SIC Code Frequently Asked Questions
Blog Posts
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Were SIC Codes Replaced By NAICS Codes?The question of whether SIC codes have been replaced by NAICS codes is one that frequently arises among industry professionals, business analysts, and marketers. While the introduction of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) in the mid-1990s marked a significant shift in industry classification, the enduring utility of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes cannot
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How Do I Find My SIC Code?SIC Codes are industry classification codes that are self-selected based on a company’s primary line of business. Selecting the correct SIC Code is crucial for various reasons, including government statistical purposes, taxation, classification, state and federal registration, contracting, and proper business identification. These codes are not merely bureaucratic tools; they serve as a
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How Do I Find A Company's SIC Code?Every active business in the USA is assigned a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code, a powerful tool that organizes and categorizes industries in a hierarchical manner. At SICCODE.com , we meticulously compile, verify, and organize classification information for over 15 million businesses in the USA. This robust database serves as an essential resource for businesses seeking to
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Are SIC Codes Still Used?Contrary to the misconception that Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes are obsolete, they remain a vital tool in business-to-business (B2B) marketing and some government applications as of 2024. While there has been a shift towards the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) in certain government sectors, particularly for statistical and contracting purposes, SIC Codes
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How To Read a SIC Code?Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes are a hierarchical system used to categorize industries. They can range from two to eight digits, with each level providing more specific information about the business activity. The first two digits identify the major industry group, setting the foundation for more detailed classification. For example, SIC Codes ranging from 20 to 39 represent the
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Who Assigns SIC Codes to Businesses?Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes are a crucial component of business identification and classification, used to categorize companies based on their primary line of business. SIC Codes are self-selected, meaning businesses determine their own codes according to their main activities. This decentralized approach allows companies the flexibility to choose the SIC Code that best
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Are New SIC Codes Being Added?The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes remain a vital tool for categorizing industries, despite the emergence of newer classification systems. Originally developed in the 1930s, SIC Codes have been instrumental in organizing economic data, facilitating government policy-making, and supporting business operations. Over the years, these codes have evolved to reflect changes in the
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Setting the Record Straight: The Power and Relevance of SIC Codes in Today's Business WorldIn the vast ocean of information swirling around the internet, it's easy to get swept away by waves of misinformation. One of the most persistent myths is that SIC Codes have been replaced by NAICS Codes and are now obsolete. Let's set the record straight: SIC Codes are far from obsolete. In fact, they are more relevant than ever, offering unparalleled specificity and utility for businesses
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What Is SIC Code Marketing?SIC Code marketing is a strategic approach that utilizes the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code system to effectively target specific industries and businesses for marketing initiatives. Developed by the U.S. government, the SIC Code system is a numerical classification framework that categorizes industries based on their primary economic activities. This system facilitates the
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Extended SIC Codes (SIC 6-digit)The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes play a crucial role in the business world. They provide a standardized method for classifying and categorizing businesses based on their primary line of activity. This classification system is widely used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses themselves to gather and analyze data, make informed decisions, and identify industry
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How Can I Change My SIC Code?You may be asked for your company’s SIC Code from many government agencies or organizations. The SIC Code that you originally selected while filling out the application will usually remain as your primary SIC Code for that agency or organization. Therefore, you will need to contact the agency or organization directly to update your SIC code. This will ensure that the proper change takes effect.
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How Do I Select A SIC Code For My Business?Selecting a SIC Code is a straight-forward process. The first step is to identify the primary industry your company operates in. Basic Guide for Selecting a Correct SIC Code Within each general industry category, a SIC Code breaks down into more specific industries. For common and popular industries (ie: Doctor offices, plumbers, car dealerships), there is an exact SIC Code match for the
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What Is An Establishment In The SIC Code System?For purposes of this Standard Industrial Classification, an establishment is an economic unit, generally at a single physical location, where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed. (For example: a factory, mill, store, hotel, movie theater, mine, farm, ranch, bank, railroad depot, airline terminal, sales office, warehouse, or central administrative
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What Abbreviations Are Used In The SIC Code System?Throughout the SIC Code manual, a researcher will encounter various abbreviations. Although many may be recognizable in other usage systems, some are unique to the SIC Code Manual. Please see the list below for the full glossary terms for the abbreviations encountered on the SICCODE.com site, as well as the SIC Code Manual: admin - administration & - and etc - et cetera (and so
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What Are The Principles Of SIC Code Classification?In reviewing the Classification, the Technical Committee on Industrial Classification was guided by general principles. The following are the basic principles underlying the Standard Industrial Classification as described in the SIC Code Manual: The classification is organized to reflect the structure of the U.S. economy. It does not follow any single principle, such as end use, nature of raw
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What Are SIC Code Short Titles?The official Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code titles of the Divisions and the two-digit Major Groups, three-digit Industry Groups, and four-digit Industries are found throughout the SICCODE.com site, as well as the SIC Code manual. For various reasons, including presentation of statistical tables, short titles were created so that all agencies may use the same short titles for the
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What Is An Auxiliary Establishment In The SIC Code System?Specific Examples of Auxiliary Establishments Activities In the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system, Auxiliaries are establishments primarily engaged in performing management or support services for other establishments of the same enterprise. An enterprise consists of all establishments having more than 50 percent common direct or indirect ownership. Auxiliary establishments are
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What is the Difference Between 4, 6, 7 and 8-digit SIC Codes?SIC Codes - 4-digits Standard Industrial Classification ( SIC ) codes are four digit numerical codes created by the U.S. government to enable the identification of the primary line of business of the establishment. The classification was developed to facilitate the collection, presentation and analysis of data; and to promote uniformity and comparability in the presentation of statistical data