The Office for National Statistics<\/a> (ONS) describes SIC codes as follows:<\/p>\n \u201cThe UK standard industrial classification of economic activities, abbreviated as UK SIC, is a 5-digit classification providing the framework for collecting and presenting a large range of statistical data according to economic activity.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n By gathering this data, it is possible to track the number of companies operating in different industries, identify existing and emerging trends, and monitor the strength of the UK economy.<\/p>\n When you register a company at Companies House, you will be asked to provide at least one SIC code to describe what your business does. You can choose up to four SIC codes if need be.<\/p>\n The requirement to supply a SIC code during the company formation process was introduced on 30th June 2016. Prior to this date, companies provided this information on their first annual return (which has now been replaced by the confirmation statement<\/a>) and when they registered for VAT.<\/p>\n SIC codes must also be confirmed or updated (whichever applies) each year on the confirmation statement. Your SIC code, along with other key company details registered at Companies House, will be displayed on the public register of companies<\/a>.<\/p>\n You will find the appropriate SIC code for your company by searching the condensed list of SIC codes<\/a>, which is provided by Companies House. It is quite a long list, so you may need to spend a bit of time looking for the most suitable code.<\/p>\n If you decide to register a company through Quality Company Formations<\/a>, you will be able to search the condensed list on our online application form. If you need any help finding your code, just give us a call and we\u2019ll be happy to assist.<\/p>\n It is important that you only use codes from the condensed list on any filings made to Companies House, including your company formation application and Confirmation Statements, otherwise, they may be rejected.<\/p>\n On the condensed list of SIC codes, there are 21 main industry categories\/sections. Within each section, there are dozens of SIC codes for more specific trade activities within that industry. The main categories are:<\/p>\n Section A: Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Some of the trade classifications in these sections are self-explanatory and rather niche, such as \u2018Manufacture of wallpaper\u2019, whilst others are quite broad, like \u2018Other cleaning services\u2019.<\/p>\n One Standard Industrial Classification code is usually sufficient for most companies, but you may select up to four SIC codes to describe the nature of your company\u2019s business activities. This is not unusual for companies with complex, specialised, or varied trades.<\/p>\n If your company is dormant or non-trading, you will still need to provide a SIC code. The SIC code for dormant companies is 99999. The SIC code for non-trading companies is 74990.<\/p>\n If your company becomes dormant or non-trading after a period of activity, you should update your SIC code on the next confirmation statement.<\/p>\n Likewise, if your dormant or non-trading company becomes active, you should find the relevant SIC code(s) for your new business activities and provide the information on the next Confirmation Statement.<\/p>\n If you provide the wrong SIC code when you form your company, or your main business activities change after company formation, you can update your SIC code when you file your next confirmation statement.<\/p>\n If you would rather change your SIC codes immediately, simply file or update the confirmation statement early. You can do this online via Companies House WebFiling service or Quality Company Formations online Client Portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n When do I need to provide a SIC code?<\/h3>\n
Where do I find my company SIC code?<\/h3>\n
SIC code categories<\/h4>\n
\nSection B: Mining and Quarrying
\nSection C: Manufacturing
\nSection D: Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply
\nSection E: Water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities
\nSection F: Construction
\nSection G: Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
\nSection H: Transportation and storage
\nSection I: Accommodation and food service activities
\nSection J: Information and Communication
\nSection K: Financial and insurance activities
\nSection L: Real estate activities
\nSection M: Professional, scientific and technical activities
\nSection N: Administrative and support service activities
\nSection O: Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
\nSection P: Education
\nSection Q: Human health and social work activities
\nSection R: Arts, entertainment and recreation
\nSection S: Other service activities
\nSection T: Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use
\nSection U: Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies<\/p>\n How many SIC codes can a company have?<\/h3>\n
SIC codes for dormant and non-trading companies<\/h3>\n
Changing your company\u2019s SIC code<\/h3>\n
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