SIC Codes are five-digit numbers that describe a company’s main area of economic activity. These codes therefore help categorise businesses into industry sectors and are useful for official statistics and government planning.
Companies House manage SIC Codes and they form part of a system which aligns with European and global classification frameworks. In the UK, they have been in use since 1948, evolving to reflect economic changes. The current version in use is SIC 2007.
When forming a limited company, you must choose at least one SIC Code. If your business involves several activities, you can select up to four SIC Codes to reflect the full range of operations. Limited Liability Partnerships do not need to provide SIC Codes.
The Structure of SIC Codes
SIC stands for “Standard Industrial Classification”.
SIC Codes fall into sections labelled A to U, each representing a broad sector of the economy. Within each section are divisions, groups, classes and subclasses that define more specific activities.
For example: Section C is for manufacturing and SIC 20 is the SIC Code for the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products.
Finding the Right SIC Code
The best approach for choosing the correct SIC Code or Codes is to use Companies House’s Keyword Search Tool or review their condensed SIC Code list.
Start by identifying your main business activity. If you offer multiple services, select the SIC Code that reflects your main source of income. You can list up to four SIC Codes in total, which is helpful if your business has varied operations or evolves over time.
Companies House treats your first SIC Code as your main activity.
Changing SIC Codes
If your business changes direction, your original SIC Code may no longer be suitable. Fortunately, updating it is easy.
You can revise your SIC Code when you file your next Confirmation Statement. If you need to update it sooner, you can file the Confirmation Statement early.
While Companies House does not usually penalise errors in SIC Codes, you should keep them up to date to avoid confusion and missing opportunities. This also ensures that stakeholders and potential clients have the correct information about your business.
Common SIC Codes
The table below includes some of the most common SIC Codes in the UK:
| 69201 | Accounting and Auditing Activities |
| 70229 | Management Consultancy Activities |
| 62012 | Business and Domestic Software Development |
| 01621 | Farm Animal Boarding and Care |
| 96020 | Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment |
| 74990 | Non-Trading Companies |
| 99999 | Dormant Company |
This also shows the wide variety of business activities under the SIC System.
Advanced Manufacturing SIC Codes
Advanced Manufacturing is a high-tech, innovation-driven area of the economy. It involves digital technology, automation, research and development.
To support measurement and strategy, the following SIC Codes often represent this sector:
| SIC 20 | Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical Products |
| SIC 26 | Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products |
| SIC 27 | Manufacture of Electrical Equipment |
| SIC 28 | Manufacture of Machinery and Equipment |
| SIC 29 | Manufacture of Motor Vehicles |
| SIC 30 | Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment |
These activities contribute significantly to innovation, economic growth and national competitiveness.
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