1. What is NAICS?
North American Industrial Classification System:
- Pronounced "nakes," NAICS codes are numbers that classify industries (i.e. business activities, like types of manufacturing and services).
- NAICS codes are hierarchical -- the longer the number, the more detailed the industry. NAICS codes are up to six digits long.
- NAICS is the modern version of the old SIC structure.
- NAICS is more detailed than SIC, does a much better job of covering service and technology industries, and covers all three NAFTA economies.
- NAICS official homepage
Examples of NAICS codes:
51 Information
513 Broadcasting and telecommunications
5133 Telecommunications
51332 Wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite)
513322 Cell phones and cell phone service
2. Finding NAICS Codes
For industries (search for the industry name):
- NAICS Search & Browse (Census)
- NAICS Manual (Reference HF1042 .A55 2007)
For companies (search for the company name):
- Corporate Affiliations (US & international)
- Osiris (public companies only)
- ReferenceUSA (US & international)
- LexisNexis Academic (US & international)
3. What is SIC?
Standard Industrial Classification:
- Created by the U.S. Census Bureau in the 1930's, SIC codes are numbers that classify industries (i.e. business activities, like types of manufacturing and services).
- SIC codes are hierarchical -- the longer the number, the more detailed the industry. Officially, SIC codes are up to four digits long. However, eight-digit SIC codes are used by some sources (ex. Dun & Bradstreet) to define more specific industries.
- NAICS has replaced the out-of-date SIC structure. However, a few databases and reference books still use SIC.
Examples of SIC codes:
23 Apparel made from fabrics and similar materials
232 Men's and boys' furnishings, work clothing, and allied garments
2325 Men's and boy's separate trousers and slacks
4. Finding SIC Codes
For industries (search for the industry name):
- SIC Search (OSHA)
- SIC Browse (OSHA)
- SIC Manual (Reference HF1042 .A55)
For companies (search for the company name):
- Corporate Affiliations (US & international)
- Osiris (public companies only)
- ReferenceUSA (US & international)
- LexisNexis Academic (US & international)
