What is a limited company SIC code?
A limited company’s SIC code, or Standard Industrial Classification code, is a unique sequence of five digits that identifies a specific economic activity. When a new UK company is incorporated at Companies House, it must provide at least one SIC code to describe its business activities.
Introduced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 1948, SIC codes categorize economic activities for data collection and analysis. This classification system helps government and non-government entities understand the types of businesses operating in the UK.
Companies House uses SIC codes to track UK-registered companies across industries, enabling them to spot trends, monitor sector health, and grasp economic changes nationwide.
Where to find your limited company SIC code
You can find your limited company’s SIC code on the condensed list of SIC codes available online from Companies House. This list is a compact version of the full UK Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities 2007, provided by the Office for National Statistics.
Use SIC codes from the condensed list for all filings with Companies House, including company formation and annual confirmation statements. Failure to comply may lead to rejection of your filings.
If your company is using an old SIC code from the 2003 version, you must refer to the SIC Conversion Table to find the 2007 equivalent. You should then use the new code(s) in your next confirmation statement and all future filings.
The condensed list of SIC codes categorizes over 700 economic activities into the following 21 broad industry groups:
- Section A – Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
- Section B – Mining and Quarrying
- Section C – Manufacturing
- Section D – Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply
- Section E – Water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities
- Section F – Construction
- Section G – Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
- Section H – Transportation and storage
- Section I – Accommodation and food service
- Section J – Information and communication
- Section K – Financial and insurance activities
- Section L – Real estate and activities
- Section M – Professional, scientific and technical activities
- Section N – Administrative and support service activities
- Section O – Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
- Section P – Education
- Section Q – Human health and social work activities
- Section R – Arts, entertainment, and recreation
- Section S – Other service activities
- Section T – Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use
- Section U – Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies
To find your limited company’s SIC code, search the condensed list for the best trade description and corresponding SIC code. The list is extensive but might not cover every trade specifically, so you may need multiple SIC codes to describe your activities accurately.
Some trade descriptions are very specific, such as ‘Growing of grapes’ and ‘Plastering,’ while others are more general, like ‘Other business support service activities n.e.c.’ or ‘Physical well-being activities.’ The ease of finding the most appropriate SIC code depends on the nature of your business, so be prepared to spend some time reviewing the list of codes.
How many SIC codes can I use?
You must provide at least one SIC code during the incorporation process, even if your company will be dormant or non-trading. Most businesses find that one SIC code is sufficient, but you can use up to four SIC codes if your activities are varied or complex and cannot be described by a single code.
For example, if you run a restaurant that also offers takeaway and off-licence services, you could use code 56101 (Licensed restaurants), code 56103 (Take-away food shops and mobile food stands), and code 46342 (Wholesale of wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages).
However, you should be cautious when using multiple SIC codes for property activities. This can sometimes create challenges with HMRC, mortgage lenders, and other finance providers if all activities are conducted through a single company. In such cases, it is strongly recommended to seek professional advice and assistance from an accountant before making any applications to third parties.
Can I change my limited company SIC code?
You can change your SIC code(s) at any time if your principal business activities change or become more varied. Simply find the appropriate SIC code(s) on the condensed list (or Conversion Table, if applicable) on the Companies House website and report it on your next confirmation statement.
Alternatively, you can change it immediately by filing an early confirmation statement.
Don’t forget, the Startxpress Team is always here to help you out! If you need assistance with finding or updating your SIC codes, feel free to reach out to us for expert guidance and support. Contact us today!
What happens if I provide the wrong SIC code for my limited company?
Providing an incorrect SIC code can usually be rectified swiftly. You can update your limited company’s SIC code during your next confirmation statement submission, or immediately by amending your most recent statement. However, it’s crucial to address any errors promptly to avoid potential complications. Lenders, insurers, and other third parties heavily rely on accurate SIC codes to assess risk and make decisions. Incorrect information could result in rejected finance applications or voided insurance policies, underscoring the importance of ensuring accuracy in your company’s details.
What SIC code should I use if my company is dormant or non-trading?
For dormant companies, which are not actively trading and have no significant financial transactions, the appropriate SIC code is 99999. On the other hand, non-trading companies, which conduct occasional transactions despite not actively doing business, should use SIC code 74990. These codes categorize companies based on their operational status, ensuring clarity in regulatory filings and compliance.
For more details, check out the Startxpress Help Center and Blog.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us via support@startxpress.io. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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