What is an ANZSIC Code?

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) is a vital framework developed collaboratively by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Statistics New Zealand (Statistics NZ). Designed for use in both countries, ANZSIC facilitates the production and analysis of industry statistics, replacing the older Australian Standard Industrial Classification (ASIC) and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (NZSIC). This unified approach enhances consistency and comparability of statistical data between Australia and New Zealand.

ANZSIC assigns each business entity to an industry based on its predominant activity. The term "business entity" is broadly defined to encompass any organization engaged in productive activities, including companies, non-profit organizations, government departments, and enterprises. This comprehensive classification system supports a wide range of applications, from economic analysis to policy development.

How to Read an ANZSIC Code

The ANZSIC system is structured hierarchically into four levels: Divisions, Subdivisions, Groups, and Classes. At the broadest level, Divisions provide an overarching view of the economy, suitable for summary tables in official statistics. Subdivisions, Groups, and Classes offer progressively finer detail, enabling specific and detailed statistical analysis.

Understanding the hierarchical structure of ANZSIC codes is crucial for accurately interpreting industry data. Each level of classification provides insights into the economic activities of businesses, supporting detailed analysis and informed decision-making.

Division

C

Manufacturing

Subdivision

11

Food Product Manufacturing

Group

111

Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing

Class

1111

Meat Processing

History and Evolution of ANZSIC Codes

Before ANZSIC's introduction in 1993, Australia and New Zealand utilized separate national industrial classifications. In Australia, the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics consolidated various classifications in the late 1960s to create the first Australian Standard Industrial Classification (ASIC) in 1969. This classification was based on the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) with modifications for local applicability. Revised editions of ASIC were released in 1978 and 1983.

New Zealand's first Standard Industrial Classification (NZSIC) was issued in 1970, replacing a modified form of the original 1948 ISIC edition. Subsequent editions were produced in 1975 and 1987, offering more detail in specific areas. The concept of a joint classification for Australia and New Zealand emerged in 1990 during the ASIC review, leading to the release of the first ANZSIC edition in 1993.

ANZSIC 2006 was developed to provide a contemporary industrial classification system, reflecting changes in economic structures, user requirements, and international standards. This edition replaced the 1993 version, marking significant progress in aligning with global classification standards.

Updates and Amendments

Since its introduction, ANZSIC has undergone several updates and amendments to ensure its relevance and accuracy in capturing evolving economic activities. The 2006 edition introduced significant structural changes, incorporating feedback from extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international bodies.

Key updates included the refinement of categories to better reflect emerging industries, such as information technology and renewable energy. Amendments also addressed the need for greater granularity in certain sectors, supporting more detailed economic analysis and policy-making.

Ongoing reviews and consultations continue to shape ANZSIC, ensuring it remains a robust tool for economic classification. The collaborative efforts of ABS and Statistics NZ, along with input from industry experts, contribute to the classification's continuous improvement and alignment with international standards.

ANZSIC Division & Subdivision Codes & Titles

A
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

01 Agriculture

02 Aquaculture

03 Forestry and Logging

04 Fishing, Hunting and Trapping

05 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Support Services
B
Mining

06 Coal Mining

07 Oil and Gas Extraction

08 Metal Ore Mining

09 Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying

10 Exploration and Other Mining Support Services
C
Manufacturing

11 Food Product Manufacturing

12 Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing

13 Textile, Leather, Clothing and Footwear Manufacturing

14 Wood Product Manufacturing

15 Pulp, Paper and Converted Paper Product Manufacturing

16 Printing (including the Reproduction of Recorded Media)

17 Petroleum and Coal Product Manufacturing

18 Basic Chemical and Chemical Product Manufacturing

19 Polymer Product and Rubber Product Manufacturing

20 Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing

21 Primary Metal and Metal Product Manufacturing

22 Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

23 Transport Equipment Manufacturing

24 Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

25 Furniture and Other Manufacturing
D
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services

26 Electricity Supply

27 Gas Supply

28 Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Services

29 Waste Collection, Treatment and Disposal Services
E
Construction

30 Building Construction

31 Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

32 Construction Services
F
Wholesale Trade

33 Basic Material Wholesaling

34 Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling

35 Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesaling

36 Grocery, Liquor and Tobacco Product Wholesaling

37 Other Goods Wholesaling

38 Commission-Based Wholesaling
G
Retail Trade

39 Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Retailing

40 Fuel Retailing

41 Food Retailing

42 Other Store-Based Retailing

43 Non-Store Retailing and Retail Commission-Based Buying and/or Selling
H
Accommodation and Food Services

44 Accommodation

45 Food and Beverage Services
I
Transport, Postal and Warehousing

46 Road Transport

47 Rail Transport

48 Water Transport

49 Air and Space Transport

50 Other Transport

51 Postal and Courier Pick-up and Delivery Services

52 Transport Support Services

53 Warehousing and Storage Services
J
Information Media and Telecommunications

54 Publishing (except Internet and Music Publishing)

55 Motion Picture and Sound Recording Activities

56 Broadcasting (except Internet)

57 Internet Publishing and Broadcasting

58 Telecommunications Services

59 Internet Service Providers, Web Search Portals and Data Processing

60 Library and Other Information Services
K
Financial and Insurance Services

62 Finance

63 Insurance and Superannuation Funds

64 Auxiliary Finance and Insurance Services
L
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services

66 Rental and Hiring Services (except Real Estate)

67 Property Operators and Real Estate Services
M
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

69 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)

70 Computer System Design and Related Services
N
Administrative and Support Services

72 Administrative Services

73 Building Cleaning, Pest Control and Other Support Services
O
Public Administration and Safety

75 Public Administration

76 Defence

77 Public Order, Safety and Regulatory Services
P
Education and Training

80 Preschool and School Education

81 Tertiary Education

82 Adult, Community and Other Education
Q
Health Care and Social Assistance

84 Hospitals

85 Medical and Other Health Care Services

86 Residential Care Services

87 Social Assistance Services
R
Arts and Recreation Services

89 Heritage Activities

90 Creative and Performing Arts Activities

91 Sports and Recreation Activities

92 Gambling Activities
S
Other Services

94 Repair and Maintenance

95 Personal and Other Services

96 Private Households Employing Staff and Undifferentiated Goods- and Service-Producing Activities of Households for Own Use

Applications of ANZSIC Codes

ANZSIC codes are integral to the standardized collection and analysis of industry statistics by the ABS and Statistics NZ. They are extensively used by government agencies, industry organizations, and researchers for various administrative, regulatory, taxation, and research purposes throughout Australia and New Zealand.

  • ANZSIC enhances the comparability of industry statistics between the two countries, facilitating cross-border economic analysis and policy development.
  • Government agencies and organizations utilize ANZSIC codes for effective policy-making, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
  • Businesses use ANZSIC codes to benchmark their performance against industry standards, aiding in strategic planning and competitive analysis.
  • Researchers and analysts rely on ANZSIC codes to conduct detailed market studies and assess economic trends across different sectors.

The Importance of ANZSIC Codes

  • ANZSIC provides a standardized framework for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of economic data on an industry basis for both Australia and New Zealand. This standardization ensures consistency and reliability in statistical reporting.
  • It forms the foundation for ABS and Statistics NZ industry statistics, supporting informed decision-making by policymakers, businesses, and researchers.
  • ANZSIC codes facilitate international comparability of industry statistics, aligning with global standards and enhancing Australia's and New Zealand's participation in the global economy.

Relationship with ISIC

The International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) serves as the international reference standard for economic activity classification. Aligning ANZSIC with ISIC enhances the comparability of industry statistics internationally, supporting global economic analysis and collaboration.

Australia and New Zealand have long aimed to align their industrial classifications with ISIC as closely as possible. However, full alignment is sometimes challenging due to different organizational structures in Australian and New Zealand industries or the lack of significance of some internationally recognized economic activities in the two economies. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts continue to refine and improve ANZSIC's alignment with ISIC, ensuring its relevance and utility in a global context.

Overall, ANZSIC codes play a pivotal role in the economic analysis and policy-making processes in Australia and New Zealand. They provide a robust framework for understanding and comparing industry activities across both countries, supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and economic development.