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Industry Classification Codes (NAICS and SIC codes)
This guide is an introduction to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system are the primary industry classification systems in North America. NAICS and SIC codes can make your industry research quicker and easier, so it pays to know the code! Here's what you need to know:
- What are NAICS and SIC codes? These codes facilitate research by categorizing all companies engaged in the same principle activity with the same six digit industry code.
- Why are there two types of codes? NAICS codes were developed to replace SIC codes but the transition is taking time. Currently, we are in the middle ground where some databases still utilize SIC codes, some have moved to NAICS, and many use both codes.
- How do I look up NAICS and SIC codes for an industry?
- Free Online Look Up Tools: Search for codes using the Census Bureau's NAICS Page and the NAICS Association's Code Search. Both of these look up tools allow you to convert SIC codes to NAICS codes (and vice versa).
- Databases (UB Only): Many of the primary business databases you will use when doing company and industry research provide NAICS and SIC codes. For example, check out the Business and Company Resource Center's look up tool - click on the "Industry" icon and then you can search by keyword or browse lists of NAICS and SIC codes.
- Books: North American Industry Classification System, United states, 2002 (Ref HF 1042 N6) is available at the reference desk in Lockwood Library.
- Tip: when looking up codes, try a wide variety of descriptors for your industry. For example if you are researching the "forest products" industry, try searching using such keywords as "wood," "lumber," "timber," "paper," "pulp" and so on.
- Free Online Look Up Tools: Search for codes using the Census Bureau's NAICS Page and the NAICS Association's Code Search. Both of these look up tools allow you to convert SIC codes to NAICS codes (and vice versa).
- Do I have to know the code? While many databases do not require NAICS or SIC codes, knowing the code will help you more clearly define the parameters of your industry, especially when searching government resources. The latest Economic Census (2002), for example, categorizes businesses using NAICS codes.
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