PSC H381

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) system is a government-wide taxonomy that classifies products and services purchased by federal agencies for reporting, analysis, and procurement management in FPDS and SAM. The PSC Manual on Acquisition.gov documents code definitions, maintenance, and assignment guidance and is the governing reference for PSC assignment and interpretation ².

PSC H381 — Inspection‑ Containers, Packaging, and Packing Supplies is a service-category PSC used to record inspection activities focused on containers, packaging, and packing supplies. The PSC Manual lists H381 under Inspection service codes and notes that it “Includes: Commercial Testing and Laboratory Services” and “Excludes: Medical and Dental Laboratory Services.” ¹

• See also on G2X:
  • PSC H381
  • PSC H181
  • PSC H281

What this PSC covers

• Inspection services for shipping containers and storage packaging.
• Quality and conformance testing of packaging materials and cushioning.
• Laboratory or commercial testing of packing methods and protective inserts.
• Evaluation of packing procedures for transport or storage suitability.
• Acceptance inspection of drums, boxes, crates, bags, and related closures.

Related NAICS and PSC codes

(PSC Manual groups Inspection, Equipment Testing, and Quality Control PSCs together for Group 81 product/service coverage.) ¹

Classification notes

• The PSC Manual places H381 in Category H (Equipment and Materials Testing / Inspection service codes) and aligns product Group 81 items (e.g., bags, drums, boxes, packaging materials) under the corresponding product PSCs for procurement reporting. ¹
• The Manual instructs that the PSC entry recorded in FPDS should reflect the predominant product or service purchased when multiple items or services are included in a single action. ¹

Frequently asked questions

• What activity does PSC H381 capture on a contract action?
  PSC H381 captures inspection activities specifically directed at containers, packaging, and packing supplies — typically commercial testing or laboratory‑type inspections rather than medical/dental lab work. Use H381 when inspection/testing is the primary service. ¹

• When should a contracting officer choose H381 versus a product PSC in Group 81?
  If the procurement is primarily for inspection/testing services (labor or contractor inspection activity), select H381. If the procurement is for the physical packaging items themselves (bags, drums, boxes), select the applicable Group 81 product PSC for the items purchased. ¹

• Does H381 indicate specific packaging standards or test methods to use?
  The PSC Manual provides classification only; it does not mandate specific test standards or methods. Specifications, standards, and test methods must be stated in the solicitation or contract documentation. Not specified by official sources ¹

• Can H381 co‑exist with NAICS reporting on FPDS?
  Yes. FPDS records both PSC (data element 8A) and NAICS (data element 8G); agencies select the NAICS that best describes the industry or primary use while the PSC describes what was bought (inspection services). ¹

Useful resources

• PSC H381 — G2X overview.
• PSC Manual (PSC Manual April 2025 PDF). ¹
• PSC Manual landing page / PSC Manual downloads. ²

References

1. https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual