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3605

PSC 3605: FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT — Federal Procurement Code

36 - SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY L1: Industrial Products & Services

Description

Food Products Machinery and Equipment

Includes

Industrial Food Product Equipment.

Excludes

Kitchen and Galley Equipment.

Suggested adjacent classifications

PSC codes describe what the government buys. These related classifications help connect procurement codes to industries, commodities, and trade workflows.

Who is this code for

Occupations and roles commonly associated with this classification

Also relevant for

Source: O*NET / BLS occupation data · O*NET 30.2 / BLS SOC

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 3605?
NAICS 3605 is the North American Industry Classification System code for FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.
What licenses and permits does a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT need?
A FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.
How do I register a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT business in the United States?
To register a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.
What tax forms does a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT file with the IRS?
Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.
Is FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT the right NAICS code for my business?
Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT describes your main line of business, NAICS 3605 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 3605 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.
What allergen compliance applies to a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT?
Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) and the FASTER Act of 2021, the top 9 major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame) must be clearly labeled. For restaurant/food service, many states require allergen awareness training and posted notices. Cross-contact prevention procedures should be part of your food safety plan. Failure to disclose allergens can lead to FDA warning letters and civil liability.
Does a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT need to register with the FDA as a food facility?
Domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the US must register with the FDA under the Bioterrorism Act. Registration is biennial (renew every even-numbered year between October 1 and December 31). There is no fee. Exemptions exist for retail food establishments, restaurants, farms, and personal residences. Failure to register may result in detention of food products and civil penalties.
What health permits and inspections does a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT need?
Food businesses need a health permit from their local county health department, which conducts initial and routine inspections (typically 1-3 times per year). Requirements include a certified food protection manager on staff (ServSafe or equivalent), proper handwashing stations, refrigeration at 41°F or below, hot holding at 135°F or above, and a written HACCP plan for certain processes like sous vide or acidified foods.
Does a FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT need USDA inspection or FDA oversight?
Meat, poultry, and processed egg products require continuous USDA FSIS inspection at the federal level. FDA oversees all other food products including produce, seafood, dairy, baked goods, and packaged foods. FDA requires food facility registration renewed biennially between October 1 and December 31. FDA conducts inspections under the FSMA Preventive Controls rule, which requires a written food safety plan and a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).

How to use PSC 3605

1
Verify PSC code

Confirm FOOD PRODUCTS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (3605) matches.

2
Search FPDS/USAspending

Find contracts using this PSC code.

3
Check NAICS mapping

Identify the corresponding NAICS industry for bidding.

4
Register at SAM.gov

Required for all federal contractors.

SAM.gov

Who uses this code?

Neighborhood Bar & Tavern Owner

Operates a local drinking establishment with a limited food menu and live entertainment.

Licenses
  • Liquor license (on-premise)
  • Health permit
  • Entertainment license
  • Music license
Tax Forms
  • Form 1065 or 1120-S
  • Form 940 (FUTA)
  • Form 941
  • State excise tax
Ice Cream Parlor Owner

Runs a seasonal or year-round ice cream shop offering hand-dipped cones, sundaes, and shakes.

Licenses
  • Food service permit
  • Health inspection certificate
  • Dairy handling permit
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • State sales tax return
Cold-Pressed Juice Bar Owner

Operates a health-focused juice and smoothie bar with grab-and-go refrigerated bottles.

Licenses
  • Food service permit
  • HACCP plan (for cold-pressed)
  • FDA registration (if wholesale)
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040)
  • State sales tax return
Private Chef & Personal Cook

Prepares in-home meals for families, dinner parties, and special dietary needs on a recurring schedule.

Licenses
  • Food handler certification
  • Liability insurance
  • Business license (varies by city)
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040)

Official data

Feature Description
Official name Product Service Codes (PSC)
Maintained by U.S. federal acquisition community / GSA PSC Manual
Purpose Classifies what the government buys: products and services
Primary use Federal procurement reporting, contract categorization, spend analysis
Code type Mixed/unspecified

When do you need PSC 3605?

1 Use PSC 3605 when identifying the product or service category on a U.S. federal contract.
2 Use it when filtering opportunities or spending data in SAM.gov, FPDS, or USASpending.
3 Use it when comparing a procurement category against related NAICS industries or UNSPSC commodities.
4 Use it when a contracting workflow needs the purchased item classification rather than the supplier industry code.