What Is a NACE Code? European Industry Classification (NACE)

Updated: 2026 · Standard: NACE Rev. 2 / Rev. 2.1 · Alignment: ISIC · Governance: Authority & Trust Hub

Structure of NACE codes

NACE is organized as a four-level hierarchy, enabling analysis from broad economic groupings down to specific activity classes.

• Section: broad economic coverage (letters)
• Division: two-digit activities within a section
• Group: three-digit refinements
• Class: four-digit activity definitions

Visual hierarchy (how NACE codes nest)

This visual shows that NACE codes are not “flat” strings. Each level nests into the next, moving from section to class.

Global context (where NACE fits)

NACE is the EU’s activity classification. It is designed to align with ISIC for international comparability, while adding EU-specific detail for statistical and administrative use.

Worked hierarchy example (table view)

NACE revisions: Rev. 2 and Rev. 2.1

NACE Rev. 2 is the widely used baseline across many European statistical programs. NACE Rev. 2.1 introduces targeted refinements intended to improve definition clarity and reflect structural changes in the economy, while supporting continuity for longitudinal reporting.

Applications of NACE codes

• European and national statistical reporting
• Business registers and administrative datasets
• Economic policy and sectoral analysis
• Environmental, regulatory, and compliance frameworks that reference activity categories
• Market research and comparative industry analysis

NACE and ISIC alignment

NACE is structurally aligned with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC). ISIC provides the global reference framework; NACE provides the EU’s aligned implementation with additional European detail.

Countries using NACE

NACE is used across the European Union and by several aligned economies for official statistics and administrative purposes. Some countries publish national variants that remain based on NACE definitions.