PSC H981

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) system is the federal classification framework used to label goods and services in government procurements. PSCs support standardized reporting in systems such as FPDS and SAM, and the codes and their descriptors are maintained in the Product and Service Code Manual published on Acquisition.gov. ¹

The PSC H981 — OTHER QC/TEST/INSPECT‑ CONTAINERS, PACKAGING, AND PACKING SUPPLIES — is a Category H (Quality Control, Testing, and Inspection) code that identifies quality-control, testing, or inspection services specifically related to containers, packaging, and packing supplies as listed in the PSC Manual. Use of H981 on contract actions signals the procurement relates to QC/test/inspection activities for packaging or packing materials and is recorded in FPDS/NAS systems according to the PSC Manual. ¹

See also on G2X:

• G2X — PSC H981 overview
• G2X — PSC H281 (equipment test services/containers, packaging, and packing supplies)
• G2X — PSC H381 (inspection services/containers, packaging, and packing supplies)

What this PSC covers

• Quality-control services for storage and transport packaging
• Testing of packaging materials and containers
• Inspection of packing processes and packing supplies
• Acceptance testing for corrugated, rigid, and flexible packaging
• Certification and compliance inspections for packing specifications
• Condition and damage‑inspection services for shipped/received items
• Packaging performance or environmental exposure testing for packing supplies ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

(Entries above are derived from the Product and Service Code Manual listing for Category H codes.) ¹

Acquisition considerations

• PSC selection and reporting: The PSC Manual is the authoritative source for selecting the 4‑character PSC used in FPDS/NAS entries; the PSC value should represent the primary product or service procured for the action. ²
• Regulatory context: Certain supply acquisitions (including some packaging or packing supplies) may be affected by statutory sourcing restrictions (for example, the Berry Amendment and related FAR/DoD provisions). Agencies must follow applicable FAR/DoD sourcing rules when acquiring packaging or packing items. ³

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What specifically does PSC H981 identify on a contract?

  A: H981 identifies quality‑control, testing, or inspection services that pertain to containers, packaging, or packing supplies as described in the PSC Manual. This descriptor is the official entry used in FPDS to capture such QC/test/inspection actions. ¹

• Q: Where is H981 reported and why does it matter?

  A: H981 is reported in FPDS/NAS as the Product/Service Code for the action; correct PSC reporting enables accurate spend‑tracking, market analysis, and compliance reporting across agencies. FPDS requires PSC values to match the PSC Manual. ²

• Q: Are packaging items covered by sourcing restrictions such as the Berry Amendment?

  A: Some packaging or packing materials may fall under statutory sourcing or defense‑specific restrictions; applicability depends on the item and contract context. Agencies must consult FAR/DoD sourcing provisions to determine restrictions for a specific acquisition. ³

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC H981: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/H981
• Product and Service Code Manual (PSC Manual, current edition). ¹
• FPDS glossary and data‑element guidance (Product or Service Code details). ²
• FAR / Acquisition policy pages on sourcing and restricted items (Berry Amendment and related provisions). ³

References

1. Product and Service Code Manual (PSC Manual April 2025). Acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/content/psc-manual-april-2025.pdf
2. FPDS glossary and data-dictionary entries for Product or Service Code (PSC). FPDS.gov. https://www.fpds.gov/help_V1_0/Glossary.htm
3. FAR / Acquisition policy (references to sourcing restrictions and related provisions). Acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-52.2