SIC Codes Explained
What Standard Industrial Classification codes are, how to find yours, and why they matter more than you might think.
What Are SIC Codes?
SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification. It's a five-digit code that tells Companies House what your business does. Every UK limited company must have at least one SIC code, and it's recorded on the public register alongside your company details.
The system was originally developed by the government to classify businesses for statistical purposes. The list Companies House asks companies to choose from is the SIC 2007 condensed list, which replaced the older SIC 2003 codes. There are hundreds of codes covering everything from growing cereals (01110) to space transport (51220).
The Office for National Statistics has since published UK SIC 2026, which it describes as the current classification for statistics. Companies House has not switched: its condensed list is still headed SIC 2007, and in May 2026 it said a future framework was still under discussion with the ONS. For a company registration or a confirmation statement, choose from the 2007 list.
You choose your SIC code when you register your company, and you confirm it (or update it) each time you file your annual confirmation statement with Companies House.
How to Find Your SIC Code
Look up your company
Search for your company on Financial Pages. Your SIC code is shown on the company detail page alongside your other registered information.
Choosing a new code
If you're registering a new company or updating your code, browse the Companies House SIC code condensed list. Pick the code that most closely describes your main business activity.
Tip: If none of the codes are an exact match for what you do, pick the closest one. The code 74990 ("Other professional, scientific and technical activities not elsewhere classified") and 82990 ("Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified") are commonly used catch-alls, but it's better to find a more specific code if you can.
Common UK SIC Codes
These are some of the most frequently used SIC codes among UK companies.
| Code | Description | Typical businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 62020 | Information technology consultancy activities | IT consultants, software advisors |
| 62012 | Business and domestic software development | Software developers, app builders |
| 70229 | Management consultancy activities (other than financial management) | Business consultants, strategy advisors |
| 47110 | Retail sale in non-specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating | Corner shops, convenience stores |
| 47910 | Retail sale via mail order houses or via internet | Online shops, ecommerce businesses |
| 41201 | Construction of commercial buildings | Commercial builders, developers |
| 43290 | Other construction installation | Electricians, plumbers, fitters |
| 56101 | Licensed restaurants | Restaurants with alcohol licences |
| 56102 | Unlicensed restaurants and cafes | Cafes, takeaways, unlicensed eateries |
| 68100 | Buying and selling of own real estate | Property companies, developers |
| 68209 | Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate | Landlords, property lettings |
| 69201 | Accounting and auditing activities | Accountants, bookkeepers, auditors |
| 73110 | Advertising agencies | Marketing agencies, ad firms |
| 74100 | Specialised design activities | Graphic designers, web designers, interior designers |
| 81210 | General cleaning of buildings | Cleaning companies, janitorial services |
| 86210 | General medical practice activities | GP practices, medical centres |
| 96020 | Hairdressing and other beauty treatment | Hair salons, barbers, beauty therapists |
| 82990 | Other business support service activities n.e.c. | Catch-all for business services |
| 74990 | Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c. | Catch-all for professional services |
SIC Codes for Online Shops, Dropshipping and Direct Selling
Businesses that sell online are the ones most often unsure which code applies, because the SIC 2007 list was written before most of today's selling models had names. The ONS explanatory notes settle it by how the customer buys, and not by who holds the stock.
47910 Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet
Online shops, dropshipping stores, marketplace sellers, and selling by phone, TV or catalogue
The class covers "retail sale of any kind of product over the Internet" and "by mail order", and it also includes "Internet retail auctions" and "direct sale via television, radio and telephone". Nothing in it depends on whether the seller holds stock, so a dropshipping business selling to the public through its own website sits here. So does a seller trading through Amazon, eBay or Etsy, because that is still retail over the internet.
The one exception the notes make is vehicles: motor vehicles and their parts sold online belong in group 45.1 or 45.3, and motorcycles and their parts in 45.40.
47990 Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets
Direct selling, door-to-door selling, and network marketing (MLM) distributors who sell in person
The class covers retail sale "by direct sales or door-to-door sales persons", "retail sale by (non-store) commission agents", and sales through vending machines.
The notes never use the words "multi-level marketing" or "network marketing". A distributor who sells to customers face to face is a direct salesperson, which is why 47990 is the closer fit for MLM activity. A distributor who sells mainly through their own website is retailing over the internet, and 47910 describes that better.
46190 Agents involved in the sale of a variety of goods
Trade agents selling on commission to other businesses
This code sits in the wholesale division, and its notes exclude "retail sale by non-store commission agents, see 47.99". An agent earning commission on sales to the public belongs in 47990, not here.
Selling more than one way: a company can register up to four codes, so a business with an online shop and a team of in-person sellers can list both 47910 and 47990. Put the code for the activity that earns most of the revenue first.
Sources: ONS, UK SIC 2007 explanatory notes, classes 46.19, 47.91 and 47.99; Companies House condensed SIC list. Last reviewed 22 September 2026.
Why SIC Codes Matter
HMRC and R&D claims
HMRC asks for your SIC code on the additional information form that has to be filed before a Research and Development tax relief claim. The code doesn't decide whether a project qualifies: that turns on whether the project seeks an advance in science or technology, and advances in the arts, humanities or social sciences never count.
Source: HMRC, additional information form; HMRC, check if you can claim R&D relief
Industry benchmarks
Government statistics, trade bodies, and financial analysts use SIC codes to group businesses for comparison. If your code is wrong, your company might be benchmarked against the wrong industry.
Government schemes
Some government schemes decide eligibility by SIC code, and they read the code from the Companies House register rather than from the application. The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, which cuts some electricity policy costs for manufacturers, won't let an application proceed unless the company has at least one eligible 4-digit SIC 2007 code recorded at Companies House.
Can You Change Your SIC Code?
Yes. You can update your SIC codes when you file your annual confirmation statement with Companies House. This is the document you file once a year confirming that the information Companies House holds about your company is correct.
You'd typically want to change your SIC code if:
- Your business activities have changed since you first registered
- You chose the wrong code originally (a common issue — many people pick the first code that looks roughly right)
- Your business has diversified into a new area that isn't covered by your current code
The change takes effect once Companies House processes your confirmation statement. There's no fee for changing your SIC code — it's part of the standard confirmation statement filing.
Multiple SIC Codes
A UK company can register up to four SIC codes. If your business does more than one thing, you should consider adding additional codes to accurately reflect all your activities.
For example, a company that builds websites (62012) and also provides marketing consultancy (73110) should register both codes. Your primary code should be the one that represents your main revenue-generating activity. The additional codes cover secondary activities.
When to add extra SIC codes
- - Your business has genuinely diversified into a new area (not just a one-off project)
- - You offer distinct service lines that fall under different classifications
- - You want to be correctly represented in industry statistics and benchmarks
- - Your insurance or lending arrangements require accurate activity classification
Look Up Your Company's SIC Codes
Search for any UK company and see their registered SIC codes alongside full company details. Free and instant.
Search a CompanyRelated guides
Need a website that properly represents your business? webuildstores.co.uk