Home

The Federal government classifies manufacturing and service industries and assigns each a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code number in order to promote the comparability of statistics. The SIC/NAICS codes are used in many online and print resources to classify establishments in the same industry. The codes can be very helpful in doing industry research.

The SIC code has been revised over the years and some code numbers have changed. It is important to be careful when comparing data from different publishers and over a long period of time. Beginning with the 1997 Economic Census, the Census Bureau began using a new North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) (pronounced "nakes") which is more closely aligned with international codes. Many commercial publications have converted to NAICS, but some still use SIC codes.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

This is based on 1987 descriptions of each 4-digit SIC code by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Some codes are catchalls for different products, or will be designated "NEC" or "not elsewhere classified." The Standard Industrial Classification Manual is also available in print (O'Neill Reference HA40 .I6 U63).

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

This is a new system that classifies business establishments by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).The industry classification system is used by the statistical agencies of the United States. NAICS replaces the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). The North American Industry Classification System is also available in print (O'Neill Reference HF1042 .N6).

Bridge Between SIC and NAICS

In the 1997 Economic Census, the U.S. Census department began providing a bridge between the SIC codes and the NAICS. There are many new codes particularly relating to the telecommunications and e-commerce markets.