elevators (use 3960). ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	3910	Conveyors
PSC	3920	Material Handling Equipment, Nonself‑Propelled
PSC	3930	Warehouse Trucks and Tractors, Self‑Propelled
PSC	3950	Winches, Hoists, Cranes, and Derricks

FPDS/SAM coding notes for PSC 3990

• 3990 is a product code in Section D (Product Codes); it identifies “what” was bought and should reflect the predominant product on the action reported in FPDS. ¹
• Environmental attributes (e.g., recycled content) can be reported via FPDS data element 8L when applicable to the predominant 3990 product. ¹
• Where an item could fit multiple Group 39 classes, select the most specific code; use 3990 only when the item is a skid or pallet and no other class is more precise. ¹

Frequently asked questions

• What exactly does PSC 3990 cover?
  PSC 3990 covers miscellaneous materials handling equipment, specifically skids and pallets used for storage and movement. It excludes airfield engine transport skids and items better classified in other Group 39 classes (e.g., conveyors, feeders, carts, or self-propelled trucks). Select it only when skids or pallets are the predominant product. ¹

• How is 3990 different from 3920 or 3930?
  3920 covers nonself-propelled handling equipment such as handcarts and dollies, while 3930 covers self-propelled warehouse trucks like forklifts and pallet trucks. 3990 is reserved for skids and pallets, not vehicles or carts. Use the most specific code that describes the item. ¹

• Are material specifications (e.g., wood vs. plastic pallets) defined for 3990?
  Not specified by official sources ². PSCs identify what type of product was purchased, not the material formulation. When material matters, agencies typically state it in the solicitation or contract line item (e.g., “plastic pallet, recycled content”), while the PSC remains 3990 if skids or pallets are being procured.

• Can environmental attributes be reported for 3990 items in FPDS?
  Yes. When a 3990 product is predominant on the action, report applicable environmental attributes (e.g., recycled content or bio-based) using FPDS data element 8L, consistent with sustainable acquisition reporting. Ensure the PSC reflects a product (not a service) and that the attribute pertains to the predominant line item. ¹

• Where is the official definition and latest update for 3990?
  The authoritative definition is in the PSC Manual (April 2025 edition) under Group 39, and the Acquisition.gov PSC Manual page hosts the current files and archives. Always consult the latest PDF for descriptions, inclusions, exclusions, and cross-references before coding. ¹

Useful resources

• Acquisition.gov — PSC Manual (April 2025, PDF). ¹
• Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Code Manual page (current files and archives). ²

References

1. Acquisition.gov. Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual, April 2025 (PDF). https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. Acquisition.gov. Product and Service Code Manual page. https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual