UK SIC code lookup
Find the right Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code for your business by activity or keyword. Required for Companies House registration.
What is a SIC code?
A SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code, sometimes called a SIC number or nature of business code, is a five-digit number that identifies the primary activity of your business. Companies House requires every limited company to give at least one SIC code, and up to four if the company does a range of activities. You can update your codes when you file a confirmation statement (CS01). The UK uses the SIC 2007 list, maintained jointly by the Office for National Statistics and Companies House. Pick the code that most closely matches what you actually do. The wrong code can affect tax classification, lender or insurance categorisation, and statistical reporting. Search below by keyword.
Practical support for real business setup decisions.
Describe your business or search by keyword to find likely SIC code matches.
How to Choose the Right SIC Code
Primary Activity
Choose the code that best matches your main revenue-generating activity.
More Than One Activity
Some businesses may reasonably fit several related codes.
Avoid Being Too Broad
Vague descriptions make it harder to choose the right code confidently.
Setup Matters
Choosing the right code helps keep business formation and reporting cleaner.
This tool provides practical guidance based on SIC code descriptions. If your business activity is complex or mixed, a manual review may still be sensible before filing.
Need help choosing the right code and setting up properly?
RR Accountants helps founders and growing businesses with company formation, SIC code selection, bookkeeping, VAT setup, payroll, and year-end compliance.
UK SIC codes: what they are and how they work
What is the Standard Industrial Classification?
The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) describes the economic activity of a business. Companies House asks every company for a five-digit SIC code, and uses a condensed version of the full Office for National Statistics list. There are more than 600 codes in 21 main industry categories. Only use codes from the condensed list when you file, or the filing may be rejected. The list is on GOV.UK: condensed SIC code list.
How many SIC codes can a company have?
You must give at least one, and you can choose up to four if your company carries out a range of different activities. Pick the code that best describes your main activity first.
Active companies must not use the dormant or non-trading codes
Even a dormant company (99999) or a non-trading company (74990) must give a SIC code. If the company is actively trading, its code should say so. Companies House describes a dormant or non-trading code on a trading company as one of the most common discrepancies it sees, and under its new powers it can challenge, reject or remove information that looks incorrect or misleading.
Where do I find or change my SIC code?
Search for your company on the Find and update company information service to see the codes on the register. To change them, file a confirmation statement with Companies House. You only pay the annual fee once in any 12-month payment period.
SIC codes for IT companies
IT businesses usually look at the 62 and 63 groups of the official list. The codes on the list include 62011 (ready-made interactive leisure and entertainment software development), 62012 (business and domestic software development), 62020 (information technology consultancy activities), 62030 (computer facilities management activities), 62090 (other information technology service activities), 63110 (data processing, hosting and related activities) and 63120 (web portals). Use the checker above to match your own activity, and choose the closest fit.
A future SIC framework is under discussion between Companies House and the ONS, but nothing has been agreed. For now, choose the closest match on the current list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help with business setup, structure, or compliance?
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